WPA Health Insurance Review

History of WPA

In 1901, a group of workers started the Reading Work People’s Voluntary Hospital Contributory Fund to assist their members with medical expenses. By 1939, this fund merged with the Bristol Hospital Fund and became the Western Provident Association (WPA) in 1949. In 1992, WPA moved to a custom-built facility in Taunton, Somerset.

WPA received recognition from the World Health Organization for their pioneering coinsurance and shared responsibility policies, where patients jointly cover healthcare costs up to a set limit.

Recently in July 2023, WPA made a significant change, replacing their long-standing “Flexible Health” policies with the more versatile “Complete Health” product, broadening their healthcare options and flexibility.

WPA Highlights

WPA offers a range of healthcare solutions with several unique benefits that are worth highlighting:

Is WPA a good company?

WPA, the leading health insurance provider in the UK, has earned an impressive Trustpilot score of 4.6* based on 2,406 reviews as of November 2023. Their standout feature is the ease and speed of their claims process, with phone calls being answered in under 2 minutes. They also approve 97% of claims. WPA’s exclusive focus on health insurance underscores its commitment to delivering top-notch service. Positive reviews often mention “easy communication,” a user-friendly app, and helpful support. However, some clients have expressed concerns about unaddressed complaints and delays in claims.

Policy Overview

WPA provides coverage through the WPA Complete Health Cover, offering policyholders two hospital list options: Elite and Premium. Their policyholders enjoy the flexibility to select any private medical consultant or specialist in the UK.

Key Benefits:

• Freedom to choose any UK-based private medical consultant or specialist.
• Hospital list includes top-tier facilities nationwide.
• Exclusive high-end hospitals in central London are only excluded unless opting for Premium hospitals extra.
• Combined with outstanding customer service, this flexibility and access to quality hospitals make WPA a preferred choice for health insurance.

What is covered by WPA health insurance?

Complete Health is a personalised health insurance plan designed to suit the needs of individuals and families. It offers a set of fundamental benefits that form the basis of your coverage, along with a wide array of Optional Extras that allow you to tailor your health insurance to your unique physical and mental health requirements.

You can conveniently manage your membership using the WPA Health app or a secure online portal called My WPA.

Here are the key features of Complete Health:

• Core Benefits- These are the essential features included in every Complete Health policy.

• Optional Extras- You can choose from a variety of additional benefits to enhance your coverage, making it more suitable for your specific needs.

• Remote GP Service- Access to a remote general practitioner is provided as a standard benefit, ensuring you can consult with a doctor without leaving your home.

• Member Support Benefits- Various support services for members are included to assist you in managing your health effectively.

• No Claims Discount- You have the option to receive a discount on your premium if you don’t make any claims, rewarding you for staying healthy.

• Choice of Shared Responsibility or Excess– You can select between shared responsibility or excess options to control your premiums, allowing you to find a pricing structure that works for your budget.

Health Insurance Plans

Complete Health includes standard Core Benefits in every policy. It also gives you the option to add extra benefits to your policy to match your individual needs.

 

Inpatient and Day-Patient Treatment

In/Day Patient includes a broad range of healthcare expenses. It covers hospital fees, specialist charges, critical care at levels 2 and 3, diagnostic tests such as MRI, CT, and PET scans, prescription drugs, dressings, therapy, prosthetic devices (both passive and active), and post-surgery consultations and tests. In summary, it provides comprehensive protection for various aspects of your healthcare needs.

Outpatient Treatment

Usually your medical treatment begins with a visit to a specialist. Your core coverage provides £250 per year to help with the cost of specialist and diagnostic tests. Your complex scans like MRI/CT/PET scans are included, also extra procedures carried out by your consultant are included under your out-patient cover.

• £250 towards consultations
• MRI/CT/PET scans
• All out-patient procedures
• Pre-admission tests

You have the option to increase your outpatient treatment consultations cover, which can include tests like blood tests, x-rays and ultrasound scans.

Cancer Care

With the WPA policy you will have quick and hassle-free access to diagnosis and extensive coverage for advanced anti cancer treatments. The cover includes:

Diagnosis:

• Specialist consultations, including second opinions.
• Diagnostic tests, scans, and biopsies.
• Surgery.
• Radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Targeted Cancer Therapies:

Advanced anti-cancer treatments will be funded if used for curative purposes and not readily available through the NHS.

NHS Hospital Cash Benefits:

NHS Hospital Cash Benefit for Cancer- Maximum annual benefit limit of £6,000.

NHS In-patient or Day-patient- £200 per night/day.

NHS Out-patient Complex Diagnostic Scans, Cancer Treatment or Procedures- £150 per day.

Their team of dedicated Case Managers and Medical Advisors supervises all cancer-related claims, providing personalised support every step of the way.

Digital GP

You have access to a private GP helpline that’s available around the clock, every day of the year. This means you can get unlimited advice, reassurance, diagnoses, prescriptions, or referrals whenever you require them, no matter where you are globally.

• Private Prescription Medication

Our GP can approve private prescription medication for delivery to your home or workplace.

• Open Referrals 
• If the GP believes you need additional investigation, they can send you an open private referral letter via email.

• Private Fit Note

When required, the GP can provide and email you a private fit note.

Hospital List

WPA offers a wide range of hospitals by default, including renowned names like BMI, Nuffield Health, Spire, Ramsay, independent private hospitals, and private sections within NHS hospitals. If you’re looking for even more options, you can enhance your selection by opting for the Premium Hospitals Extra, which primarily consists of facilities in Central London. This ensures you have access to a diverse network of healthcare providers to suit your preferences and needs.

Medical Underwriting Options

You can enrol in Complete Health plan until the age of 65 and renew your policy each year. WPA provides three underwriting choices:

Moratorium Underwriting- Join without detailing your past medical history, but more information might be needed when you make a claim.

Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)- Requires you to share your complete medical history.

Switch Terms- Tailored for those switching from another insurer, requiring information about your existing coverage and exclusions.

Additional Benefits

Private Ambulance

Comprehensive coverage for private ambulance services when they are medically necessary, ensuring you receive prompt and specialised transportation for your medical needs.

Parent and Child

This benefit covers accommodation charges for a parent accompanying a child who is also a policy member during treatment, as recommended by the specialist. It provides essential support, allowing parents to be present for their child during medical procedures, offering comfort and reassurance in difficult times.

Home Nursing

WPA home nursing coverage provides support for up to four weeks, offering assistance and care in the comfort of your own home when needed.

Extra Options

You can choose from a range of additional optional extras to customise your policy according to your specific needs:

Benefits	Key Facts
Extra Out-Patient Cover	Consultations with Specialists and GP Referred Diagnostic Tests have a combined limit of either £1000 or £1500. Specialist Referred Therapy and GP Referred Therapy, each with a combined limit of £1000 or £1500, provide access to up to 10 sessions. Self-referred therapy includes up to four sessions of Chiropractic, Osteopathy, and Physiotherapy from the same limit.
Overseas Emergency Treatment	Coverage for medical treatment during overseas emergencies (excluding the USA and its territories) is available for up to 70 days per trip, with a maximum total of 180 days and a coverage limit of £500,000.
Premium Hospitals	You can expand your hospital choices by opting for Premium Hospitals, which are primarily situated in Central London, offering access to over 1,000 healthcare facilities.
Dental Cover	General Dental Treatment covers £250 (£450 with both Extra Out-patient and Dental Care Optional Extras). Dental Emergencies provide £250 per treatment course in the UK or abroad, up to four episodes, and a maximum of £1,000 annually (14-day waiting period).  Dental Injuries offer £20,000 coverage (14-day waiting period).  Restorative Treatment due to Oral Cancer provides £10,000 (14-day deferment).

What does WPA exclude?

WPA policies, like any other health insurers, have their limitations. Some common exclusions involve:

Policy Brochure
Insurance Product Information Document
ABI Guide

Key figures affecting value

Several key factors can affect the premium of WPA health insurance plans, including:

Age
Older individuals typically pay higher premiums as they are more prone to health issues.

Coverage Level
The extent of coverage, such as inpatient, outpatient, or additional benefits, directly influences the premium.

Health Condition
Your current health and medical history can impact the premium. Pre-existing conditions may result in higher costs.

Smoking Status
Smokers often pay higher premiums due to increased health risks.

Location
Premiums may vary based on your location and the cost of healthcare in that area.

Excess
A higher excess can lower the premium but increase out-of-pocket expenses. Excess options are £250, £500, £1000, £1500 or £5000

Family Size
Family policies covering dependents will cost more than individual policies.

Annual vs. Monthly Payment
Paying annually may result in a lower premium compared to monthly payments.

Claim History
If you’ve made multiple claims in the past, it can impact your premium.

Advice for reducing the cost

WPA provides a “Shared Responsibility” feature for a Complete Health insurance plan. This approach involves a unique form of cost-sharing, distinct from the traditional excess:

• Regardless of the claim’s size, WPA covers 75% of the expenses for eligible treatments.

• You, as the policyholder, contribute 25% of the cost for each eligible claim.

• You can set a maximum limit for your annual contribution, based on your preferences.

• Once you reach the limit you’ve chosen for the policy year, WPA covers 100% of the expenses for eligible claims.

Advice for reducing the cost

Getting a WPA health insurance quote is quick and easy. Simply visit our website or contact our dedicated team if you need a tailored quote for individual or family health insurance.  At PremierPMI, our brokers provide invaluable advice, ensuring you access the best WPA plan tailored to your unique needs. Count on us for expert guidance, exclusive options, and peace of mind.

FAQs