Frequently asked questions

The Lateral Health Plan is a new approach to health insurance for the over 60s. So we know you’ll have questions. Here we answer some of the most commonly asked ones. If you need more, you can call our friendly and knowledgeable team on 0203 826 8898. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.

Lateral Health Plan

When is the right time to buy?

We’re for fit and active over-60s who have no intention of stopping. The biggest worry is that health issues can interrupt active lives and the things you love doing. The best time to buy insurance is before you need it. You never know when you might fall ill or get injured, and buying cover early means more peace of mind. Joining while you’re fit and active ensures fast access to care if something unexpected happens.

The Lateral Health Plan offers affordable private medical insurance (PMI), combining shorter waiting times for assessment and treatment with fairness and simplicity. However, it’s not for everyone and there are certain pre-existing conditions that mean you’re not eligible to join. These conditions become more likely as you age, so joining while you can means being grouped with others who share your proactive attitude to health and independence. The sooner you join, the more value you’ll get. Joining early means you can start using your stay-healthy benefits straight away — from annual health checks and virtual GP access to physio and nutrition support — all designed to keep you well and independent for longer.

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Who can join the Lateral Health Plan?

The Lateral Health Plan is open to new customers aged 60 to 75 who live in the UK and have been registered with a GP for at least two years. Once you’ve joined, you can renew your cover each year up to your 80th birthday.

It’s designed for non-smokers with a BMI (18–30) and no serious ongoing conditions. We’re intentionally for people who look after themselves and want to stay independent for longer.

What happens when you turn 80?

When you reach your 80th birthday, we will be able to continue your cover for the duration of that policy year. However, we will not be able to renew your policy beyond this point. You’ll be notified in advance, and our team will help you plan what’s next for your health and wellbeing.

How much does it cost?

We only calculate our price based on your age and health status, not your post code, meaning we can give a fair cost for everyone regardless of where they live. For a 67 year old, this would be only £150 per month.

We have done our research to give you a custom-made product that gets the balance right between price and cover, using the NHS where it is most helpful and supplementing with private where needed. This means that you can relax knowing that you have the right product for your needs, and not have to worry about choosing yourself between multiple options that encourage you to pay more.

What isn't covered?

To keep premiums affordable, we focus on where private care adds the most value. We don’t cover:

Cancer diagnosis including biopsies carried out to confirm or stage cancer, because cancer diagnosis and treatment are managed through the NHS
Cancer care though we provide emotional and navigation support through our Virtual Cancer Support service
Chronic or long-term conditions that need ongoing management
Complex surgeries that are usually best performed in an NHS environment
Accidents or emergencies
Mental health, dental or optical care

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For the full list of exclusions and medical definitions, please refer to the Lateral Health Plan Policy Document – Exclusions (What’s Not Covered) section, which explains all limits and exceptions in detail.

What does the plan cover?

We focus on the areas that matter most in later life — the things that help you stay active, mobile and in control of your health:

Private consultations and diagnostic tests (up to £2,000 a year)
Elective surgery such as cataract surgery, joint replacements, hernia repairs and other procedures that have an impact on quality-of-life
Minor procedures such as removal of skin lesions or colonoscopies that sometimes have a long waiting list on the NHS
Physiotherapy — virtual and in-person sessions to support recovery, mobility and strength
Preventative benefits including your annual health check, 24/7 virtual GP and personalised nutrition support

This is a meaningful, everyday cover designed to keep you moving confidently and living well.

For full details and limits, see the Lateral Health Plan Policy Document – Plan Benefits section, which outlines everything included under your cover.

What counts as a chronic condition?

A chronic condition is something that continues indefinitely, comes back or needs ongoing management; like diabetes, arthritis, COPD or high blood pressure. We cover new or unexpected problems that can be treated and resolved. We help with diagnosis and short-term treatment when a chronic condition first appears or flares up suddenly. Once a condition becomes stable and needs regular management, your NHS team takes over. If you’re unsure whether something counts as chronic, just give our customer support a call.

What is a pre-existing condition?

A pre-existing condition is any illness, injury or symptom you’ve had before your policy started, even if undiagnosed. It includes any advice, tests, medication or treatment received during the two years before joining. Even if you were not formally diagnosed, we treat symptoms or investigations for the same problem as part of the same condition. If in doubt, our team can review your history confidentially before you buy, so there are no surprises later. For more information, please view the Pre-existing conditions FAQs.

Can I keep using the NHS?

Absolutely. The Lateral Health Plan is built to work with the NHS, not against it. You can still see your NHS GP and specialists as usual; our nurses simply help you make the most of your options, combining NHS pathways and private access when it benefits you most.

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Who are our partners?

We’ve partnered with a number of specialists to provide expertise and credibility in everything from our cover to our added benefits, so that you can be rest assured you’re getting the best care in every element of our offering.

Our policy is backed by A+ rated insurer Tokio Marine. Our Private GP, Digital Physio and Digital Nutrition & Lifestyle services are provided by HealthHero. Our annual health check is with leading UK provider Bluecrest. And our Digital Cancer support is offered through Reframe.

Stay-Healthy Benefits FAQs

What is the Lateral Health Check?

We’ve partnered with Bluecrest Wellness to deliver an Annual Health Check, designed to help you understand your key health numbers, improve your health, and spot potential risks early.

Each year, you’ll get a fully funded, in-clinic health assessment, designed specifically to support those aged over 60. It’s more than just a check-up — you’ll receive a comprehensive review of your health, delivered in a convenient and professional setting.

This assessment will help identify early signs of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and more, supporting you to stay healthier for longer. You’ll also have a choice of hundreds of clinic locations nationwide, making it easier to book an appointment close to home or work.

To read more about our health checks, please see our Health Check FAQs below.

What is included in the Virtual GP service?

Through our partner HealthHero, you can speak to a UK-based GP by phone or video, 24/7. They can:

Offer medical advice and reassurance
Provide private prescriptions
Refer you to NHS or private specialists

All calls are confidential and appointments are often available the same day.

Does the plan include physiotherapy?

Yes. You can access:

Virtual physiotherapy. Up to six video sessions a year, usually within 48 hours
In-person physiotherapy. Up to six sessions when referred by your GP or specialist

Each programme is designed to help you recover from pain or injury and stay active for longer.

Can I get nutrition support too?

Yes. You can have up to three virtual consultations a year with a registered dietitian for tailored advice on digestion, weight, bone health, or active ageing. It’s practical, evidence-based support, not fad diets.

Health Check FAQs

Who provides the Health Check?

Since 2012, Bluecrest (our provider) has helped more than one million people across the UK and Ireland live healthier for longer by making personal private health assessments easy, affordable, and accessible. Their purpose is simple: to give everyone confidence in their health. They believe that understanding what’s happening inside your body is the smartest way to take control of your future wellbeing.

Is the Health Check in-person or online?

The Health Checks have been specifically tailored to Lateral and require attending an in-person appointment. Luckily, Bluecrest has over 15,000 clinics across more than 400 locations nationwide. Most people in the UK live within 20 minutes of a Bluecrest centre.

How do I book my Health Check?

To book your Health Check, you will need:

to log in to the Lateral portal to find the Health Check booking link.
You will also see your unique booking code which you have to copy.
When you click the booking link, you will be taken to the Bluecrest website.
Here you will see the full booking availability and you will be able to choose an appropriate time and location that works best for you.
To confirm your booking, you will now need to paste your unique code into the ‘discount field’ in the Bluecrest form.

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What does the Health Check test for?

The Lateral Health Check tests for over 50 important markers and levels. The test has been curated specifically to focus on people in their later stages of life.

The entire test will be completed in just one visit and should only take 20–30 minutes.

To see a complete list, see here.

How long does the test take?

This depends slightly on the clinic, but the test should take 20–30 minutes.

Will I have to get undressed during my appointment?

No. Bluecrest’s Health Checks are all non-invasive and require a couple of small blood samples and a few key body measurements. You will be asked to take off your shoes and socks for the Full Body Composition Scan.

Full preparation instructions will be provided when you book your appointment.

Who processes the results?

Your blood samples and other readings will be analysed by one of the leading laboratories in the UK, which Bluecrest has established partnerships with.

Once they have analysed your samples and readings, your test results are sent securely to the Bluecrest in-house results team, who compile your personalised results report. This report will be shared with you via the Bluecrest ‘My Wellness’ portal and via a printed copy sent in the post. You will also be able to visualise and track your results in the Lateral portal.

Does Lateral see my results?

Yes. Your health information is treated with the highest level of care and confidentiality. We use it to manage your policy, deliver your benefits, and continuously improve our services, all in line with our Privacy Policy.

This may include:

Administering your plan and renewal
Personalising your health and wellbeing support
Working with our approved partners (like Bluecrest and HealthHero) to deliver your benefits
Monitoring quality, performance, and outcomes
Meeting our regulatory and fraud-prevention obligations

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Your data is never sold. We only share it with trusted partners involved in your care or policy management, and always under strict data protection agreements.

For full details of how we handle and protect your information, please read our Privacy Policy.

Does the Health Check affect my membership or premium?

No. Your results don’t change your price or eligibility. The Health Check is about prevention, not penalty. It’s there to help you understand your health and to help us keep the plan relevant and effective for people like you.

Your membership will continue as normal each year, as long as you complete your Health Check and share your results with us.

The only exception would be if the check revealed a condition that had been knowingly withheld at the time of joining, in which case your cover could be reviewed or cancelled in line with our policy wordings.

If your check shows something outside the policy’s eligibility range (for example, a high HbA1c or high BMI), you won’t lose your membership. You’ll simply need to work on bringing those levels back into range before your next renewal, and we’ll give you support and clarity on what’s needed.

Can my partner get the Health Check too?

Unless your partner has their own Lateral Health Plan, we won’t be able to provide a Health Check for them.

They are of course welcome to take out a Lateral Health Plan, or if they do not meet our eligibility criteria, they can also contact Bluecrest to arrange tests directly.

Do I have to pay for my Health Check?

No. The Lateral Health Check is included as standard within each policy period. There is nothing extra to pay beyond your annual premium.

When your annual plan renews, you will unlock another Health Check so that you can monitor your health and core vitals over time.

Do I need to do anything to prepare for the Health Check?

When you book your Health Check, you will be sent a full set of preparation instructions.

You can continue to eat and drink normally before your appointment. We recommend that you continue taking any prescribed medication and ask that you stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

You should aim to arrive 10–15 minutes before your appointment time. For health and safety reasons, please do not bring any children or grandchildren with you.

Do I have to take the Health Check?

Yes. Completing your annual Health Check is a condition of renewal, but more importantly, it’s central to how we help you stay healthy.

By sharing your results with us each year, you can track your health over time, and we can better understand your needs and tailor our support around what really matters to you — from preventative guidance to future plan design.

It’s part of our shared goal: helping you stay active, independent, and in control of your health for as long as possible. We’ll send friendly reminders throughout the year so it’s easy to book at a time that suits you.

Does my Health Check screen for cancer?

The Health Check is not a formal cancer screening. Some of the tests, such as inflammation markers or blood cell counts, can highlight changes that may indirectly relate to cancer risk.

If your results suggest anything that needs further investigation, our team will guide you on the right next step — usually through our virtual GP, your NHS GP, or one of the NHS’s fast-track cancer referral pathways, which provide rapid access to specialist diagnosis and treatment.

Who will my appointment be with?

Bluecrest’s friendly Health Assessment Specialists are fully trained in phlebotomy (blood-taking) and will take some key measurements and a couple of small blood samples during your appointment.

Their team has varying backgrounds in the health and wellbeing sector. Some are trained nurses, whilst others hold Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in subjects including Sports Science, Fitness, Nutrition, Dietetics, Physiology, and Physiotherapy.

How trustworthy are the Health Checks?

Bluecrest has performed over 560,000 Health Checks since 2012, with 4 out of 5 customers saying they would recommend them, and a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 54.

All health assessments are performed by a Health Assessment Specialist, with your samples analysed by a UKAS (UK Accreditation Service) laboratory in the UK. UKAS provides accreditation to the internationally recognised ISO 15189 Medical Laboratories: Requirements for Quality and Competence standard. Results are subject to strict internal and external quality control.

How long does it take to receive the results?

Your results will be available 24/7 through ‘My Wellness’, Bluecrest’s online dashboard and app, as well as via the Lateral portal. You will receive an email notification as soon as your results are available.

Processing times vary by test, with some results accessible on the dashboard in as little as three days.

What if my Health Check shows something that needs further investigation?

This is a key benefit of our Health Check. It enables you to gain a complete understanding of your health and take early or preventative action.

If Bluecrest identifies a ‘critical result’, they will contact you immediately. What constitutes a critical result is defined by national guidance and Bluecrest’s partner laboratories.

Any other abnormal results will be presented to you within your report, with either an amber or red flag. If the report suggests you should seek further diagnostics or consultations for something specific, you can use your allowance under our Health Plan.

What if I need to reschedule my Health Check?

If you need to reschedule your Health Check, you will need to contact Bluecrest by calling them on 0800 652 2183 in good time. They will be able to rearrange your appointment at no extra cost.

What if I forget to attend my Health Check?

If you fail to attend your health check, you may be required to pay to attend a re-arranged health check.

If you think you might not be able to attend the health check, it is important that you call Bluecrest on 0800 652 2183 in good time. They will be able to help you re-arrange your health check in advance.

Navigating Care FAQs

How does nurse-led navigation work?

Whenever you need help, you start with a conversation. You’ll speak directly with a qualified Lateral nurse, not a call centre. They’ll listen, review any referrals, and guide you through the best NHS and private options. If you’re going private, they’ll arrange everything for you; from authorisation to booking. And if you’re staying in the NHS they’ll help make sure you’re getting seen as soon as possible in a place that suits you. You stay in control throughout.

Do I need a GP referral first?

Yes. You’ll usually need to have seen your GP before calling us — either your NHS GP or our Virtual GP service. Once you’ve spoken to a doctor and have a referral or diagnosis, you can contact our nurse team at any stage for guidance or next steps.

You can call:

After you’ve seen your NHS GP and have a referral or test results
After you’ve spoken to our Virtual GP
After you’ve received a diagnosis or referral from a consultant you’ve already seen

Our nurses are here to help you make sense of your options, whatever stage you’re at in your health journey.

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What if I can’t get an appointment with my NHS GP?

If you’re struggling to get an NHS GP appointment, you can speak to a Lateral Virtual GP through our 24/7 service, often the same day. They can assess your symptoms, offer advice, issue private prescriptions, or make referrals where appropriate; so you can keep your health moving forward without delay.

Once you’ve spoken to a doctor (NHS or Virtual), you can then call our Nurse Navigation Service for support. They’ll help you decide what to do next; whether that’s pursuing NHS care, using your private cover, or arranging further tests or treatment.

When will the NHS route be proposed?

Your nurse will always help you find the best care pathway for your situation; not just the fastest one.

In many cases, the NHS remains the safest and most appropriate setting for complex or higher-risk care. That includes procedures involving multiple specialties, co-morbidities, or a risk of complications where access to intensive support, rehabilitation or follow-up is essential.

Some of the UK’s most advanced care is delivered exclusively through the NHS; from fast-track cancer referral pathways and specialist cardiac units, to research-led centres of excellence for surgery and chronic disease. Our nurse navigators understand these systems inside out and can help you access them quickly through your NHS “Right to Choose” or local referral routes.

In some cases, such as where NHS delays are long, quality of life is being affected or you need a quick procedure or investigation to get you back on your feet, your nurse will then guide you to your private options under the Lateral Health Plan; such as consultations, diagnostics or elective procedures that can be done safely and effectively in a private setting.

What happens if I have suspected cancer?

If cancer is suspected, your nurse will help you access the NHS’s rapid cancer referral system. While the plan doesn’t cover private cancer treatment, we partner with Reframe Cancer to offer emotional support and expert guidance throughout your NHS journey; ensuring you never feel left on your own.

Why does the policy not include cancer?

Cancer treatment in the UK is best delivered through the NHS, which provides world-class, integrated care across specialist centres and rapid referral pathways. These services bring together surgeons, oncologists, radiologists and dedicated cancer nurses — all working in highly coordinated teams. Private treatment often can’t match that level of collaboration or continuity of care.

Including full private cancer cover would make premiums significantly higher, while duplicating what the NHS already does extremely well. Instead, the Lateral Health Plan focuses on the areas where private care adds the most value — helping you avoid unnecessary delays for diagnostics, consultations, and quality-of-life procedures.

Are biopsies included?

The Lateral Health Plan is not designed to cover treatment or investigation of cancer privately. For this reason, if you need a biopsy for suspected cancer this is usually best done via the NHS rapid referral and testing pathways. This helps ensure you’re seen quickly by the right NHS specialists, and our cancer support partner can help guide you through this process.

Biopsies are covered when they form part of the investigation for a new or unexpected condition; for example, to confirm a diagnosis that isn’t suspected to be cancer. So, if a biopsy is recommended for another reason — such as to help diagnose a skin lesion, joint problem or inflammatory condition — our nurses can confirm whether it’s covered under your policy and help arrange it through your private benefits if eligible.

However, biopsies carried out to confirm or stage cancer are not covered, because cancer diagnosis and treatment are managed through the NHS. The NHS provides rapid referral and testing pathways for suspected cancer, ensuring you’re seen quickly by the right specialists.

Do I need authorisation before treatment?

Yes, but we’ll make it simple. Once you’ve spoken with your nurse, our claims team will confirm what’s covered, explain any limits or excess, and make sure you understand how your benefits apply before you go ahead.

If you’d like, your nurse can also arrange appointments on your behalf — but that’s entirely up to you. Some people prefer us to handle the admin; others prefer to stay in control of their own diary. Either way, we’ll make sure you have everything you need to move forward with confidence.

How quickly can I be seen?

Our navigation team can often arrange diagnostics or consultations within days. For elective surgeries such as cataracts or joint replacements, private access usually reduces waiting times from months to weeks — giving you back time, comfort, and confidence.

Can I choose my own specialist or hospital?

Yes. You’ll have access to the Lateral Hospital Network; over 50 leading private hospitals across the UK which means you can book quickly and easily, knowing that the full cost of your treatment will be covered. If you prefer to use another hospital, we’ll cover up to our agreed amount per procedure. In most cases this will cover the procedure in full, but if not we will help you understand if there will be any shortfall before you decide.

Pre-existing conditions FAQs

What does Lateral consider a pre-existing condition?

When we say ‘pre-existing medical condition’, we mean an illness, injury, condition, symptom or disability that you knew about at the time in the two-year time period before you first buy the Lateral Health Plan.

Do we cover recent pre-existing conditions?

At the outset of your plan, we do not cover any pre-existing conditions that you were aware of during the two-year period preceding the Policy Start Date. By ‘aware’, we mean any symptoms, treatment, medication or advice relevant to this condition in this time period.

Once you have been symptom-free and have not consulted a doctor, taken medication, or sought treatment or advice for that condition for 12 consecutive months from your Policy Start Date, we will then be able to include cover for the original condition.

What happens if my pre-existing condition resurfaces during the first 12 months of my Lateral Health Plan?

That’s ok, these things happen. However, for your pre-existing condition to be covered, we need you to have spent 12 continuous months of cover without symptoms, treatment or advice before we can cover it again. So if you have a flare-up during this period, the 12-month clock effectively resets from the date of last symptom or medical intervention.

It is important to ensure you have continuous coverage for your Lateral Health Plan to reduce the time before any pre-existing condition can be included again.

If I have a pre-existing condition, can I still buy the Lateral Health Plan?

Absolutely. If you have a pre-existing condition, you can still make use of all of the other elements of the Lateral Health Plan, so long as these benefits or treatments are not related to the pre-existing condition.

What if I have osteoarthritis?

If you have been diagnosed with, or are receiving treatment for osteoarthritis, this would be considered a pre-existing condition and would not be covered.

So long as you meet our other acceptance criteria, you could still purchase the Lateral Health Plan and make use of all the benefits and covers.

What if I’m taking statins?

If you’re taking statins to manage your high cholesterol (hypercholesterolaemia), you could join Lateral, so long as you meet our other acceptance criteria. However, your treatment for this or conditions directly related to your cholesterol would not be covered under the Lateral Health Plan. All other aspects of your policy would be covered e.g. needing some physiotherapy following a running injury. If your cholesterol levels were to improve, and you have spent 12 continuous months with Lateral without treatment for or symptoms of your high cholesterol, then this would no longer be considered a pre-existing condition.

Do you cover pre-existing conditions from years ago?

Any older condition that occurred prior to, and has not reoccurred within, the two years before your policy start date, is NOT considered a pre-existing condition and is therefore covered.

For example, a knee injury from seven years ago that has not bothered you since is not considered a pre-existing condition.

When can my pre-existing condition be covered again?

Once you have been symptom free, or have not needed treatment or advice for 12 continuous months of cover, the condition would be allowed under your Lateral Health Plan should you need help for it again.

It is important therefore to ensure your payments are up to date, and you renew on time to make sure your condition becomes eligible as soon as possible.

If I develop a new condition during my plan, is this counted as pre-existing when I renew?

No. Anything that is discovered for the first time after the outset of your Lateral Health Plan is not considered a pre-existing condition at the time you renew.

What if I have high blood pressure?

If you are suffering from high blood pressure (hypertension), this would be considered a pre-existing condition. The management, treatment or related complications of your high blood pressure would not be covered under your Lateral Health Plan.

So long as you meet our other acceptance criteria, you can still receive all other benefits of your Lateral Health Plan. For example, needing an MRI on recent ankle pain.

What if I had a problem 2+ years ago?

Any condition that occurred more than 2 years ago, where you have not had any symptoms or treatment for that condition in the last 2 years, does not count as pre-existing and would be covered under the Lateral Health Plan.

If a symptom of this problem resurfaced within the 2 years before your start date, you would need to wait for a full 12 months of continuous cover, without symptoms, treatment or advice sought, for this condition to be included.