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How Excess Works in Private Medical Insurance

How Excess Works in Private Medical Insurance 2025

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 750,000 policies, WeCovr understands that navigating the world of private medical insurance in the UK can feel complex. One of the most critical, yet often misunderstood, components of any policy is the 'excess'. This article explains exactly how it works.

WeCovr explains voluntary vs compulsory excess and how it affects your premium

Understanding your policy's excess is fundamental to managing the cost of your private health cover and ensuring there are no surprises when you need to make a claim. In essence, an excess is the amount you agree to pay towards the cost of your private medical treatment before your insurer covers the rest.

Think of it as your contribution to the claim. Choosing the right excess level is a balancing act: a higher excess typically means a lower monthly or annual premium, while a lower excess results in a higher premium. This guide will demystify the two main types of excess, explain how they function, and help you decide on the right level for your personal and financial circumstances.

What Exactly is an Excess in Private Health Cover?

In the context of UK private medical insurance (PMI), the excess is a fixed sum of money you pay when you make a claim. It's a standard feature across almost all insurance products, from car to home insurance, and health cover is no different.

The primary purpose of an excess is twofold:

  1. To reduce premiums: By agreeing to contribute a small portion of the claim cost, you reduce the insurer's financial risk. They pass this saving on to you in the form of a lower premium.
  2. To deter minor claims: An excess discourages policyholders from claiming for very small treatment costs that might be more economical to pay for out-of-pocket. This helps keep the overall claims costs down for the insurer, which in turn helps to keep premiums stable for all customers.

It's crucial to remember that you only pay the excess when you actually use your insurance to receive treatment. You do not pay it every month along with your premium.

The Two Types of Excess: Voluntary vs. Compulsory Explained

When you set up your PMI policy, you will encounter two potential types of excess. Some policies have one or the other, while some may have a combination of both.

1. Compulsory Excess

A compulsory excess is a fixed amount set by the insurance provider that you must pay on any claim. You have no control over this amount; it's a non-negotiable part of the policy's structure.

  • How it works: If your policy has a £100 compulsory excess and you have a consultation and diagnostic scan costing £850, you would pay the first £100, and your insurer would cover the remaining £750.
  • Why it exists: Insurers use a compulsory excess to establish a baseline contribution from all policyholders, helping to manage their risk and administrative costs for smaller claims. It's often a relatively low amount, perhaps £100 or £200.

2. Voluntary Excess

A voluntary excess is the amount you choose to pay on top of any compulsory excess. This is where you have the power to directly influence your premium. Insurers offer a range of voluntary excess options, typically from £0 up to £1,000 or even higher.

  • How it works: You select an amount you're comfortable paying if you need to claim. For example, you might choose a £250 voluntary excess. If your policy also has a £100 compulsory excess, your total excess would be £350.
  • The benefit: The higher the voluntary excess you choose, the lower your monthly or annual premium will be. This is the key trade-off you need to consider.

How Does the Excess Amount Affect Your PMI Premium?

The relationship between your excess and your premium is inverse: as one goes up, the other comes down. This is the most significant lever you can pull to make your private medical insurance UK policy more affordable.

Let's look at a hypothetical example to see how this works in practice. Please note these figures are for illustrative purposes only; your actual premium will depend on numerous factors including your age, location, medical history, and the level of cover you choose.

Table: Example Premiums vs. Excess Levels

Voluntary Excess ChosenEstimated Monthly PremiumPotential Annual Saving (vs. £0 Excess)
£0£85£0
£100£78£84
£250£69£192
£500£55£360
£1,000£42£516

As you can see, opting for a £500 excess instead of a £0 excess could reduce your premium by £30 per month, saving you £360 over the year. By choosing a £1,000 excess, the annual saving becomes a substantial £516.

This is why it's so important to consider what you could realistically afford to pay in the event of a claim. If you're a healthy individual who is unlikely to claim frequently, a higher excess might be a very sensible financial decision.

Choosing the Right Excess Level for You

Selecting the right excess is a personal decision based on your financial situation and attitude to risk. Here are the key factors to consider:

  1. Your Budget: How much can you comfortably afford for your monthly premium? If you need to keep monthly outgoings low, a higher excess is an effective way to achieve this.
  2. Your Savings: Do you have enough accessible savings to cover your chosen excess if you suddenly need treatment? There's no point choosing a £1,000 excess to save on premiums if you don't have £1,000 available to pay for a claim.
  3. Your Health: Consider your current health, lifestyle, and family medical history. If you anticipate needing to use your policy, a lower excess might be more appropriate, as you'll pay less out-of-pocket when you claim.
  4. Your Risk Appetite: Are you a cautious person who prefers to know that most costs will be covered, even if it means a higher premium? Or are you comfortable taking on a little more financial risk (the excess) in exchange for lower fixed costs (the premium)?

At WeCovr, our expert advisors can walk you through these considerations. We help you compare quotes from the best PMI providers, modelling how different excess levels impact the price, so you can find the perfect balance for your needs and budget at no extra cost.

Real-Life Examples: How Excess Works in Practice

Let's illustrate with a couple of common scenarios.

Scenario 1: Knee Surgery

  • Patient: David, 45
  • Policy Excess: £250 (paid once per policy year)
  • Treatment: David injures his knee playing football and needs an MRI scan followed by arthroscopic surgery.
  • Total Cost of Treatment:
    • Initial consultation with specialist: £250
    • MRI scan: £750
    • Surgery (including surgeon and anaesthetist fees): £4,500
    • Hospital stay and nursing: £1,500
    • Post-op physiotherapy (6 sessions): £300
    • Total Bill: £7,300

How the excess is applied:

David makes a claim. He is responsible for paying the first £250 of the cost. His insurer covers the remaining £7,050. Because his excess is "per year," he won't have to pay anything more towards claims for the rest of that policy year, no matter how much further treatment he needs for this or any other new, eligible condition.

Scenario 2: Minor Outpatient Treatment

  • Patient: Sarah, 32
  • Policy Excess: £500 (paid once per policy year)
  • Treatment: Sarah develops persistent skin issues and is referred to a dermatologist.
  • Total Cost of Treatment:
    • Initial consultation: £220
    • Follow-up consultation: £150
    • Total Bill: £370

How the excess is applied:

The total cost of Sarah's treatment (£370) is less than her chosen excess (£500). In this case, she would pay the full £370 herself. Her insurance would not pay out. However, the £370 she paid is now counted towards her annual excess. If she needed further, more expensive treatment later in the same policy year, she would only have to pay the remaining £130 (£500 - £370) of her excess before her insurer would start paying.

Compulsory vs. Voluntary Excess: A Head-to-Head Comparison

To make the distinction crystal clear, here’s a simple comparison table.

FeatureCompulsory ExcessVoluntary Excess
Who sets it?The insurer. It is a fixed, mandatory part of the policy.You, the policyholder. You choose from a range of options.
Can it be changed?No, it is fixed by the provider for that policy tier.Yes, you can usually change it at your annual renewal.
PurposeTo cover the insurer's basic administrative costs and deter very small claims.To give you control over your premium. Higher excess = lower premium.
Typical AmountUsually low, e.g., £100 or £200.Varies widely, e.g., £0, £250, £500, £1,000+.
Impact on PremiumMinimal direct impact as it's a standard feature.Major impact. The main tool for adjusting your premium.

Excess Per Year vs. Excess Per Claim: Which is Better?

Another crucial detail to check in your policy documents is whether your excess is applied per policy year or per claim. This can make a significant difference to your potential costs.

  • Excess Per Policy Year: You pay the excess only once per policy year, regardless of how many claims you make for different conditions. This is the most common and generally more favourable option in the UK PMI market. Once you've paid it, all subsequent eligible claims in that year are covered in full (up to your policy limits).
  • Excess Per Claim (or Per Condition): You have to pay the excess for each new, separate medical condition you claim for. If you were unlucky enough to need treatment for a knee injury and then a separate heart condition in the same year, you would have to pay the excess twice.

Comparison Table: Per Year vs. Per Claim Excess

AspectExcess Per Policy YearExcess Per Claim / Per Condition
Payment FrequencyPay the excess only on your first claim of the policy year.Pay the excess for each new, unrelated claim you make.
PredictabilityHigh. You know your maximum out-of-pocket cost is your excess amount.Lower. Your total cost depends on how many times you claim.
Best ForAlmost everyone. It provides cost certainty and is simpler to manage.May result in a slightly lower premium, but carries more financial risk.
ExampleYou have a £250 excess. You claim for Condition A (£1000) and pay £250. Later you claim for Condition B (£2000). You pay £0 more.You have a £250 excess. You claim for Condition A (£1000) and pay £250. Later you claim for Condition B (£2000) and pay another £250.

Most leading UK private medical insurance providers now offer a "per year" excess as standard, as it's preferred by customers. Always clarify this point when comparing policies.

A Critical Note: Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions

It is vital for anyone considering private medical insurance in the UK to understand its core purpose. Standard PMI is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery (e.g., joint replacement, cataract surgery, hernia repair).
  • Chronic Condition: A condition that is long-lasting and often has no cure. It requires ongoing management rather than a one-off treatment (e.g., diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, arthritis).
  • Pre-existing Condition: Any illness, disease, or injury for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, or sought advice before your policy start date.

Standard UK PMI policies DO NOT cover pre-existing or chronic conditions. The role of PMI is to complement the NHS, not replace it. The NHS provides excellent care for emergency services and the management of chronic conditions. PMI gives you choice and speed for eligible, acute conditions.

How WeCovr Helps You Find the Perfect Balance

Choosing the right PMI policy involves navigating a maze of options: hospital lists, outpatient limits, cancer cover, and, of course, the excess. This is where an independent PMI broker like WeCovr adds immense value.

  1. Market Comparison: We compare policies from a wide panel of the UK's leading insurers, saving you the time and hassle of getting individual quotes.
  2. Expert Guidance: Our advisors explain the jargon in simple terms. We’ll model different excess scenarios to show you the direct impact on your premium, helping you make an informed choice.
  3. Tailored to You: We don't do 'one-size-fits-all'. We take the time to understand your health needs, family situation, and budget to recommend a policy that truly fits.
  4. No Extra Cost: Our service is free to you. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, so you get expert, unbiased advice without paying a penny more.

We pride ourselves on our high customer satisfaction ratings, which reflect our commitment to clear, honest, and helpful guidance.

Beyond Excess: Other Ways to Manage Your PMI Costs

While adjusting your voluntary excess is the most powerful tool for controlling your premium, there are other factors you can tweak:

  • Hospital List: Insurers have tiered hospital lists. Choosing a list that excludes the most expensive central London hospitals can significantly reduce your premium.
  • Outpatient Cover: You can choose to limit the financial amount covered for outpatient diagnostics and consultations. A lower limit (e.g., £500 or £1,000 per year) will reduce the premium compared to a policy with full outpatient cover.
  • The 6-Week Option: Some policies offer a '6-week wait' option. This means that if the NHS can provide the inpatient treatment you need within six weeks, you would use the NHS. If the NHS waiting list is longer than six weeks, your private cover kicks in. This can lead to substantial premium discounts.
  • Protected No Claims Discount: Similar to car insurance, many PMI policies have a No Claims Discount (NCD). You can often pay a small additional amount to protect your NCD level, even if you make a claim.

Wellness, Health Tips, and Making the Most of Your Cover

The best way to manage health costs is to stay healthy. Modern private medical insurance is increasingly focused on preventative health, offering a range of wellness benefits and incentives to help you live a healthier lifestyle. According to the ONS, in 2022, healthy life expectancy at birth in the UK was around 62.4 years for males and 62.7 years for females, highlighting the importance of proactive health management throughout life.

  • Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains is foundational. The NHS 'Eatwell Guide' provides excellent, evidence-based recommendations. To help our clients on their wellness journey, WeCovr provides complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, when you take out a policy.
  • Exercise: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity a week. This could be brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or team sports. Many PMI providers offer discounts on gym memberships and fitness trackers to encourage activity.
  • Sleep: Quality sleep is vital for both physical and mental recovery. Aim for 7-9 hours per night. Establishing a regular sleep schedule and creating a restful environment can make a huge difference.
  • Mental Wellbeing: Many PMI policies now include access to mental health support, such as telephone counselling lines or access to therapy sessions, often without needing to pay an excess.

By engaging with these wellness benefits, you not only improve your health but can also earn rewards and discounts from your insurer. Furthermore, clients who purchase PMI or life insurance through WeCovr are eligible for exclusive discounts on other types of cover we offer, such as home or travel insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about PMI Excess

Here are answers to some of the most common questions our advisors receive about private medical insurance excess.

1. What happens if my treatment cost is less than my excess? If the total cost of your eligible treatment is less than your chosen excess amount, you will be responsible for paying the full bill yourself. Your insurance policy will not pay out. However, the amount you paid will typically count towards your annual excess limit, meaning you'll have less to pay if you need to make another claim in the same policy year.

2. Can I change my excess amount after my policy has started? You can usually change your voluntary excess, but only at your annual renewal date. You cannot change it mid-way through your policy year. Increasing your excess at renewal is a common way to manage a premium increase, while decreasing it will likely lead to a higher premium.

3. Do I have to pay the excess directly to the hospital? This depends on the insurer and the hospital. In most cases, the hospital will send the full invoice to your insurer. The insurer then pays their share and will inform you of the outstanding excess amount, which you will then need to pay directly to the hospital or specialist. Some insurers may require you to pay the excess upfront before authorising treatment.

4. Does the excess apply to every benefit on my policy? Not always. Some benefits, particularly wellness or add-on benefits, may be exempt from the excess. For example, some policies offer a certain number of physiotherapy or osteopathy sessions with no excess applied, or access to a 24/7 remote GP service without needing to pay. Always check your policy documents to see which benefits require an excess payment.

Take the Next Step with WeCovr

Understanding how excess works is the first step towards finding an affordable private health cover policy that gives you peace of mind. The key is to strike the right balance between a manageable monthly premium and an excess level you can comfortably afford if you need to claim.

Let our friendly, expert team do the hard work for you. We provide clear, impartial advice and personalised quotes from the UK's most trusted insurers.

Contact WeCovr today for your free, no-obligation private medical insurance quote and discover how affordable peace of mind can be.

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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.

How does it work?

Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:

• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment

Your premium depends on factors like your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. Most policies offer different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor the policy to your needs and budget.

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

Just ask yourself:
👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
👉 Would you prefer to choose your own consultant and hospital?
👉 Do you want faster access to diagnostic tests and scans?
👉 Would you like private hospital accommodation and better food?
👉 Do you want to avoid the stress of NHS waiting lists?

Many people don't realise that private medical insurance is more affordable than they think, especially when you consider the value of faster treatment and better facilities. A great insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the care you need when you need it.
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Benefits offered by private medical insurance

Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:

Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.

Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.

Better Facilities and Accommodation
Private hospitals typically offer superior facilities, including private rooms, better food, and more comfortable surroundings. This can make your recovery more pleasant and potentially faster.

Advanced Treatments
Private medical insurance often covers treatments and medications not available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advances and technologies.

Mental Health Support
Many policies include comprehensive mental health coverage, providing faster access to therapy and psychiatric care when needed.

Tax Benefits for Business Owners
If you're self-employed or a business owner, private medical insurance premiums can be tax-deductible, making it a cost-effective way to protect your health and your business.

Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.

Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.

Important Fact!

There is no need to wait until the renewal of your current policy.
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.

👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.

Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.

It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced insurance experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to private medical insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.

You can discuss with them in detail what affordable private medical insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.

By tapping the button below, you can book a free call with them in less than 30 seconds right now:
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Any questions?

Life Insurance and Private Medical Insurance cover you for two different purposes, so you will need to assess your needs but may wish to consider holding the two policies. Private Medical Insurance covers you if you get sick or need treatment and want or need to go privately. Life Insurance covers you in the case of death, giving a payout to family/those left behind.

Health insurance covers conditions that develop after your policy starts. Pre-existing conditions are typically not covered, and insurers may exclude related issues. Some policies may cover symptoms of pre-existing conditions under specific circumstances. Always review your policy's exclusions. Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions may be available if you currently hold a medical insurance policy or are transitioning from a company scheme. However, if you have never had medical insurance before or if your policy is not active at the moment, pre-existing conditions will not be covered. This limitation exists because health insurance is primarily intended to protect against unexpected health issues. To simplify, it's akin to getting into a car accident and then trying to obtain insurance coverage afterward to repair the vehicle — insurance companies typically do not cover such claims. Nevertheless, there is an option to gain coverage for pre-existing conditions after a two-year waiting period, subject to specific rules and conditions.

If you prefer to get straight into treatment in the private sector without the long waiting times with the NHS, or you just prefer the private sector anyway, without having to pay it all yourself, then you would need to have Private Medical Insurance to cover it. Sometimes treatments and drugs that are not covered by the NHS can be covered by Private Medical Insurance.

It's free to use WeCovr to find health insurance - we never charge you for quotes. Health or private medical insurance is an investment that can pay for itself the first time you might need medical treatment.

It depends on your personal choice and preferences. If you are prepared to limit yourself to NHS-covered treatments only and can or want to endure long waiting times to get into treatment, then yes, NHS might work for you. Your cover there is free. If you don't want to be exposed to long waiting times or if your treatment is not covered by the NHS, then you would benefit from Private Medical Insurance.

Private Medical Insurance is an important financial product that insurance companies take a lot of care and diligence so speaking to real human beings ensures that they understand your requirements fully so that you can get the right cover.

All of our partners are carefully vetted and authorised by the FCA, which means they are held to the highest standards that the FCA expects from them and treat all customers fairly!

Our revenue comes from commissions paid by the insurance providers when a policy is taken out through us. Essentially, when you choose to secure a policy from one of the providers we work with, they compensate us for facilitating the transaction. It's important to note that this commission does not impact the premium you pay. We remain committed to providing transparent and unbiased quotes to help you find the best insurance options tailored to your needs.

The cost of private health insurance depends on several factors, including your age, location, smoking status, and the type of policy you choose. Your health insurance policy is tailored to your needs, and the cost can vary based on the level of cover you require, such as the amount of excess and specific treatment allowances.

Private health insurance covers you for conditions that arise after your policy begins. You pay a monthly fee and can make claims for private healthcare covered by your policy. One of the main benefits of private healthcare is quicker access to treatment compared to the NHS, along with access to new drugs or specialist treatments.

Most health insurance covers private hospital stays and may include outpatient treatments like scans, tests, or appointments. Policies vary in coverage, and exclusions often include emergency treatment, maternity care, cosmetic surgery, and ongoing conditions present before the policy started.

Unfortunately, you cannot pay extra to have a pre-existing condition covered as part of your health insurance policy. However, you have access to support from a nurse or digital GP. If you have questions about what is covered under your policy, please contact us for clarification.

Your health insurance policy begins once you've selected your policy and set up your payment. After setup, you'll receive your cover documents detailing what is and isn't covered. It's important to review these details carefully as policies differ.

An excess is the amount you contribute towards treatment when you make a claim. Choosing a higher excess can reduce your policy's monthly cost but requires a larger contribution when claiming. WeCovr's experts will offer you flexible excess options depending on your preferences.

To reduce health insurance costs, consider choosing a higher excess, which lowers the monthly premium. However, ensure the plan still meets your needs. Other factors affecting cost include lifestyle choices like smoking and potential savings for couples or family plans.

There is no age limit for taking out health insurance, but age influences the policy's cost. The benefits of health insurance are consistent regardless of age. If you're considering health insurance, you can get a quote from WeCovr's experts regardless of your age.

Let WeCovr's experts do the legwork for you and compare health insurance plans at no cost to you to find the best fit for your needs. Consider individual, couple, or family plans and review coverage details thoroughly before choosing. WeCovr provides transparent information on coverage options for easy comparison.

Yes, you can add your partner (if you live at the same address) or dependents to your policy at any time. The cost of couple's or family health insurance depends on factors like location, age, health, and chosen excess. Contact WeCovr or your insurer for assistance in adding someone to your policy.

While WeCovr's private health insurance plans are tailored for the UK, we offer global health insurance options for those living or working abroad. For holiday coverage, travel insurance is recommended.

Comprehensive cover provides extensive benefits, including full outpatient services such as consultations, diagnostic tests, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies. Our team at WeCovr can assist in understanding the various coverage levels available.

Private health insurance typically does not cover dental treatment. However, WeCovr's experts can guide you to dental insurance policies offered by our partner insurers. Reach out to us to explore these options.

Yes, private health insurance covers cancer treatment from diagnosis through treatment. At WeCovr, we can help you navigate the cancer cover options that suit your needs.

At WeCovr, you have flexibility in adjusting your cover. Speak to our experts within 21 days of receiving your paperwork or at policy renewal to make changes.

Accessing a private GP appointment is fast and convenient with WeCovr's services, available through your digital platform provided under your chosen insurance plan.

Yes, family members on the same policy can potentially have different levels of cover tailored to their individual needs.

WeCovr works with insurers offering a range of cover levels to accommodate different budgets and needs. Our experts can discuss these options with you.

Discovering healthcare facilities and specialists is easy with WeCovr's resources. Contact us for personalised assistance by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Fee-assured consultants provides transparency and no hidden costs for clients.

WeCovr prioritises mental health support with comprehensive coverage and access to specialist advice and services.

Children up to a certain age can be included in your policy, and we offer discounts for family coverage.

Like most health insurance plans, premiums may increase annually due to factors such as age and medical cost inflation.

The cost of health insurance varies based on several factors. Connect with our experts by tapping a button below and get your own personalised quote.

Private health insurance offers quicker access to consultations, treatments, and personalised care compared to the NHS.

Yes, WeCovr's experts can guide you which health insurance plans include coverage for physiotherapy treatments.

Immediate access to certain services like our digital GP app is available upon enrolment.

You can obtain a range of suitable quotes easily by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Health insurance covers new conditions that arise after the policy starts. Pre-existing conditions and certain exclusions may apply.

WeCovr's experts help you arrange health insurance that simplifies access to private healthcare services, including consultations and treatments.

Outpatient cover includes consultations, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies outside hospital admissions.

Yes, you can use your health insurance cover immediately. You have access to a nurse through your helpline and can consult with a GP using the digital GP app. If you need to make a claim right away, we may require a medical report from your GP. Health insurance is designed to cover new conditions that arise after the policy has started.

No, health insurance does not cover A&E (Accident and Emergency) visits. Private hospitals do not typically have the facilities for handling A&E cases. In case of an emergency, please dial 999 or use the NHS emergency services. However, if you require follow-up treatment after an emergency situation, your private medical insurance may be able to assist.

Yes, many insurers offer rewards in leisure, wellbeing, and health. Speak to WeCovr's experts or visit your insurer's website for more details on member rewards.

You may continue your cover or get another own personal policy. If you continue your cover, existing or ongoing medical conditions might be covered depending on the level of cover you choose. Contact our friendly experts to discuss your options and find the right option for you.

You can tap one of the buttons above or below and fill in a quick form to arrange a call with us to discuss your options.

Your cover may be similar but not identical. We will help you find the right level of cover that suits your needs, and ongoing medical conditions may be covered. Contact our friendly advisers to explore all available options.

No, the price won't be the same as before since employers often contribute to the cost of employee cover. Additionally, different cover levels and medical histories may affect the price. Contact WeCovr's experts for detailed information.

You have a few weeks or months from leaving your job to decide to continue with your insurer or change to another one. Your policy may start the day after you left your work policy, and our experts can guide you through other available options.

After leaving your job, contact WeCovr's experts with your leave date to discuss available options.

Yes, ongoing treatment may be covered on your new personal policy, although it could affect the price. Contact our experts for personalised advice on your options.

Details on paying excess fees will be provided when you contact your insurer for treatment authorisation.

No, there is no excess fee for utilising these services.

Excess adjustments can be made at specific intervals during your policy term.

No claims discounts can impact renewal costs based on claims history.

Pre-existing conditions typically aren't covered but can be discussed with our healthcare specialists.

This involves health-related questions before policy enrolment to determine coverage.

Moratorium underwriting simplifies enrolment but may require health disclosures during claims.

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

Pre-existing conditions refer to medical issues existing before policy inception. A pre-existing condition is anything you've previously had medical treatment for, such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma. Most insurance providers consider any condition you've had symptoms or treatment for in the past five years as pre-existing. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how pre-existing conditions affect your policy options.

While some insurance providers automatically renew your private healthcare cover, it's beneficial to compare policies when yours is about to end. This ensures you're still getting the best deal for the coverage you need. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in finding the right policy for you.

Typically, you must be over 18 to take out your own policy, but minors can usually be included in a family policy. There may also be an upper age limit for private health insurance, and premiums typically increase with age. Our experts at WeCovr can provide guidance on age-related policy aspects.

Paying for health insurance annually often results in savings compared to monthly payments. However, this depends on your insurance provider. For help determining the most cost-effective option, consider consulting our experts at WeCovr.

If your employer offers private health insurance as part of your benefits package, you likely don't need additional cover. However, there may be limits on the cover you receive, and it may not extend to your entire family. Remember, any insurance you get through work only covers you while you're employed there.

If you don't have pre-existing conditions, a medical exam is usually not required. You'll just need to complete a medical history form and select your level of cover. However, if you're older, have a pre-existing condition, or lead an unhealthy lifestyle, a medical exam may be necessary. Our experts at WeCovr can clarify the requirements of different policies.

Many private health insurance providers now offer GP services, either digitally or face-to-face. This means you can often get a private GP appointment quickly, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer GP services.

With private health insurance, you can often secure a GP appointment much quicker than with traditional methods, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer quick GP appointment services.

Inpatient care refers to any treatment requiring a stay in a hospital or clinic for at least one night. Outpatient care refers to treatments or tests that don't require hospital admission, such as minor diagnostic tests or physiotherapy sessions. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand the different types of care and find a policy that suits your needs.

Private health insurance covers your medical treatment if you fall ill, while critical illness cover provides additional financial help if you develop one of the critical illnesses listed in the policy, such as covering loss of income if you're unable to work. For assistance in understanding the differences and finding the right coverage, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Health insurance policies are designed for cover in the UK. For cover abroad, consider travel insurance for short trips or international health insurance for longer stays or if you have a holiday home overseas. Our experts at WeCovr can guide you in finding the appropriate coverage for your travel needs.

If your employer provides health insurance, it's considered a 'benefit in kind' and is not tax deductible. Your employer should calculate the tax you owe for your health insurance premiums and deduct it from your pay. There are some exceptions for small companies. For more information on tax implications, consider reaching out to our experts at WeCovr.

When you purchase a policy, you choose how much excess you pay, which is your contribution to the cost of treatment if you make a claim. The higher your excess, the lower your premium is likely to be. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how excess works and choose the right level for you.

These are two methods of underwriting a health insurance policy, relating to how insurance providers consider your pre-existing medical conditions when you take out cover. For help understanding the differences and choosing the right option for you, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Some private health insurance providers offer a no-claims discount, similar to car insurance. Every year you don't make a claim gives you an extra year of no-claims discount, potentially reducing your premium when you renew. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer no-claims discounts.

To find the best health insurance for you, compare various policies to find one that offers the features you need at a price you can afford. Consider your personal circumstances and what you want from your policy. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in evaluating your options and selecting the right coverage for you.

If you need treatment, a GP referral is not always necessary. However, this depends on how you plan to pay for your treatment. Most hospitals will allow you to book appointments with a consultant without a GP referral if you are paying out-of-pocket. If you have private medical insurance, you'll need to check the terms of your policy to see whether your insurer requires you to consult with a GP first (most insurers do). Some policies offer a direct booking system without a referral for certain conditions, such as counseling for mental health issues.

Yes, you can obtain financing for a loan to cover the cost of surgery. Many private healthcare companies have partnerships with finance companies to allow you to spread the cost of private treatment over time. You could also explore getting an ordinary loan from your bank if this option proves to be more cost-effective for you.

WeCovr has conducted extensive research into the cost of private health insurance in the UK. Click the link to find out more detailed information.

Yes, you can continue to receive treatment through the NHS even if you have private health insurance and have received private treatment in the past. This could be for rehabilitation after private surgery or for treatment that is not covered by your health insurance policy. For example, some cosmetic surgeries may be available through the NHS but are generally not covered by private medical insurance.

This is a difficult question to answer definitively. There are certain services that cannot be obtained privately, such as emergency treatment at an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. Many NHS consultants also practice privately, so you could potentially see the same consultant regardless of whether you choose private or public healthcare. However, private healthcare typically offers shorter waiting times, guaranteed private rooms, and more relaxed visiting hours. Additionally, you may have access to treatments and drugs that are not routinely available through the NHS.

Yes, you can self-refer to a private specialist without the need for a GP referral. However, the British Medical Association believes that in most cases, it is best practice to start with your GP, as they are familiar with your medical history.

Yes, if you have a health concern and pay for private tests and scans but cannot afford to have private surgery, you should be able to have your test results transferred to an NHS provider for treatment.

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