Getting Private Medical Insurance with Pre-Existing Conditions: What You Need to Know

Private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK gives you more control over your healthcare—speedier access to specialists, shorter wait times, and treatment in private hospitals. But what if you already have a medical history? If you’re living with a pre-existing condition, getting the right cover can seem confusing—but it’s absolutely possible.

In this post, we’ll explore how pre-existing conditions affect your options here in the UK, explain the key differences between switching insurers and taking out a new policy, and help you navigate the process more confidently.

What Is a Pre-Existing Condition?

In UK private health insurance, a pre-existing condition is usually defined as any medical issue you've had symptoms of, received advice or treatment for, or been diagnosed with in the last five years. While definitions vary slightly between providers, most insurers follow this standard.

Typical examples include:

• Diabetes

• Asthma

• High blood pressure

• Mental health concerns (e.g. anxiety or depression)

• Musculoskeletal conditions (like back pain or arthritis)

• Previous cancer diagnoses

Even if the condition is well-controlled or hasn't flared up in years, it may still affect how you're underwritten.

The Two Main Routes: Switching vs. Starting a New Policy

When applying for private medical insurance in the UK with a pre-existing condition, your approach matters. There are two main options: switching an existing policy or starting fresh. The right route can significantly impact how your medical history is treated.

1. Switching Providers (CPME – Continued Personal Medical Exclusions)

If you already have private health insurance and want to change insurers—perhaps to reduce your premium or improve benefits—you may be able to switch using CPME underwriting. This allows the new insurer to carry over any accepted exclusions from your previous policy without reassessing your entire medical history.

✅ Pros:

• Often the best way to retain cover for pre-existing conditions.

• No need to fill in detailed medical forms again.

  
  

🚫 Cons:

• Must switch with no gap in cover—even a single day can disqualify a continuation.

• Some insurers won’t accept certain conditions via CPME.

• Any exclusions on your current policy will still apply with the new one.

👉 UK-based insurers such as Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and WPA all offer CPME options—but each has slightly different rules. A broker can help match you with the most suitable one.

2. Starting a New Policy (Full Medical Underwriting or Moratorium)

If you’ve never had private cover—or your old policy lapsed—you’ll likely need to start from scratch.

UK insurers typically offer one of two underwriting options:

a. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)

You provide a detailed medical history upfront, and the insurer confirms which conditions (if any) are excluded.

b. Moratorium Underwriting

No medical history is declared at the start. Instead, any condition you've had in the past five years is excluded automatically, but could be re-included after two years with no symptoms, treatment, or advice.

✅ Pros:

• Quick setup (especially for moratorium policies).

• Some conditions may become eligible again over time.

• Ideal for minor or historic issues.

🚫 Cons:

• Serious or ongoing conditions will likely be excluded indefinitely.

• Less transparency at the start with moratorium underwriting.

👉 Knowing which approach suits your situation can save you time, money, and frustration. UK brokers see how different insurers interpret conditions—and that insight can be a game-changer.

Key Considerations for UK Applicants

Here are a few things to keep in mind when navigating private health insurance with pre-existing conditions in England:

• Honesty is essential: Providing accurate information avoids claim disputes later.

• Policy wording varies by insurer: Each UK provider has its own underwriting philosophy.

• Waiting lists matter: Many people seek private insurance to bypass long NHS wait times—so speed of access should be part of your evaluation.

• Cover for new conditions still adds value: Even if an existing condition is excluded, PMI still protects you from unexpected future issues.

  
  

FAQs: UK Private Health Insurance & Pre-Existing Conditions

Can I get private health insurance in the UK if I have a long-term condition? Yes, but insurers may exclude it. You’ll still have full access to treatment for unrelated future illnesses or injuries.

Will my NHS history affect my application? Yes—insurers often assess your NHS medical records or GP visits as part of underwriting. That’s why consistency between your application and your NHS record is important.

Is switching always better than starting over? Not always—but if your condition is already accepted by your current insurer, switching via CPME may allow you to retain that cover without new exclusions.

Final Thoughts: Why Strategy Matters

Finding private health insurance in the UK with a pre-existing condition isn’t always straightforward—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you're switching providers or starting a new policy, the right strategy can make all the difference.

That’s where working with a broker quietly shines. We understand the nuances between UK insurers, how they view specific conditions, and how to structure your application for the best chance of fair, lasting cover.

If you want to explore your options—without pressure, confusing jargon, or hours spent comparing quotes online— We're here to help.