--- title: Chronic Conditions Explained | Morehealth Limited description: Dive into chronic conditions & their impact on health insurance in the UK. Essential guidance for policy choices and coverage. Stay informed. --- - [0800 028 5540](tel:08000285540) - [info@more-health.co.uk](mailto:info@more-health.co.uk) [![logo-morehealth-1](https://www.more-health.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/logo-morehealth-1.webp?width=222&height=70&name=logo-morehealth-1.webp "logo-morehealth-1")](https://www.more-health.co.uk/) [![logo-morehealth-1](https://www.more-health.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/logo-morehealth-1.webp?width=159&height=50&name=logo-morehealth-1.webp "logo-morehealth-1")](https://www.more-health.co.uk/) - [Home](https://www.more-health.co.uk) - Health Insurance - [Individual Health Insurance](https://www.more-health.co.uk/individual-health-insurance) - [New Policy](https://www.more-health.co.uk/new-private-health-insurance) - [Review or Switch Policy](https://www.more-health.co.uk/review-or-switch-existing-policy) - [Business Health Insurance](https://www.more-health.co.uk/business-health-insurance) - [Health Insurance Providers](https://www.more-health.co.uk/health-insurance-providers) - [About Us](https://www.more-health.co.uk/about) - Advice - [NHS Waiting Times](https://www.more-health.co.uk/nhs-waiting-times) - [Health Insurance Options](https://www.more-health.co.uk/health-insurance-product-options) - [Cancer Cover](https://www.more-health.co.uk/cancer-cover-compared) - [Underwriting](https://www.more-health.co.uk/health-insurance-underwriting) - [Chronic Conditions](https://www.more-health.co.uk/chronic-conditions-explained) - [Health Insurance Costs](https://www.more-health.co.uk/how-much-does-private-medical-insurance-cost) - Resources - [Find Private Hospitals](https://www.more-health.co.uk/find-a-hospital-near-me) - [Health Insurance Guides](https://www.more-health.co.uk/health-insurance-guides) - [Health Insurance FAQ's](https://www.more-health.co.uk/health-insurance-faqs) - [Blog](https://www.more-health.co.uk/blog) - [Glossary](https://www.more-health.co.uk/glossary) [Contact Us](https://www.more-health.co.uk/contact-us) [Request A Quote](https://www.more-health.co.uk/get-a-quote) [Contact Us](https://www.more-health.co.uk/contact-us) [Request A Quote](https://www.more-health.co.uk/get-a-quote) More results - [Home](https://www.more-health.co.uk) - Health Insurance - [Individual Health Insurance](https://www.more-health.co.uk/individual-health-insurance) - [New Policy](https://www.more-health.co.uk/new-private-health-insurance) - [Review or Switch Policy](https://www.more-health.co.uk/review-or-switch-existing-policy) - [Business Health Insurance](https://www.more-health.co.uk/business-health-insurance) - [Health Insurance Providers](https://www.more-health.co.uk/health-insurance-providers) - [About Us](https://www.more-health.co.uk/about) - Advice - [NHS Waiting Times](https://www.more-health.co.uk/nhs-waiting-times) - [Health Insurance Options](https://www.more-health.co.uk/health-insurance-product-options) - [Cancer Cover](https://www.more-health.co.uk/cancer-cover-compared) - [Underwriting](https://www.more-health.co.uk/health-insurance-underwriting) - [Chronic Conditions](https://www.more-health.co.uk/chronic-conditions-explained) - [Health Insurance Costs](https://www.more-health.co.uk/how-much-does-private-medical-insurance-cost) - Resources - [Find Private Hospitals](https://www.more-health.co.uk/find-a-hospital-near-me) - [Health Insurance Guides](https://www.more-health.co.uk/health-insurance-guides) - [Health Insurance FAQ's](https://www.more-health.co.uk/health-insurance-faqs) - [Blog](https://www.more-health.co.uk/blog) - [Glossary](https://www.more-health.co.uk/glossary) - [0800 028 5540](tel:08000285540) - [info@more-health.co.uk](mailto:info@more-health.co.uk) [Contact Us](https://www.more-health.co.uk/contact-us)[Request A Quote](https://www.more-health.co.uk/get-a-quote) # Chronic Conditions Explained [Contact Us](https://cta-eu1.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/click?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLg3kaLLooMHvFDAkO5urVT70R4TohgH30tnVOoHKul%2FSkf6x9lo0nvks69gDF4zpxaG29v8dZYaNfMtJ71hegJgACU0sTAiYFsZzQr6T0jHLkl7KiWJ0SpuU9Zdsbu7DSw7RTQiO24ZmbTGYjG06CRx6NvTsMOwcOwYzxMQ76jwgDIOL7r5DhRpPuRsGQJIg%3D%3D&portalId=147592284) ![chronic-conditions-explained-quote](https://www.more-health.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/chronic-conditions-explained-quote.webp?width=901&height=456&name=chronic-conditions-explained-quote.webp) - ### FCA Regulated - ### Independent Broker - ### 15+ Years Experience - ### UK-Based Advisers - ### FCA Regulated - ### Independent Broker - ### 15+ Years Experience - ### UK-Based Advisers ![6](https://www.more-health.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/6.webp?width=1563&height=1094&name=6.webp) ## What Health Insurance Covers and What It Does Not Health insurance covers many illnesses, they are summarised as curable, acute conditions. The most common conditions covered include cancer, heart problems, musculoskeletal issues, such as joint replacements and injury, and mental health issues. Private health insurance is not designed to cover chronic conditions, whether your symptoms started before or after taking out a policy. However, there are some elements of chronic conditions you will be covered for such as initial diagnosis or an acute flare up. Due to the ongoing nature of most chronic conditions, insurers do not cover the routine monitoring and maintenance required to control them. If insurers were to cover all aspects of a chronic condition the premium you would pay would be far higher. ## What are chronic conditions? A chronic condition is a disease, illness or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: - Long-term monitoring is needed - Ongoing or long-term control or relief of symptoms is required - Rehabilitation is needed - No known cure exists, or the condition is likely to return When there is no cure, chronic conditions can only be managed with drugs or other treatments to help prevent a flare-up or worsening of symptoms. ### How Chronic Conditions Are Managed Treatment for chronic conditions is focused on helping the patient learn how to live with the illness, rather than curing it. This type of treatment is usually provided through a 📋 long-term rehabilitation programme with no specified end date. Because chronic conditions are incurable, they often need to be monitored through: - Regular check-ups - Diagnostic tests - Ongoing medication or treatment ### What Health Insurance Usually Does Not Cover It is these regular check-ups, diagnostics, and ongoing medication that are typically not covered by a health insurance policy. **Cancer and Chronic Conditions** Although cancer can in many ways fall into the category of a chronic condition, most insurers now cover every stage of the cancer journey. It is therefore not usually classed under the general exclusion for chronic conditions within the policy. **Common Examples of Chronic Conditions** The most common chronic conditions include: - Diabetes - Hypertension - COPD - Arthritis - Asthma - Atrial fibrillation [Free Health Insurance Check](https://cta-eu1.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/click?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIkiGv5e1ajjS8u2KDFlfCVKogA3Hy1FyPZnAlM%2FBGEpv6mWPzzQnmRtOU%2B5rGw5fJdT6jd9YaGJ1YcvXIj9p24t94540egmU7UbZnO%2BL8Q5n586Zj4WKp8BTMuXB7HWAL7CWTtr91Rf1%2BguPwuhmOZKa65QLDf7NyzZVFAC2R9uMBHMxBmR%2B6P%2FLhCrgveozwL5epl4SDgrsKvzFQIOktU&portalId=147592284) ## What aspects of chronic conditions are covered? Even though they are not covered in full by most health insurance companies, there are still elements of chronic conditions that can be covered.  Even though they are not covered in full by most health insurance companies, there are still elements of chronic conditions that can be covered. The initial diagnosis of a chronic condition will always be covered by a policy subject to the underwriting and provided it is not an excluded condition already.  The initial diagnosis of a chronic condition will always be covered by a policy subject to the underwriting and provided it is not an excluded condition already. Once a chronic condition has been diagnosed the insurer will cover the cost of treatment that attempts to cure the condition. Once these treatments have been exhausted the treatment would then be classed as ‘maintenance’ and therefore not covered by a health insurance policy.  Once a chronic condition has been diagnosed the insurer will cover the cost of treatment that attempts to cure the condition. Once these treatments have been exhausted the treatment would then be classed as ‘maintenance’ and therefore not covered by a health insurance policy.  Another situation where an insurer will pay for the treatment of a chronic condition is if a new treatment becomes available. If the new treatment is aimed at curing the condition, then most insurers will pay for it, however once it is clear a cure is unlikely the cover will be removed.  Another situation where an insurer will pay for the treatment of a chronic condition is if a new treatment becomes available. If the new treatment is aimed at curing the condition, then most insurers will pay for it, however once it is clear a cure is unlikely the cover will be removed. Acute flare-ups of a chronic condition are covered. If a long-term condition gets worse, it may be considered as an acute fare-up. This is when there is a sudden and unexpected deterioration of the condition or its symptoms which can be modified by a short course of treatment. Most insurers cover the treatment of an acute fare-up when the condition is likely to respond quickly. The aim is to restore you to the state of health immediately before suffering the acute fare-up.  Acute flare-ups of a chronic condition are covered. If a long-term condition gets worse, it may be considered as an acute fare-up. This is when there is a sudden and unexpected deterioration of the condition or its symptoms which can be modified by a short course of treatment. Most insurers cover the treatment of an acute fare-up when the condition is likely to respond quickly. The aim is to restore you to the state of health immediately before suffering the acute fare-up. If urgent medical attention is needed to help stabilise or treat a fare-up, access should be by the NHS emergency services in the normal way, as your health insurance, in most cases, does not cover emergency treatment. However, when the condition has been stabilised and the consultant has agreed that you are well enough, you may be able to transfer to private care if you need planned treatment.  Once an acute flare up has been controlled the insurer will not cover the ongoing treatment and management of the condition.  If urgent medical attention is needed to help stabilise or treat a fare-up, access should be by the NHS emergency services in the normal way, as your health insurance, in most cases, does not cover emergency treatment. However, when the condition has been stabilised and the consultant has agreed that you are well enough, you may be able to transfer to private care if you need planned treatment. Once an acute flare up has been controlled the insurer will not cover the ongoing treatment and management of the condition. ## Switching your policy with a chronic condition All insurers have different criteria when it comes to switching your policy and some insurers have a list of chronic conditions that do not need to be disclosed. This does not mean that they will cover the ongoing monitoring and maintenance, but acute phases would be covered without an exclusion being applied when you transfer your policy. Examples of chronic conditions that do not need to be disclosed to some insurers are, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, an underactive thyroid, stable type 2 diabetes, stable benign prostate disease, carpal tunnel syndrome and acid reflux. Some of these conditions would need to meet further criteria in terms of how they are managed and how long they have been stable. As there are many options and different criteria when it comes to chronic conditions, using [Morehealth](https://www.more-health.co.uk/about-us) to manage the switch process for you is invaluable, it saves you time and hassle. We understand the complexities of underwriting and will guide you through the process, whilst making you fully aware of what will and will not be covered before you switch insurers. [Contact Us](https://cta-eu1.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/click?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLg3kaLLooMHvFDAkO5urVT70R4TohgH30tnVOoHKul%2FSkf6x9lo0nvks69gDF4zpxaG29v8dZYaNfMtJ71hegJgACU0sTAiYFsZzQr6T0jHLkl7KiWJ0SpuU9Zdsbu7DSw7RTQiO24ZmbTGYjG06CRx6NvTsMOwcOwYzxMQ76jwgDIOL7r5DhRpPuRsGQJIg%3D%3D&portalId=147592284) ## We Compare Leading UK Providers  We work with all major health insurance providers to find your perfect match  ![10 (1)](https://www.more-health.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/10%20(1).webp?width=120&height=75&name=10%20(1).webp) ![Vitality](https://www.more-health.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/9%20(1).webp?width=120&height=75&name=9%20(1).webp) ![Aviva](https://www.more-health.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/8%20(1).webp?width=120&height=75&name=8%20(1).webp) ![The Exeter](https://www.more-health.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/13.webp?width=120&height=75&name=13.webp) ![WPA](https://www.more-health.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/12%20(1).webp?width=120&height=75&name=12%20(1).webp) ![National Friendly](https://www.more-health.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/14.webp?width=120&height=75&name=14.webp) ![AXA](https://www.more-health.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/11%20(1).webp?width=120&height=75&name=11%20(1).webp) Stop paying too much for health insurance ## Check If You Could Save Already have health insurance? We’ll review your current policy and help you understand whether it’s still right for you. **Request a Free Health Insurance Check** ## Frequently Asked Questions   Are there top health insurance plans for chronic illnesses? Not in the sense of a plan that pays for ongoing care. Standard UK private medical insurance is designed for acute conditions, and the long-term management of a chronic condition is generally not covered by any insurer. What differs between policies is how they handle diagnosis, flare-ups, underwriting and related conditions such as cancer. So when people search for the top health insurance plans for chronic illnesses, the more useful question is which policy works best around their condition. That usually comes down to a few practical differences: - How Each Insurer Treats Your Condition Under Its Underwriting Terms - Whether Stable Conditions Need To Be Declared When Switching - The Strength Of Cancer Cover, Which Most Insurers Treat Differently From Other Long-Term Conditions - Outpatient Limits For Diagnosing New Symptoms Quickly - Optional Benefits Such As Mental Health Cover And Therapies Because these terms vary, the right choice depends on your condition, how stable it is and whether you’re buying for the first time or switching. We compare the leading UK insurers and explain honestly where cover would and wouldn’t apply, so you’re not paying for something you can’t use. Can I get health insurance if I already have a chronic condition? Yes. Having a chronic condition doesn’t stop you taking out private medical insurance, but that condition, and often related conditions, will normally be excluded. You can still be covered for new, unrelated acute conditions that start after your policy begins, within your policy’s terms and limits. How the existing condition is handled depends on your underwriting. With full medical underwriting, you declare it on a health questionnaire and the insurer confirms the exclusion at the start. With moratorium underwriting, a condition you’ve had symptoms, treatment or advice for in the 5 years before your policy starts is not covered for the first 2 years. It only becomes eligible if you then go 2 continuous years free of symptoms, treatment and advice. A condition that needs regular medication or monitoring is very unlikely to meet that test. As an illustrative example, someone with well-managed asthma could still be covered for a new knee injury or a hernia, while their asthma care would continue through the NHS. Our guide to[health insurance underwriting](https://www.more-health.co.uk/health-insurance-underwriting) explains each option in more detail.   What happens if I develop a chronic condition after my policy starts? Your policy will usually cover the initial diagnosis, such as consultations and tests, subject to your underwriting and the condition not already being excluded. Treatment aimed at a cure may also be covered. Once the condition is judged chronic and needs ongoing management rather than a cure, that ongoing care is not covered. In practice, this means private medical insurance can help you find out what’s wrong quickly, which many people value most. After that, routine monitoring and long-term medication would normally continue through your GP and the NHS. Generally, chronic conditions are not covered. Some policies may cover the initial diagnosis and treatment of a flare-up, but ongoing management of a chronic condition is not covered. A flare-up is a sudden, unexpected worsening that’s likely to respond quickly to a short course of treatment. Emergencies are different. Most policies don’t cover emergency treatment, so urgent care is normally through NHS emergency services. Once you’re stable, and if a consultant agrees, you may be able to move to private care for planned treatment. Always contact your insurer before arranging private treatment so they can confirm what’s covered.   Is cancer treated as a chronic condition by health insurers? Usually not. Although some cancers need long-term treatment, most insurers cover cancer through its different stages rather than applying the general chronic condition exclusion. Cancer cover still varies between policies, so it’s important to compare benefit limits, drug access and any restrictions before choosing a plan. This is one of the main reasons people with other long-term conditions still take out private medical insurance. The level of cancer cover can make a significant difference to which policy suits you best. When comparing cancer cover, it’s worth checking: - Whether Cover Is Full Or Capped At A Set Amount - Access To Cancer Drugs Not Routinely Available On The NHS - Whether Treatment At Home Is Included - How Ongoing Monitoring After Treatment Is Handled A previous cancer diagnosis is treated as a pre-existing condition under your underwriting, like any other medical history. You can read more in our guide to[cancer cover compared](https://www.more-health.co.uk/cancer-cover-compared).   What are the underwriting requirements for chronic conditions? It depends on the underwriting method. Full medical underwriting asks you to declare chronic conditions upfront so the insurer can apply exclusions. Moratorium underwriting doesn’t ask questions at the start but excludes recent conditions. When switching, continued personal medical exclusions (CPME) carries existing exclusions across to the new insurer. Whichever method you choose, accurate information matters. Under the[Consumer Insurance (Disclosure and Representations) Act 2012](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2012/6/section/2), consumers must take reasonable care not to misrepresent information when answering an insurer’s questions. A careless answer could affect a future claim. Business schemes can be different. Larger schemes, usually around 20 insured employees or more depending on the insurer, may qualify for medical history disregarded underwriting, which covers pre-existing conditions without health questionnaires. Even then, the ongoing management of a chronic condition is still not covered, because that’s a limit of private medical insurance itself rather than of the underwriting. If you’re unsure how to describe a condition on an application, speak to us first. We can explain what an insurer is likely to ask, although we can’t make medical judgements on your behalf. Can I switch insurers if I have a stable chronic condition? Often, yes. Insurers set their own switching criteria, and some don’t require you to declare certain stable, well-managed conditions when switching. These can include hypertension, high cholesterol, an underactive thyroid and stable type 2 diabetes, provided they meet the insurer’s criteria for how they’re managed and how long they’ve been stable. Where a condition doesn’t need to be declared, acute phases of it can be covered after the transfer without a new exclusion. Ongoing monitoring of the condition is still not covered. Criteria vary considerably between insurers, so assumptions can’t be made. Insurers typically look for no consultations in the last 12 months, no ongoing symptoms or treatment and nothing planned, alongside their own lists of conditions that don’t need declaring. That’s why we check each insurer’s criteria against your history before you cancel any existing cover, so you understand what will and won’t be covered after a switch. You can find out more about how we[review or switch an existing policy](https://www.more-health.co.uk/review-or-switch-existing-policy). How can I manage the ongoing costs of a chronic condition? Private medical insurance won’t pay for routine check-ups, monitoring tests or long-term medication for a chronic condition, so these normally stay with the NHS. In England, some people qualify for free prescriptions, and others may save money with a prescription prepayment certificate. Rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In England, people with certain medical conditions can apply for a medical exemption certificate, which gives free NHS prescriptions. If you pay for regular prescriptions, a prescription prepayment certificate may reduce the cost. The[NHS Business Services Authority](https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/free-nhs-prescriptions) explains who qualifies and how to apply. Some people also look at a health cash plan. This is a separate type of product that pays back a set amount towards everyday costs such as dental, optical or physiotherapy, and some cash plans accept existing conditions. It isn’t a substitute for private medical insurance, and the benefits are usually capped at modest amounts, so check the terms carefully. Is private health insurance worth it if I have a chronic illness? It can be, but it depends on what you want it to do. Private medical insurance won’t replace NHS care for your existing condition, but it can provide faster diagnosis and treatment for new acute conditions, and cancer cover. If your main concern is ongoing care for your existing condition, it may not be the right fit. It’s worth thinking about what would worry you most. For many people, it’s the wait for diagnosis or surgery if something new develops, and current[NHS waiting times](https://www.more-health.co.uk/nhs-waiting-times) are a key reason people consider private cover. We’ll be honest if a policy isn’t likely to give you good value for your circumstances. Our advice is free, and Morehealth Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), firm reference number 815733. If it would help to talk it through, you can[request a health insurance quote](https://www.more-health.co.uk/get-a-quote) or call us, and there’s no obligation to proceed. #### [![logo-morehealth-1](https://www.more-health.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-morehealth-1.png?width=444&height=140&name=logo-morehealth-1.png)](https://www.more-health.co.uk/) Independent health insurance advisers helping you find the right cover with expert guidance. 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