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Ways to Cut Your PMI Premium Essential Tips for 2025

Ways to Cut Your PMI Premium Essential Tips for 2025 2025

As an FCA-authorised expert with over 800,000 policies of various kinds arranged, WeCovr understands that while private medical insurance (PMI) offers invaluable peace of mind, its cost is a key consideration for UK families. This definitive guide provides actionable strategies to help you secure the right cover at a more affordable price.

Smart strategies excess selection, outpatient caps, 6-week NHS options, hospital networks, and annual payments for lower cost

Private health cover is a significant investment in your well-being, granting you faster access to specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and high-quality private treatment. However, premiums can feel daunting. The good news is that you have a surprising amount of control over the price you pay.

By making informed choices about key policy features, you can tailor your cover to fit your budget without sacrificing the core benefits. This article will walk you through the five most effective levers for reducing your PMI premium: your excess, outpatient limits, the NHS 6-week wait option, hospital networks, and how you pay.

First, a Critical Note: What UK PMI Covers (and What It Doesn't)

Before we dive into cost-saving, it's vital to understand the fundamental purpose of private medical insurance in the UK.

PMI is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.

  • An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery (e.g., cataracts, joint replacements, hernias).
  • A chronic condition is a long-term illness that cannot be cured but can be managed (e.g., diabetes, asthma, hypertension). Standard PMI does not cover the ongoing management of chronic conditions.
  • Pre-existing conditions (any illness or injury you had before taking out the policy) are also typically excluded.

Understanding this distinction is crucial. PMI is your safety net for new, treatable health concerns, providing a swift route back to health, not a replacement for NHS services that manage long-term illnesses.

Strategy 1: Master Your Policy Excess

One of the most direct ways to influence your premium is by adjusting your policy excess.

What is an Excess?

An excess is a fixed amount you agree to pay towards the cost of a claim each policy year. Think of it like the excess on your car or home insurance. Once you have paid the excess, your insurer covers the rest of the eligible costs up to your policy limits.

For example, if you have a £250 excess and receive eligible private treatment costing £3,000, you would pay the first £250, and your insurer would pay the remaining £2,750.

How Excess Impacts Your Premium

Insurers offer lower premiums to customers who choose a higher excess. Why? Because it means you are sharing more of the initial financial risk. It also discourages small, frequent claims, which are administratively costly for the insurer.

The impact can be substantial. Increasing your excess from £0 to £500 could reduce your annual premium by 20-30% or more.

Illustrative Excess LevelExample Annual PremiumPotential Annual Saving
£0£1,600-
£250£1,360£240 (15%)
£500£1,200£400 (25%)
£1,000£960£640 (40%)

Note: These are illustrative figures. The exact saving depends on the insurer, your age, location, and chosen cover level.

Real-Life Example: David, a 45-year-old marketing manager in Bristol, wanted comprehensive cover but needed to manage his monthly budget. His initial quote with a £100 excess was £140 per month. By increasing his excess to £1,000, his premium dropped to £95 per month, saving him £540 a year. He decided this was a smart trade-off, as he could comfortably afford the £1,000 if a major health issue arose and was more concerned about covering the large costs of surgery than small consultation fees.

Expert Tip: Choose an excess level you are genuinely comfortable paying without financial strain. A high excess is a great way to save money if you see PMI as protection against significant medical events, rather than for day-to-day health niggles.

Strategy 2: Be Smart with Your Outpatient Cover

Outpatient treatment is a major driver of PMI costs. This includes services you receive without being admitted to a hospital bed, such as:

  • Specialist consultations
  • Diagnostic tests (MRI, CT, PET scans, X-rays)
  • Blood tests
  • Physiotherapy

Full, unlimited outpatient cover is the most expensive option. By limiting it, you can achieve significant savings.

Your Outpatient Options Explained

  1. Full Outpatient Cover: The most comprehensive and expensive option. It covers all eligible outpatient consultations, tests, and therapies without a financial limit.
  2. Capped Outpatient Cover: A popular middle-ground. Your policy will cover outpatient costs up to a set monetary limit per year (e.g., £500, £1,000, or £1,500). This is often enough to cover initial consultations and diagnostics to determine if you need inpatient treatment.
  3. No Outpatient Cover: The most budget-friendly choice. With this option, you would rely on the NHS for all your initial consultations and diagnostic tests. Your private cover would only activate if those tests confirmed you need eligible inpatient or day-patient surgery.
Outpatient OptionDescriptionImpact on PremiumBest For...
Full CoverNo financial limits on eligible outpatient consultations and diagnostics.HighestThose wanting complete peace of mind and the fastest journey from GP to treatment.
Capped CoverA financial limit per policy year (e.g., £1,000) for outpatient services.MediumA balanced approach, covering initial diagnosis while keeping costs down.
No CoverYou use the NHS for diagnostics; PMI only covers subsequent inpatient care.LowestThose on a tight budget primarily concerned with covering the cost of surgery.

Expert Tip: A mid-level outpatient cap of £1,000-£1,500 often represents the sweet spot for value. It provides enough cover for the crucial diagnostic phase of most conditions while delivering a significant premium reduction compared to full cover.

Strategy 3: Utilise the NHS 6-Week Wait Option

This clever feature, sometimes called the "NHS Six Week" or "NHS Wait" option, is one of the most powerful cost-cutting tools available.

How Does it Work?

If you choose a policy with the 6-week NHS wait option, your private medical insurance will only cover inpatient treatment if the NHS waiting list for that specific procedure is longer than six weeks.

  • If the NHS wait is over 6 weeks: You can use your private cover immediately.
  • If the NHS can treat you within 6 weeks: You will be treated by the NHS.

This applies to inpatient and day-patient procedures, not the initial outpatient diagnosis phase.

Why Does it Reduce Your Premium so Much?

According to the latest data from NHS England, the elective care waiting list remains a significant challenge, with millions of treatment pathways creating long waits for patients. In mid-2024, the list stood at over 7.5 million. While urgent cancer care and emergency services are prioritised, routine procedures like hip replacements or cataract surgery can involve waits of many months, sometimes exceeding a year.

By adding the 6-week option, you are telling your insurer that you are happy to use the excellent and readily available NHS services for procedures it can deliver quickly. This removes a huge slice of financial risk from the insurer, who in turn passes those savings directly to you, often reducing your premium by 20-25%.

Is it Right for You? This option is ideal for people who:

  • Have confidence in the NHS for more routine care.
  • Want private cover primarily as a backstop for long waits.
  • Are focused on making their PMI policy as affordable as possible.

It may be less suitable if your absolute priority is to have private treatment for every eligible condition, regardless of the NHS waiting time.

Strategy 4: Choose Your Hospital Network Wisely

Not all private hospitals cost the same. Insurers group hospitals into "networks" or "lists" based on their costs, with prestigious Central London facilities being the most expensive. Choosing a more restricted hospital network is a simple way to lower your premium, especially if you live outside the capital.

Typical Hospital Tiers

  1. Premium / Full Network: Includes all participating private hospitals in the UK, including the most expensive ones in Central London (e.g., The London Clinic, King Edward VII's Hospital, HCA facilities). This is the most expensive choice.
  2. Standard / Nationwide Network: A comprehensive list of several hundred high-quality private hospitals across the country, but typically excludes the priciest Central London options. This offers a great balance of choice and cost.
  3. Local / Limited Network: A curated list of hospitals, often focused on specific chains (like Nuffield Health or Spire) or a more localised geographical area. This is the most cost-effective option.
Hospital NetworkTypical Cost ImpactIdeal For...
Premium (London)Highest premium.Those who live or work in Central London and want access to the city's most renowned private hospitals.
StandardSignificant saving vs. Premium network.Most people in the UK. Provides excellent choice without the cost of top-tier London facilities.
Local / LimitedLowest premium.Those on a tight budget who have checked the list and are happy with the local hospitals included.

Expert Tip: Don't pay for hospitals you'll never use. If you live in Manchester, you don't need a policy that includes expensive London hospitals. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can provide you with the exact hospital lists for your postcode, helping you see if a more limited and cheaper network provides all the local access you need.

Strategy 5: Pay Annually for an Instant Discount

This is the simplest tip of all. When you choose to pay for your private medical insurance monthly, insurers typically add an interest or instalment charge, which can be around 5-10%.

By paying for your policy in one annual lump sum, you avoid this charge entirely.

Simple Maths:

  • A policy quoted at £100 per month costs £1,200 over the year if there are no fees.
  • With a 6% instalment fee, the monthly cost becomes £105, for a total annual cost of £1,260.
  • By paying annually, you instantly save £60.

If you have the cash available, paying annually is a guaranteed way to save money on the exact same cover.

More Smart Ways to Keep Costs Down

Beyond the "big five," several other strategies can help you manage your premium.

Consider a Guided Consultant List

Some insurers now offer a "Guided" or "Expert Select" option. Instead of having free choice of any consultant, the insurer provides a curated list of 2-3 recognised specialists for your condition. Because insurers can negotiate preferential rates with these consultants, they pass the savings to you as a lower premium. This offers a good balance between choice and cost.

Protect Your No-Claims Discount (NCD)

Most UK PMI policies feature a No-Claims Discount, which works just like it does in car insurance. For every year you don't make a claim, your discount increases, up to a maximum level (often 60-75%).

Think carefully before claiming for minor expenses that you could afford to pay yourself. A small claim for a £150 consultation could cause you to lose a significant portion of your NCD, leading to a much larger premium increase at renewal than the value of the claim itself.

Live a Healthier Lifestyle

Insurers are increasingly rewarding members who take proactive steps to manage their health.

  • Be a Non-Smoker: This is the single biggest lifestyle factor. Smokers can pay 30-50% more for private health cover.
  • Engage with Wellness Programmes: Many leading providers, like Vitality and Aviva, offer programmes that reward you with points, cinema tickets, coffee, and even premium discounts for being active.

At WeCovr, we support our clients' health journeys. That's why customers who purchase PMI or Life Insurance with us receive complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, helping you build and maintain healthy habits.

Review Your Policy Every Year

Don't just let your policy auto-renew. Your circumstances change, new and more competitive products enter the market, and your renewal price from your existing insurer may not be the best available.

A quick market review with an independent broker can save you hundreds of pounds. A broker like WeCovr does the shopping around for you at no cost, comparing the best PMI providers to ensure you have the right cover at the best possible price for the year ahead. What's more, customers who buy PMI or Life Insurance from us can benefit from discounts on other types of insurance cover.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will my PMI premium automatically go up every year?

Generally, yes. Premiums tend to increase annually for two main reasons. Firstly, as you get older, the statistical risk of you needing medical treatment increases, so your base premium rises with age. Secondly, medical inflation – the rising cost of new drugs, advanced technology, and hospital fees – means the cost of providing care goes up for the insurer each year. This is why it's so important to review your policy and apply cost-saving strategies annually.

What is the difference between an 'acute' and a 'chronic' condition?

This is a crucial distinction for private medical insurance in the UK. An acute condition is a disease, illness or injury that is short-lived and likely to respond quickly to treatment, leading to a full recovery (e.g., a hernia, appendicitis, or a joint needing replacement). PMI is designed to cover these. A chronic condition is a long-term illness that has no known cure and requires ongoing management (e.g., diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, or arthritis). The day-to-day monitoring and management of chronic conditions are not covered by standard PMI and remain the responsibility of the NHS.

Is it cheaper to get private health insurance through a broker like WeCovr?

Using an independent broker like WeCovr does not cost you anything extra; our commission is paid by the insurer you choose. In fact, it can often be cheaper and lead to a better outcome. We have access to the whole market, including deals not always available directly to the public. Our expert advisers can quickly compare policies from all the leading UK providers and help you tailor the options (like excess and hospital lists) to find the most competitive premium for the cover you need, saving you time and money. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to finding the best value for our clients.

Can I get private health insurance for a pre-existing condition?

Standard UK private medical insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions. Insurers use two main methods for this. With 'Moratorium' underwriting, any condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the 5 years before your policy starts is automatically excluded for an initial period (usually 2 years). With 'Full Medical Underwriting', you declare your full medical history, and the insurer lists specific exclusions from the outset. PMI is designed for unforeseen, acute conditions that arise after you join.

Take Control of Your Health and Your Finances

Choosing the right private medical insurance UK policy is a balancing act between comprehensive cover and an affordable premium. By understanding the levers at your disposal—excess, outpatient limits, the 6-week option, hospital lists, and payment methods—you can design a policy that gives you fast access to the best care when you need it most, without breaking the bank.

Ready to find out how much you could save? The expert team at WeCovr is here to help. We provide free, no-obligation advice and compare quotes from across the market to build the perfect, cost-effective plan for you.

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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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