Private Medical Insurance FAQs

Question 1

What is private medical insurance?

Answer

Private medical insurance helps with the cost of eligible private healthcare covered by your policy. It complements the NHS and remains subject to benefits, limits, underwriting and exclusions.

Question 2

Does private medical insurance replace the NHS?

Answer

No. It provides another route to eligible private care while NHS services remain available for emergencies, routine care and treatment outside the policy.

Question 3

What can private medical insurance cover?

Answer

Depending on the policy, cover may include specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, scans, hospital treatment, Virtual GP Services and selected mental health support.

Question 4

Are pre-existing conditions covered?

Answer

They may be excluded or treated differently depending on the underwriting method and medical history. Shield will explain the relevant position before you apply.

Question 5

What is an excess?

Answer

An excess is the amount you agree to pay towards eligible treatment before the insurer contributes. The chosen excess can also affect the premium.

Question 6

Can I cover my partner and children?

Answer

Yes. WPA offers personal and family arrangements, subject to product rules, eligibility and the options selected.

Question 7

Can different family members have different benefits?

Answer

Potentially. Some WPA arrangements allow benefit or excess choices to vary between family members or family groups.

Question 8

Can self-employed people arrange health insurance?

Answer

Yes. Personal cover may suit self-employed people who want another route to eligible private diagnosis and treatment.

Question 9

Can Shield help me switch provider?

Answer

Yes. Shield can review your existing policy and explain material differences in suitable WPA options before you decide.

Question 10

How many employees are needed for WPA business cover?

Answer

WPA Enterprise Flexible Benefits can be arranged for two or more employees, subject to eligibility and scheme terms.

Question 11

Can employees receive different benefit levels?

Answer

Some WPA schemes allow different employee categories to receive different levels or forms of cover.

Question 12

Can family members join a company scheme?

Answer

Potentially. Eligible family members may be added, with the employer deciding how any additional premium is handled.

Question 13

Can Shield review an existing business scheme?

Answer

Yes. Shield can review current benefits, membership and renewal terms before explaining suitable WPA alternatives.

Question 14

Is Shield the insurer?

Answer

No. Shield Healthcare Solutions Ltd is an Appointed Representative of WPA Healthcare Practice Plc. WPA is the insurer and manages claims.

Question 15

Does Shield compare the whole market?

Answer

No. Shield provides personal recommendations based only on WPA's available products.

Question 16

Does Shield charge for advice?

Answer

No. Shield does not charge customers directly for its advice or quotation service.

Question 17

Who should I contact before treatment?

Answer

Contact WPA before arranging most private treatment. WPA confirms authorisation and manages eligible claims.

Private Medical Insurance FAQs