WPA

WPA, a not-for-profit private medical insurer in the UK

WPA is an insurer specialising in private medical insurance (PMI) operating in the UK and describes itself as a not-for-profit entity, which according to its own presentation allows it to operate without the demands of shareholders. The company states it has over 120 years of accumulated experience and presents itself as the only private medical insurance provider recommended by Which? in the UK.

Insurance for individuals, families and businesses

The entity structures its offering into two main lines. On the one hand, it sells health insurance for individuals and families, including medical expenses reimbursement policies and health and dental cash plans. On the other, it offers workplace health solutions for businesses of any size, aimed at supporting employee health and wellbeing.

The company emphasises that its products allow policyholders to configure cover levels and lifestyle options to tailor the policy to each need, and it champions the insured's freedom to choose where, when and who provides treatment, in contrast to other insurers that limit that choice.

Cover and how policies work

As the insurer itself explains, private medical insurance covers all or part of the costs of private healthcare, from consultations and diagnostic tests through to treatment. Cover is structured around out-patient care, day-patient care and in-patient treatment. The entity warns that these policies are designed for unforeseen health problems and do not cover pre-existing conditions or symptoms that predate the policy.

The cost of the premium depends, according to the company, on factors such as the age of the insured, place of residence, smoking or vaping, and the cover selected. In the business sphere, the number of insured employees, the inclusion of family members and claims history also have an influence.

Services and benefits for members

The insurer includes a range of additional benefits, whose availability and limits vary by product:

• WPA Health app to manage your policy, make and track claims and access the remote GP service.
• Remote GP services by phone or video, with appointments booked through My WPA or the app.
• Structured counselling of up to six sessions for certain situations, such as relationship or family issues.
• Mental health cover with access to treatment through several key benefits.
• Telephone emotional support and wellbeing helpline staffed by specialists.
• Discounts and offers for members in addition to the policy benefits.

Resources to understand and compare insurance

The website brings together informative guides on what health insurance is, its advantages, how to compare plans and a glossary of common industry terms. It also offers guidance for those who already have a policy and wish to switch to WPA, as well as a frequently asked questions section on how cover and claims work.

The company states that it maintains an "Excellent" rating on Trustpilot and claims to consistently lead the independent ratings on that platform among UK health insurers.