--- title: Private Health Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions description: Private health insurance with pre-existing conditions explained. Morehealth compares UK insurers and explains how your medical history is likely to be treated. --- - [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) # **Private health insurance with pre-existing conditions** Having a medical history does not stop you getting private health insurance. It does affect what your policy will cover, how your application is assessed and which insurer may suit you best. Getting these details right before your cover starts can make a real difference when you come to claim. Morehealth is an independent, FCA regulated health insurance broker, and helping people with complex medical histories is a core part of what we do. We compare leading UK insurers, explain how your conditions are likely to be treated and help you choose cover with confidence. Our advice is free to you. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, and this is not added to your premium. [Request a quote](https://www.more-health.co.uk/get-a-quote) ![Medical History Health Insurance Guide](https://www.more-health.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/Medical%20History%20Health%20Insurance%20Guide.png?width=1727&height=911&name=Medical%20History%20Health%20Insurance%20Guide.png) - ### FCA Regulated - ### Independent Broker - ### 15+ Years Experience - ### UK-Based Advisers - ### FCA Regulated - ### Independent Broker - ### 15+ Years Experience - ### UK-Based Advisers ![Complex Health Insurance Documentation Layout](https://www.more-health.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/Complex%20Health%20Insurance%20Documentation%20Layout.png?width=1693&height=929&name=Complex%20Health%20Insurance%20Documentation%20Layout.png) ## **How pre-existing conditions affect your cover** Most UK private health insurance is designed to cover acute conditions that begin after your policy starts. A pre-existing condition is usually anything you have had symptoms, advice, diagnostic tests or treatment for before your cover begins, whether or not it was ever diagnosed. Those conditions are normally excluded, at least at first. New and unrelated conditions can still be covered from the start. How your history is treated over time depends on the[underwriting method](https://www.more-health.co.uk/health-insurance-underwriting) you choose, which is why it is one of the most important decisions you will make. ## How Morehealth helps when you have a medical history Every insurer applies its own rules, and the same condition can be treated differently from one provider to the next. We compare[leading UK health insurance providers](https://www.more-health.co.uk/health-insurance-providers), including Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, WPA, The Exeter and National Friendly. Our support includes: - Explaining Underwriting Options In Plain English - Comparing How Different Insurers Treat Your Conditions - Guiding You Through Health Questionnaires And Applications - Checking Whether Your Current Terms Can Be Protected When You Switch - Ongoing Support At Renewal And When You Claim Before your policy begins, we make sure you understand what will and will not be covered, so there are no surprises later. ## Arranging cover for the first time If you are taking out a[new private health insurance policy](https://www.more-health.co.uk/new-private-health-insurance), we talk through your medical history in a friendly first conversation and explain which underwriting method is likely to suit you. We also explain what information insurers may request, so the application feels straightforward. ## Already insured? Protect your position when you switch If you already have a policy, switching insurer does not have to mean starting again. In many cases your existing underwriting can be carried across, so conditions that are covered today stay covered. Some insurers also have a list of stable conditions that do not need to be disclosed when you transfer. We check each insurer's criteria before you move, so you know what is realistic. Find out how we[review or switch an existing policy](https://www.more-health.co.uk/review-or-switch-existing-policy). ## **Why choose Morehealth** - FCA Regulated (FCA Number 815733) - Independent Broker Comparing Leading UK Insurers - More Than 15 Years Of Experience - UK Based Advisers - Member Of The Association Of Medical Insurance Intermediaries (AMII) - Help With Complex Medical Histories Speak to a friendly adviser on 0800 028 5540, message us on WhatsApp or[contact us](https://www.more-health.co.uk/contact-us) online. There is no pressure to proceed. ## 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   Does private health insurance cover pre-existing conditions? Usually not straight away. Most UK private health insurance excludes pre-existing conditions when your policy starts, but it still covers new, unrelated acute conditions from the start. Depending on your underwriting, some past conditions may become eligible for cover later, once you have been free of symptoms, advice and treatment for long enough. On a moratorium policy, anything you have had symptoms, advice, diagnostic tests or treatment for in the 5 years before your policy starts is not covered for the first 2 years. It may then be covered if you go 2 consecutive years free of symptoms, advice and treatment for that condition. With full medical underwriting, declared conditions are usually excluded from the outset. Your NHS entitlement does not change. You can still use the NHS for emergency care and the ongoing management of chronic conditions. If you need urgent treatment, you would use NHS emergency services in the normal way, and once you are stable you may be able to move to private care for planned treatment of an eligible condition. Our guide to[chronic conditions](https://www.more-health.co.uk/chronic-conditions-explained) explains this in more detail. What counts as a pre-existing condition for private health insurance? A pre-existing condition is any illness, injury or symptom you have had before your policy starts. Under moratorium underwriting, insurers look back over the 5 years before cover begins and include anything you had symptoms, advice, diagnostic tests or treatment for, even if it was never formally diagnosed. Common examples include back or joint pain, sports injuries, high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, anxiety, depression and migraines. A single episode, such as a previous fracture, can count too. Symptoms you are currently being investigated for, or test results you are waiting for, are usually treated as pre-existing. Insurers may also exclude conditions related to an excluded condition, so the wording of any exclusion matters. If you are not sure what might count, it helps to note anything you have seen a GP or consultant about in recent years before you speak to us. Our[health insurance glossary](https://www.more-health.co.uk/glossary) explains the terms insurers use. Is moratorium or full medical underwriting better for pre-existing conditions? It depends on your history. Moratorium underwriting can suit conditions that are in the past and unlikely to need further treatment, as they may become covered after 2 clear years. Full medical underwriting suits people who want certainty, because any exclusions are confirmed before the policy starts. With a moratorium, you do not disclose your medical history when you apply. The insurer requests information from your GP or consultant at the point of claim. This makes the policy quicker to set up, but you may not know exactly what is covered until you claim. If you will always need advice, medication or treatment for a condition, a moratorium is unlikely ever to cover it. With full medical underwriting, you complete a health questionnaire and the insurer may contact your GP or consultant. Exclusions are written into the policy from the start. Some can be removed in future subject to the insurer's criteria, although you would need to provide evidence, at your own expense, that the condition has resolved. Claims can also be quicker, as your history has already been assessed. We talk through your history and explain which method suits you when arranging[individual health insurance](https://www.more-health.co.uk/individual-health-insurance). Is there any private health insurance that covers pre-existing conditions? Yes, in some situations. Medical history disregarded underwriting covers pre-existing conditions with no medical questionnaire, but it is usually only available through business health insurance. If you already have cover, switching on continued personal medical exclusions terms can keep conditions that are currently covered under your existing policy. Each insurer sets its own minimum group size for medical history disregarded terms, but it is usually around 20 insured employees. General exclusions, such as the ongoing management of chronic conditions, usually still apply. If you are leaving an employer scheme that covers you on a medical history disregarded basis, insurers can accept this underwriting when you move to an individual policy, subject to their criteria. It is best to speak to us before your workplace cover ends. In some cases carrying over this underwriting may not be necessary, and choosing a different option could lower your premium. Companies insuring several employees can find out more about[business health insurance](https://www.more-health.co.uk/business-health-insurance). Can I switch insurer without losing cover for my pre-existing conditions? Often, yes. Continued personal medical exclusions lets you carry your current underwriting to a new insurer, so existing exclusions stay the same and conditions that are covered today remain covered. If your policy is on a moratorium basis, a continued moratorium can keep your original start date instead of starting again. Each insurer has its own criteria for accepting a switch. These typically include no consultations in the past 12 months, no ongoing symptoms or treatment and nothing planned. For continued personal medical exclusions, you usually disclose your medical history for the 12 months before the new policy starts, and you may be asked about specific conditions such as cancer, heart problems and joint issues. With a continued moratorium, if you switch 1 year after your original moratorium began, you only need to be free of symptoms, advice and treatment for 1 further year rather than 2. Continued personal medical exclusions can be slightly more expensive than other underwriting. It is best to start a few weeks before your renewal date. Request a[free health insurance check](https://www.more-health.co.uk/free-financial-health-check) and we will compare your options. Can I get private health insurance with a chronic condition like diabetes or high blood pressure? Yes. A chronic condition will not stop you taking out a policy, but its ongoing management, such as routine check-ups, monitoring and repeat medication, is not covered. Your policy can still cover new, unrelated acute conditions, and some policies cover the initial diagnosis of a condition and treatment of an acute flare-up. A chronic condition is one that needs long-term monitoring or control of symptoms, has no known cure or is likely to return. Common examples include diabetes, hypertension, COPD, arthritis, asthma and atrial fibrillation. An acute flare-up is a sudden, unexpected worsening that is likely to respond quickly to a short course of treatment. When you switch insurer, some insurers do not require you to disclose certain stable conditions, such as hypertension, an underactive thyroid or stable type 2 diabetes, subject to further criteria. Acute phases can then be covered without an exclusion, although routine maintenance is still not covered. Cancer is treated differently. Most insurers now cover every stage of cancer treatment for cancers that begin after cover starts, so it is not usually classed under the chronic exclusion. Read our[cancer cover comparison](https://www.more-health.co.uk/cancer-cover-compared) for more detail. What happens if I do not declare a pre-existing condition? If you leave out a relevant condition, your insurer could refuse a claim, change your policy terms or cancel your cover. Under the Consumer Insurance (Disclosure and Representations) Act 2012, you must take reasonable care to answer the insurer's questions accurately, so it is always better to disclose if you are unsure. On a moratorium policy, you are not asked for your history when you apply. When you claim, the insurer will request information from your GP or consultant to check whether the condition existed in the 5 years before your policy started. With full medical underwriting, and when switching on continued personal medical exclusions, you answer questions about your health as part of your application. Those answers form the basis of your cover. Some conditions do not need to be disclosed to some insurers, but every insurer treats medical history differently, so assumptions cannot be made. We guide you through each application, so you understand what is being asked and can answer with confidence. Does a pre-existing condition make private health insurance more expensive? Not usually directly. Insurers tend to exclude a pre-existing condition rather than charge more for it, and premiums are mainly based on factors such as your age, where you live, your hospital list, excess and level of cover. The underwriting method you choose can affect the price, however. Moratorium and full medical underwriting usually come with lower premiums than other underwriting methods. Continued personal medical exclusions can be slightly more expensive, and medical history disregarded underwriting is a more costly option. The right choice is a balance between price and certainty about what is covered. If budget is a concern, adjusting your excess, hospital list or outpatient limit can also help to manage the cost. Our guide to[how much private medical insurance costs](https://www.more-health.co.uk/how-much-does-private-medical-insurance-cost) explains the main factors in more detail. Which insurer is best for private health insurance with pre-existing conditions? There is no single best insurer, because each provider has its own underwriting rules and switching criteria. One insurer may accept a condition without exclusion when you transfer, while another may not. As an independent broker, Morehealth compares how leading UK insurers would treat your history before you decide. People often ask whether they can join Bupa or another named insurer with a pre-existing condition. In most cases you can apply to any major insurer, including Bupa, AXA, Aviva and Vitality. The difference lies in how each one applies its underwriting, which conditions it asks about and what it accepts when you switch. Our advice is free, we are paid by the insurer you choose, and our commission is not added to your premium. As a small, UK based team, we offer a personal service from your first conversation through to renewal and claims. You can call us on 0800 028 5540 or message us on WhatsApp. Our advisers are available Monday to Thursday, 9am to 6:30pm, and Friday, 9am to 5pm. Find out more[about Morehealth](https://www.more-health.co.uk/about). #### [![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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