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Understanding PMI for SMEs 2025 Business Health Insurance Explained

Understanding PMI for SMEs 2025 Business Health Insurance...

As an FCA-authorised expert with over 800,000 policies of various kinds arranged, WeCovr helps UK businesses navigate the world of private medical insurance. This guide explains how PMI for SMEs works in 2025, empowering you to make the best choice for your company and your team.

Clear guide to group policy setup, employee perks, cost-saving tips, and navigating SME insurance regulations

In today's competitive landscape, attracting and retaining top talent is a major challenge for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). A robust employee benefits package is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity. At the heart of a modern benefits package lies business health insurance, also known as Private Medical Insurance (PMI).

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about setting up a group PMI policy for your SME in 2025. We'll explore the tangible benefits for your staff, provide actionable cost-saving tips, and demystify the regulations and tax implications.

What is Business Health Insurance and Why is it Vital for UK SMEs in 2025?

Business health insurance is a private policy taken out by an employer to give their employees access to private healthcare. Its primary purpose is to diagnose and treat acute medical conditions quickly, helping your staff get back on their feet and back to work sooner.

Crucially, standard UK PMI does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions.

  • Acute conditions are illnesses or injuries that are new, short-term, and likely to be resolved with treatment (e.g., a hernia, cataracts, joint pain requiring replacement).
  • Chronic conditions are long-term issues that require ongoing management but typically have no cure (e.g., diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure). These are managed by the NHS.

With NHS waiting lists remaining a significant national concern, the value of PMI has never been clearer. According to the latest NHS England data, the waiting list for consultant-led elective care stood at around 7.5 million cases. For an SME, an employee facing a long wait for diagnosis or treatment can mean months of lost productivity and uncertainty.

Key Benefits of PMI for Your Business:

  • Reduced Sickness Absence: Faster access to treatment means employees return to work sooner. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that 185.6 million working days were lost due to sickness or injury in 2022, the highest on record. PMI directly tackles this issue.
  • Boosted Productivity: A healthy, present workforce is a productive one. Addressing health concerns promptly minimises the impact of "presenteeism"—where employees are at work but not fully functional due to illness.
  • Talent Attraction & Retention: In a competitive job market, a health insurance plan is a highly sought-after perk. It shows you care about your team's wellbeing, making your company a more attractive place to work.
  • Improved Employee Morale: Providing health cover demonstrates a genuine investment in your employees' health and happiness, fostering loyalty and a positive company culture.

NHS vs. Private Medical Insurance: A Quick Comparison

FeatureNHS RoutePrivate Medical Insurance (PMI) Route
Referral & DiagnosisGP referral, then join NHS waiting list for specialist appointment and scans. Can take months.Fast GP referral (often via a digital GP app), prompt specialist appointment, and swift access to diagnostic tests.
TreatmentJoin another NHS waiting list for treatment or surgery. The wait can be extensive.Treatment scheduled at a time and place convenient for the employee, often within weeks.
Choice & ComfortLimited choice of hospital or consultant. Treatment is typically in an NHS ward.Choice of leading consultants and a UK-wide network of private hospitals. Often includes a private, en-suite room.
CostFree at the point of use, funded by taxation.Paid for via monthly or annual premiums.
Cover FocusCovers all medical needs, including chronic conditions and emergencies.Covers eligible acute conditions that arise after the policy begins.

Setting Up Your SME Group Health Insurance Policy: A Step-by-Step Guide

Implementing a group health policy might seem daunting, but it can be a straightforward process, especially with expert guidance. A group scheme covers multiple employees under a single policy, making it more cost-effective and easier to manage than individual plans.

Here's how to get started:

1. Assess Your Company's Needs and Budget

Before you look at policies, consider:

  • How many employees will you cover? Most insurers require a minimum of two or three employees for a group scheme.
  • What is your budget? Premiums are paid per employee, so you need a clear idea of what you can afford.
  • What are your goals? Are you trying to reduce sickness absence, attract new hires, or both? Your goals will influence the level of cover you choose.

2. Understand the Underwriting Options

Underwriting is how an insurer assesses risk and decides on the terms of your policy. For SMEs, there are three main types:

Underwriting TypeHow It WorksProsCons
Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)Employees complete a detailed health questionnaire. The insurer then lists specific exclusions for any pre-existing conditions.Clarity from day one. You know exactly what is and isn't covered for each person.Can be administratively heavy. May result in multiple personal exclusions.
Moratorium (MOR)No medical questionnaire is needed upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes treatment for any condition an employee has had symptoms of, or sought advice for, in the 5 years before joining.Quick and easy to set up.The "2-year rule": if an employee goes 2 continuous years on the policy without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition, it may become eligible for cover. This can create uncertainty.
Medical History Disregarded (MHD)Available for larger groups (typically 20+ employees). The insurer agrees to cover eligible acute conditions, regardless of previous medical history.The most comprehensive cover. No personal medical exclusions. Simple to administer.The most expensive option. Only available for larger SME schemes.

An expert adviser at WeCovr can help you determine which underwriting method is most suitable for your business size and budget.

3. Choose Your Core and Optional Benefits

Most PMI policies are built around a core offering, which you can then enhance with optional extras.

  • Core Cover (Standard):

    • In-patient treatment: Covers costs when you're admitted to a hospital bed, including surgery, accommodation, and nursing care.
    • Day-patient treatment: Similar to in-patient, but you aren't required to stay overnight.
    • Comprehensive Cancer Cover: A vital component, providing access to specialist treatments, drugs, and therapies that may not be available on the NHS.

  • Optional Add-ons:

    • Out-patient cover: Covers consultations and diagnostic tests that don't require hospital admission. This is a very popular and useful add-on. You can often choose a limit (e.g., £500, £1,000, or unlimited).
    • Mental Health cover: Provides access to counsellors, therapists, and psychiatrists. Increasingly seen as an essential benefit.
    • Therapies: Includes physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic treatment.
    • Dental and Optical cover: Helps with routine check-ups, treatments, and prescription eyewear.

4. Implement and Communicate the Policy

Once you've chosen your policy, the final step is to roll it out to your team. Clear communication is key. Explain what the benefit is, how it works, what's covered, and how to make a claim. This ensures your investment is understood and valued by your employees.

The Real Perks for Your Employees: More Than Just Fast-Tracked Treatment

While skipping the queue is a major draw, modern PMI policies offer a wealth of additional benefits that support an employee's overall wellbeing. These "value-added services" are often available to use from day one, without needing to make a claim.

  • Digital GP Services: 24/7 access to a GP via phone or video call. This is incredibly convenient for getting quick advice, prescriptions, or referrals without having to take time off work for an in-person appointment.
  • Mental Health Support: Many policies now include access to confidential helplines, therapy sessions (often via video call), and self-help apps for managing stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.
  • Wellness Programmes & Apps: Insurers are increasingly focused on proactive health. This includes access to nutrition advice, fitness plans, and health tracking apps. For example, all clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance through WeCovr receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app.
  • Health and Lifestyle Rewards: Some providers offer discounts on gym memberships, fitness trackers, and healthy food to incentivise a healthy lifestyle.
  • Second Medical Opinions: The ability to get a second opinion from a world-leading expert if an employee is diagnosed with a serious condition.
  • Discounts on Other Insurance: When you arrange your business health cover with us, your team may also be eligible for discounts on other policies like life insurance or travel insurance.

These perks transform a health insurance policy from a simple safety net into a day-to-day wellness tool, creating a healthier and more engaged workforce.

Mastering the Costs: Smart Tips for Affordable SME Health Cover

The cost of a business health insurance policy depends on several factors: the average age of your employees, your location (premiums are higher in London), your industry, and the level of cover you choose.

However, there are several effective ways to manage the premium without compromising on quality.

  1. Introduce or Increase the Excess: An excess is a fixed amount an employee pays towards their claim each year (e.g., £100, £250, £500). A higher excess means a lower premium for the business. You can choose to set the excess level for the whole group.

  2. Opt for the '6-Week Wait' Option: This is one of the most popular cost-saving levers. With this option, if the NHS can provide the required in-patient treatment within six weeks of when it's needed, the employee will use the NHS. If the wait is longer than six weeks, the private medical insurance kicks in. As it reduces the number of claims, it can significantly lower your premium.

  3. Choose a Guided Hospital List: Insurers offer different tiers of hospital lists. A comprehensive national list is the most expensive. You can reduce costs by:

    • Choosing a list that excludes expensive central London hospitals.
    • Opting for a "guided" or "consultant-led" option, where the insurer provides a choice from a smaller panel of pre-approved specialists, which helps them control costs.

  4. Tailor Your Out-patient Cover: Full, unlimited out-patient cover is expensive. Consider setting a limit (e.g., £1,000 per person per year) or asking employees to get a GP referral before seeing a specialist to keep costs down.

  5. Review Optional Benefits: Carefully consider which add-ons are essential for your workforce. While mental health cover is highly valued, you might decide that routine dental and optical cover is a lower priority.

Example: How Different Choices Affect Premiums

Here is a simplified example for a fictional SME with 10 employees (average age 40) based outside London. These are illustrative figures only.

Policy OptionsEstimated Annual Premium Per EmployeeHow it Saves Money
Full Cover (Unlimited out-patient, no excess, full hospital list)£1,200N/A (Baseline)
With £250 Excess£1,050The excess reduces the insurer's liability on smaller claims.
With 6-Week Wait Option£850Shifts some treatment back to the NHS, reducing claims.
With £1,000 Out-patient Limit£900Caps the insurer's spending on diagnostics and consultations.
All cost-saving options combined£650Layering these options provides the most significant saving.

Working with an expert PMI broker like WeCovr allows you to model these different scenarios and find the perfect balance between comprehensive cover and an affordable premium.

Understanding the financial and regulatory side of business health insurance is crucial for compliance.

Tax Implications for Your Business

Good news: the cost of your company's health insurance premiums is generally considered an allowable business expense. This means you can deduct the full cost from your taxable profits, reducing your overall Corporation Tax bill. It's a tax-efficient way to invest in your team.

Tax Implications for Your Employees

Because the company is paying for a personal benefit, private medical insurance is treated as a 'benefit in kind'.

  • This means the value of the premium is added to the employee's income for tax purposes.
  • As the employer, you are required to report this on a P11D form for each employee who receives the benefit.
  • The employee then pays income tax on the value of the premium at their marginal rate (e.g., 20% or 40%).
  • The business also pays Class 1A National Insurance Contributions (NICs) on the value of the benefit.

It's important to communicate this clearly to employees so they understand the small personal tax implication of this valuable perk.

Regulation and Your Peace of Mind

The UK's private health insurance market is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This ensures that insurers and brokers (like WeCovr) adhere to strict rules on fairness, clarity, and treating customers properly. Working with an FCA-authorised firm gives you confidence that you are receiving professional, regulated advice. All premiums also include a standard rate of Insurance Premium Tax (IPT), which is currently 12%.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about SME Health Insurance

What is the minimum number of employees for a group health insurance policy?

Generally, most UK insurers require a minimum of two or three employees to set up a small business group scheme. This can include company directors. If you are a sole trader, you would need an individual private medical insurance policy instead of a business one.

Is mental health covered by business health insurance?

Yes, increasingly so. While it was once a common exclusion or an expensive add-on, many modern policies now include a level of mental health support as part of their core offering or as a popular optional benefit. This can range from access to counselling helplines and therapy apps to full cover for psychiatric treatment. Given the growing focus on workplace mental wellbeing, it's a highly recommended component.

Do my employees have to declare their full medical history?

It depends on the type of underwriting you choose. With 'Full Medical Underwriting' (FMU), they will need to complete a health questionnaire. However, with 'Moratorium' underwriting, which is very common for SMEs, no medical information is required to set up the policy. Instead, conditions from the past five years are automatically excluded for a set period. An adviser can help you choose the best option for your team.

Can we add family members to a company PMI policy?

Yes, this is usually possible. You can set up the policy to cover employees only, or you can allow them to add their partners and/or children. Typically, the business pays for the employee's cover, and the employee pays the additional premium for their family members, often at a favourable corporate rate. This adds flexibility and makes the benefit even more valuable.

Protect Your Team, Protect Your Business

In 2025, offering private medical insurance is one of the most powerful statements an SME can make. It's a strategic investment in the health of your employees, the resilience of your business, and your reputation as a top employer.

By understanding the options, utilising cost-saving strategies, and working with an expert adviser, you can implement a high-value scheme that fits your budget and delivers real peace of mind.

Ready to explore the best private medical insurance options for your SME?

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our expert advisers will compare the UK's leading providers to find a policy that's perfectly tailored to your business needs.

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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.

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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