In UK health Insurance, a Pre-Existing Conditions refers to any illness, injury, or medical issue you had before your policy began.
Common examples include:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Asthma
- Chronic back pain
- Depression or anxiety
Insurance providers use this information to decide what cover they can offer, how much it will cost, and whether certain conditions will be excluded.
How UK Insurers Handle Pre-Existing Conditions
When applying for health Insurance, insurers typically take one of these approaches:
1. Complete Exclusion
They’ll insure you for everything except the pre-existing condition.
2. Moratorium Cover
The insurer won’t cover your condition for a set period (usually 2 years). If you remain symptom-free, coverage may begin after that time.
3. Full Medical Underwriting
They review your entire medical history and decide case-by-case which conditions to include or exclude.
Table of Contents
Types of Health Insurance Policies for Pre-Existing Conditions
Individual Health Cover
Personal plans may exclude your condition but still protect you for new illnesses or injuries.
Group or Employer Schemes
Some workplace health policies automatically include pre-existing conditions without extra costs.
Specialist Providers
Certain insurers focus on high-risk or chronic illness cover, often at a higher premium.
Benefits of Having Health Insurance Even with Exclusions
Even if your pre-existing condition isn’t covered, you still benefit from:
Faster diagnosis and treatment for new health problems.
Access to private hospitals and consultants.
Shorter waiting times compared to the NHS.
Optional add-ons like dental or optical cover.
Cost Factors for Health Insurance with Pre-Existing Conditions
- Premiums can be affected by:
- Age and general health
- The severity of your condition
- Your chosen cover level and add-ons
- Payment frequency (monthly or annually)
Tips for Getting the Best Deal
1. Compare Quotes – Use UK comparison sites and brokers who specialise in complex cases.
2. Consider a Moratorium – If your condition is well-managed, this could mean future coverage.
3. Be Transparent – Always disclose your full medical history to avoid claims being rejected.
4. Look at Group Schemes – Employer health plans can be more inclusive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I get health insurance with a chronic illness?
Yes, but coverage for the illness may be excluded, or you might have to serve a waiting period.
2. What is the difference between ‘pre-existing illness’ and ‘pre-existing condition’?
They mean the same thing — a health issue that existed before your policy began.
3. Will my insurer cover medication for a pre-existing condition?
Usually no, unless your policy specifically includes it.
4. How long is the moratorium period?
Typically two years in the UK, though it can vary by provider.
5. Are mental health conditions covered?
Many insurers now offer mental health cover, but pre-existing mental health issues may have exclusions.
6. Is private health insurance worth it if I have NHS access?
Yes, for faster treatment, greater choice of specialists, and more comfort during care.