Losing Company Health Insurance: Personal Cover Guide

Secure a seamless transition from company health insurance to personal cover, ensuring you port all your valuable benefits.

Losing Your Company Health Insurance: Your Essential Guide to Seamless Personal Cover & Porting Benefits

For many professionals across the UK, private medical insurance (PMI) is a valued perk, often provided as part of an employee benefits package. It offers the reassurance of swift access to medical consultations, diagnostic tests, and treatment in private hospitals, bypassing the often-lengthy waiting lists that can plague the National Health Service (NHS). Indeed, according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), group private medical insurance covers approximately 78% of the total number of individuals with PMI policies in the UK, highlighting its widespread presence in the corporate landscape.

However, job changes, redundancy, or even a company's strategic decision to scale back benefits can abruptly sever this vital link to private healthcare. The sudden realisation that you're losing your company-provided health insurance can be unsettling, even alarming. It triggers immediate concerns: How will I access private care if I need it? What happens to ongoing conditions? Can I continue my cover?

This comprehensive guide is designed to navigate you through precisely this challenge. We'll demystify the process of transitioning from company-provided PMI to personal cover, explore the crucial concept of "porting" benefits, and equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your future healthcare provision in the UK. Our aim is to provide an authoritative, helpful, and ultimately reassuring resource that ensures your journey to seamless personal health cover is as smooth as possible.

Understanding the Shift: Why Personal PMI Differs from Group Schemes

While the core benefit – access to private healthcare – remains the same, there are fundamental differences between a group private medical insurance policy and an individual one. Understanding these distinctions is the first step towards a successful transition.

Group PMI: Collective Strength

Company health insurance, often known as group PMI, is typically purchased by an employer for a collective group of employees. These policies benefit from the principle of "pooled risk," where the insurer is covering a large number of individuals. This often translates into:

• Lower Per-Person Premiums: Because the risk is spread across many employees, the individual cost can be significantly lower than what you'd pay for an equivalent personal policy.
• Broader Cover & Simpler Underwriting: Many group policies, especially those for larger companies, come with "Medical History Disregarded" (MHD) underwriting. This means that, for the purposes of the group policy, your past medical conditions (pre-existing conditions) are often covered from day one, subject to the policy's general exclusions. This is a crucial distinction we'll elaborate on later.
• Convenience: The employer manages the policy, payments, and often the initial claim process, making it administratively simple for the employee.

Personal PMI: Tailored to You

An individual private medical insurance policy, conversely, is purchased directly by you, for yourself or your family. This means:

• Higher Individual Premiums: Without the benefit of pooled risk, the cost per person is generally higher.
• Personalised Underwriting: Your medical history becomes a central factor in determining what your policy will cover and what it will exclude. This is where the concept of pre-existing conditions becomes paramount.
• Flexibility & Control: You have complete control over the level of cover, the insurer, and the policy terms. You can tailor it precisely to your needs and budget.

The key takeaway here is that while your company's policy may have offered broad coverage with minimal medical scrutiny, your personal policy will be a much more individualised proposition, particularly concerning your health history.

The Critical Concept of "Porting" Your Benefits (Continuation Options)

One of the most vital aspects of transitioning from company health insurance is the concept of "porting" your benefits, or more accurately, taking out a "continuation option" with your existing insurer. This isn't always possible, but when it is, it can be incredibly advantageous.

What is a Continuation Option?

Many UK private medical insurers offer individuals who are leaving a company group scheme the option to transition to a personal policy with them. This is often referred to as a "continuation option" or "transferring to a personal policy."

The main benefit of a continuation option is that your insurer might offer you terms that are more favourable than if you were applying for a brand-new policy with a different insurer. Crucially, this often relates to how your pre-existing conditions are treated.

The Underwriting Advantage of Porting

If your company's group policy was set up on a "Medical History Disregarded" (MHD) basis – which is common for larger groups – and you transition to a personal policy with the same insurer, they may be able to continue covering your medical history without applying new exclusions for pre-existing conditions. This is a significant advantage, as standard personal PMI policies typically exclude pre-existing conditions (more on this below).

However, it's not a guarantee. Some insurers may only allow you to port your underwriting if you move to a personal policy with "Full Medical Underwriting" or "Moratorium" terms, which would then apply their usual rules regarding pre-existing conditions. Always clarify this directly with your current insurer.

Time Sensitivity

Continuation options are almost always time-sensitive. Insurers typically require you to apply for a personal policy within a specific window – often 30 or 60 days – of your group cover ending. Missing this deadline could mean forfeiting any favourable underwriting terms linked to your group policy and needing to apply as a completely new customer.

Key Considerations for Porting:

• Contact Your Current Insurer Immediately: As soon as you know your group cover is ending, contact your current insurer to understand their continuation options. Ask specific questions about how your medical history (especially pre-existing conditions) will be treated under a personal policy.
• Compare Costs: While the underwriting advantage can be significant, the premium for a personal policy might be considerably higher than what your employer was paying. Always get a clear quote.
• Review Cover Levels: The continuation policy might not offer the exact same benefits as your group scheme. Review the proposed cover level to ensure it meets your needs. You might be able to downgrade benefits to reduce cost.

Navigating the Application Process for Personal PMI

Whether you're porting your benefits or starting afresh, the application process for personal PMI requires careful attention to detail.

1. Assess Your Healthcare Needs and Budget

Before you even look at policies, consider what you truly need.

• Past Usage: How often did you use your company health insurance? What for?
• Current Health: Do you have any ongoing conditions? Are you managing chronic issues (remembering the crucial distinction about PMI cover)?
• Future Concerns: Are there any known family health conditions you're particularly worried about?
• Budget: How much can you realistically afford to pay monthly or annually for premiums? Be honest about this, as it will dictate the level of cover you can consider.

2. Gather Your Information

You'll need certain details to get accurate quotes:

• Personal Details: Name, date of birth, address (age and location significantly impact premiums).
• Medical History: Be prepared to disclose details of any past or present medical conditions, consultations, tests, or treatments. Honesty is paramount here; failing to disclose can invalidate your policy later.
• Desired Cover Level: What level of inpatient, outpatient, mental health, or therapy cover are you looking for?

3. Decide How You'll Apply: Directly or via a Broker

You have two main avenues:

• Directly with an Insurer: You can contact individual insurers (e.g., Bupa, Aviva, Vitality, AXA Health) to get quotes. This requires you to do all the research and comparison yourself.
• Through an Independent Broker: A specialist health insurance broker, like WeCovr, works with multiple insurers. We can compare policies across the market, explain the nuances of different plans, advise on underwriting options, and often secure more competitive deals. We understand the market deeply and can help you find a policy that precisely matches your needs and budget, saving you significant time and effort. Our expertise is particularly valuable when navigating the complexities of pre-existing conditions and continuation options.

4. Review Quotes and Understand the Terms

Don't just look at the premium. Dive into the details:

• Excess: The amount you pay towards a claim before the insurer pays out. A higher excess usually means lower premiums.
• Underwriting Type: Moratorium, Full Medical Underwriting, or Medical History Disregarded (if porting). This is critical for pre-existing conditions.
• Benefit Limits: Are there limits on outpatient consultations, therapies, or mental health treatment?
• Hospital Network: Which hospitals can you access? Is your preferred hospital on the list?
• Exclusions: What specifically is not covered? (More on this below).

5. Complete the Application and Disclosure

Once you choose a policy, complete the application form accurately. Any medical questions must be answered truthfully and completely. This forms the basis of your contract with the insurer.

6. Policy Activation

Upon acceptance, your policy will activate, providing you with your private health cover. Make sure you receive and read your policy documents carefully.

Decoding Private Medical Insurance: What's Covered (and What Isn't)

Understanding the scope of your PMI policy is crucial, particularly as you transition from a potentially broad group scheme to a more tailored personal one.

The Core Principle: Acute Conditions

It is absolutely critical to understand that standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover the treatment of acute conditions. An acute condition is generally defined as a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and restore you to your previous state of health.

This means that standard PMI policies do not cover chronic conditions or pre-existing conditions (unless specifically agreed or through a "Medical History Disregarded" group policy that you successfully port).

What is Typically Covered (for Acute Conditions):

• Inpatient Treatment: This is the cornerstone of almost all PMI policies. It covers treatment requiring an overnight stay in a hospital, including accommodation, nursing care, surgeon's fees, anaesthetist's fees, and diagnostic tests (e.g., MRI, CT scans) conducted during an inpatient stay.
• Day-Patient Treatment: Treatment or procedures that require a hospital bed for a few hours but not an overnight stay.
• Outpatient Consultations (Optional Extra): Covers consultations with specialists, diagnostic tests (like blood tests, X-rays, MRI scans) not linked to an inpatient stay, and sometimes physiotherapy or other therapies. This is often an add-on and can have benefit limits.
• Cancer Care: Most comprehensive policies offer extensive cancer cover, including diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and biological therapies. This is a significant benefit often prioritised by policyholders.
• Mental Health (Optional Extra): Cover for inpatient and/or outpatient mental health treatment. The level of cover can vary significantly, from a few sessions of talking therapy to full inpatient psychiatric care. Demand for mental health services is growing, with 2023 NHS data showing record numbers of people accessing mental health services, putting further pressure on public services and increasing the appeal of private options.
• Therapies: Physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic treatment, often after a GP or specialist referral.
• Alternative Therapies: Some policies may offer limited cover for therapies like acupuncture or homoeopathy, usually as an optional extra.

What is Typically Excluded (Non-Negotiable for Standard PMI):

This is the most important section to grasp, especially concerning the critical constraint.

• Chronic Conditions: This is the absolute core exclusion for standard PMI. A chronic condition is defined as a disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics:
  • It continues indefinitely.
  • It has no known cure.
  • It is likely to come back.
  • It requires long-term monitoring, control, or relief of symptoms.
  • It requires rehabilitation.
  • Examples include diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, arthritis (rheumatoid and osteoarthritis), high blood pressure, and many mental health conditions if they are long-standing.
  • Implication: If you have a chronic condition, your PMI will not cover its ongoing management, medication, or recurrent treatment. It might cover an acute flare-up of a chronic condition if that flare-up itself is an acute event, but not the underlying chronic condition.
• Pre-existing Conditions (for new personal policies): A pre-existing condition is generally any illness, injury, or disease for which you have received symptoms, advice, or treatment before the start date of your new policy. With standard personal PMI, these will typically be excluded from cover, either permanently or for an initial period (under moratorium underwriting).
  • Crucial Reminder: The only common exception where pre-existing conditions might be covered is if you successfully port from a "Medical History Disregarded" group scheme to a personal policy with the same insurer, and they agree to continue the MHD terms. This is why inquiring about continuation options with your previous insurer is paramount.
• Emergency Services: Private medical insurance is not a substitute for emergency care. For genuine emergencies (e.g., heart attack, stroke, serious accidents), you should always go to an NHS A&E department.
• Normal Pregnancy and Childbirth: While complications may be covered, routine maternity care is generally excluded.
• Cosmetic Surgery: Unless medically necessary (e.g., reconstructive surgery after an accident).
• Organ Transplants: Typically excluded.
• HIV/AIDS: Generally excluded.
• Substance Abuse: Treatment for drug or alcohol addiction is usually excluded.
• Overseas Treatment: Unless specific international cover is added.
• Experimental/Unproven Treatments: Treatments not approved by mainstream medical bodies or those still in trial phases.

This distinction between acute and chronic, and the treatment of pre-existing conditions, is arguably the most critical piece of information for anyone considering or transitioning to personal PMI. Do not assume your new policy will cover everything your company's did, especially if you have a complex medical history.

The Elephant in the Room: Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions

Given its critical importance, let's dedicate a specific section to pre-existing and chronic conditions, reinforcing the crucial constraint.

Pre-existing Conditions: The Golden Rule

As stated, for standard personal private medical insurance policies in the UK, a pre-existing condition is typically defined as any illness, injury, or disease for which you have experienced symptoms, sought advice, or received treatment before the start date of your new policy.

The golden rule of UK private medical insurance is that new personal policies will almost always exclude cover for pre-existing conditions.

This exclusion can be applied in one of two main ways, depending on the underwriting method chosen (which we will detail next). It means that if you had back pain a year ago, for which you saw a physio, your new policy will likely not cover any future treatment for that back pain.

Chronic Conditions: Beyond the Scope of Standard PMI

Equally important is the exclusion of chronic conditions. These are long-term, incurable conditions requiring ongoing management.

Standard UK private medical insurance policies do not cover chronic conditions.

This is not a matter of "pre-existing" but rather the fundamental purpose of PMI. It's for acute, treatable episodes, not for the lifelong management of conditions like diabetes, asthma, or rheumatoid arthritis. If you have a chronic condition, you will rely on the NHS for its ongoing care, medication, and management.

To be unequivocally clear: If you were diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes while covered by your company's MHD policy, and you now move to a new personal policy (not a successful continuation of MHD terms), that diabetes will be a pre-existing chronic condition. It will be excluded from your new personal PMI. Even if it weren't pre-existing, its chronic nature means it wouldn't be covered for ongoing management by standard PMI anyway.

This is a fundamental limitation of PMI in the UK, and understanding it is paramount to setting realistic expectations and avoiding disappointment.

Types of Underwriting: Tailoring Your Policy

The way an insurer assesses your medical history and applies exclusions is called 'underwriting'. This is where the intricacies of pre-existing conditions come into play.

There are three primary types of underwriting for personal PMI:

1. Moratorium Underwriting (Morrie)

• How it Works: This is the most common type for personal policies due to its simplicity. When you apply, you don't need to provide your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer applies an automatic exclusion for any condition you have experienced symptoms of, received treatment for, or sought advice on during a specific period (usually the past 5 years) before your policy started.
• The "Moratorium" Period: For each such pre-existing condition, the exclusion automatically lifts if you go a continuous period (typically 2 years) after your policy starts without symptoms, advice, or treatment for that specific condition. If the condition recurs within or after this period, the exclusion usually reapplies.
• Advantage: Simpler application process; potential for some pre-existing conditions to become covered over time if they don't recur.
• Disadvantage: Uncertainty about what's covered; can be frustrating if a condition resurfaces just after the moratorium period.
• Best For: Individuals with a relatively clean medical history, or those whose past conditions are minor and unlikely to recur.

2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)

• How it Works: You declare your full medical history at the time of application. The insurer reviews this information, often requesting medical reports from your GP, and then decides what conditions to cover, exclude, or load (charge extra premium for).
• Specific Exclusions: The insurer will write specific exclusions into your policy documents for any conditions they deem high risk or pre-existing based on your declaration. These exclusions are usually permanent.
• Advantage: Certainty from day one about what is and isn't covered; no surprises later.
• Disadvantage: More involved application process; may result in permanent exclusions for known conditions.
• Best For: Individuals who prefer clarity, or those with very specific past conditions they want assessed upfront.

3. Medical History Disregarded (MHD)

• How it Works: This is almost exclusively found in group schemes. It means the insurer disregards your medical history when assessing claims, meaning pre-existing conditions are covered from day one (subject to general policy exclusions). It offers the broadest cover.
• Advantage: Comprehensive cover, including pre-existing conditions.
• Disadvantage: Very rarely available for individual policies.
• Crucial Note for Porting: If your company scheme was MHD, and you're moving to a personal policy with the same insurer, they might offer you MHD terms on your personal policy. This is a rare and highly valuable benefit, as it means conditions developed under your group policy would remain covered. This is the only common scenario where pre-existing conditions might be covered on a personal PMI policy. Always confirm this directly with your insurer and get it in writing.

Understanding these underwriting types is fundamental to knowing what your personal policy will, and crucially, will not, cover in relation to your health history.

Key Factors Influencing Your Personal PMI Premiums

When you transition from a company scheme, the premium for personal cover can seem significantly higher. Several factors influence how insurers calculate your premium:

Choosing the Right Level of Cover: Inpatient, Outpatient, Therapies & More

Tailoring your personal PMI policy means making choices about the different benefit modules. This is where a careful assessment of your needs is crucial.

• Inpatient & Day-Patient Cover (Core): This is the fundamental component of almost every PMI policy. It covers all costs associated with hospital stays (room, nursing, operating theatre fees, specialists' fees, diagnostic tests during an inpatient stay). If you choose a budget-friendly option, this is usually the primary focus.
• Outpatient Cover (Optional Add-on): This covers consultations with specialists, diagnostic tests (MRI, CT, X-rays, blood tests) that don't require an inpatient stay. It can be offered with full cover, or with limits (e.g., up to £1,000 per year, or a maximum number of consultations). This is a common add-on as it provides quicker access to diagnosis without needing a hospital admission.
• Therapies (Optional Add-on): Covers sessions with physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors, usually after a referral. Again, there are often limits on the number of sessions or the total financial amount.
• Mental Health Cover (Optional Add-on): Increasingly popular and essential. This can range from limited outpatient talking therapies to comprehensive inpatient psychiatric care. Check the limits and whether it covers a broad range of conditions.
• Cancer Care (Usually Standard, but check limits): Most comprehensive policies offer strong cancer cover. Verify if it includes all stages (diagnosis to post-treatment), access to new drugs, and advanced therapies.
• Hospital Choice:
  • Full Access: Access to almost all private hospitals. Most expensive.
  • Restricted List/Guided Options: Access to a specific list of hospitals, often excluding central London hospitals, which can reduce premiums significantly. Many insurers offer a "guided option" where they suggest a specific hospital for treatment.
• Excess: As discussed, selecting a higher excess (e.g., £250, £500, £1,000) can lower your premium but means you pay more for each claim.
• 6-Week Option: Some policies allow you to select a "6-week option." If the NHS can treat you within 6 weeks, you use the NHS. If the waiting list is longer than 6 weeks, you can use your private cover. This significantly reduces premiums but means you're reliant on the NHS for shorter waits.

The decision for these options should be a balance between your perceived need, your budget, and the comfort level you desire for private access.

The Power of Comparison: Finding Your Ideal Policy

The UK private health insurance market is competitive, with a range of providers offering diverse policies. It's rare for one insurer to be the cheapest or best for everyone. This is where comparison becomes invaluable.

Why Compare?

• Varying Pricing Models: Insurers have different pricing strategies based on age, location, and risk assessment.
• Diverse Benefit Structures: Policies that appear similar on the surface can have vastly different limits, exclusions, and network restrictions.
• Service Quality: While harder to quantify, customer service, claims efficiency, and digital tools can vary significantly between providers.

How to Compare Effectively:

1. Be Clear on Your Needs: As discussed, define your non-negotiables (e.g., outpatient cover, specific hospital network) and your 'nice-to-haves'.
2. Gather Multiple Quotes: Approach several leading insurers directly (e.g., Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality, WPA, National Friendly, Freedom Health Insurance).
3. Use a Specialist Broker: This is arguably the most efficient and effective way to compare. An independent broker, such as WeCovr, has access to policies from the entire market. We understand the complex policy wordings, the nuances of different underwriting types, and which insurers are best suited for particular medical histories or needs. We can present you with a tailored comparison, highlight the pros and cons of each option, and guide you through the decision-making process. Leveraging our expertise ensures you get the most appropriate and cost-effective cover, without having to navigate the labyrinth of the health insurance market alone. We work for you, not the insurers, to find the best fit.

Making the Transition Seamless: Practical Steps and Timeline

A well-planned transition can mitigate stress and ensure continuity of cover.

Pre-Cessation (As Soon as You Know):

1. Confirm End Date of Company Policy: Get the exact date your group cover ceases from your HR department or employer.
2. Contact Your Current Insurer: Immediately inquire about continuation options. Ask about:
   • The exact deadline for applying for a personal policy.
   • How your existing underwriting (especially MHD) would be transferred.
   • Proposed premiums and cover levels for a personal policy.
   • Any forms or documents needed.
3. Gather Your Medical Information: If you anticipate applying for Full Medical Underwriting, start compiling dates of diagnoses, treatments, and medications for past conditions.
4. Start Researching Personal Policies: Even if you plan to port, get comparative quotes from other insurers. This gives you leverage and ensures you're getting a competitive deal. This is where a broker like WeCovr can significantly streamline the process.

During the Transition Period:

1. Review All Quotes: Compare the continuation offer with new quotes from other insurers. Don't just look at the price; consider the cover, exclusions, and underwriting terms.
2. Clarify Exclusions: Especially if you have any pre-existing conditions, ensure you understand precisely what will and won't be covered on any new policy. Get it in writing if possible.
3. Choose Your Policy: Make your decision based on cover, cost, and peace of mind.
4. Complete Application Accurately: Fill out all forms truthfully and completely. Any non-disclosure could invalidate your policy.
5. Set Up Payments: Ensure your new policy's premiums are set up to be paid from your personal bank account.

Post-Transition:

1. Receive and Read Policy Documents: Keep these safe and understand the terms and conditions.
2. Inform Your GP: While not strictly necessary, it can be helpful for your GP to know you have private health insurance if they ever need to make a referral.
3. Understand the Claims Process: Familiarise yourself with how to make a claim – whether you need a GP referral first, how to get pre-authorisation for treatment, and what documents are required.

Beyond the Policy: Maximising Your PMI Benefits

Having a private medical insurance policy is one thing; making the most of it is another.

• Understand Direct Access: Many policies offer "direct access" for certain specialists (e.g., physiotherapists) or mental health services, meaning you might not always need a GP referral first. Check your policy.
• Utilise Virtual GP Services: A common benefit, virtual GPs offer quick, convenient consultations often available 24/7. This can be invaluable for initial advice and referrals.
• Embrace Wellness Programmes: Many insurers, particularly Vitality, offer robust wellness programmes that reward healthy living (e.g., gym discounts, cinema tickets, free coffees) and aim to prevent illness. These can add significant value.
• Pre-authorise Treatment: Always get pre-authorisation from your insurer before any significant treatment or diagnostic tests. This confirms coverage and avoids unexpected bills.
• Annual Review: Don't just let your policy auto-renew. Each year, review your cover to ensure it still meets your needs and is competitively priced. Your health, circumstances, and the market change.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Transitioning

Navigating this transition can be complex. Be aware of these common mistakes:

• Waiting Too Long: Missing the continuation option deadline or leaving too little time to apply for new cover can lead to gaps in protection or less favourable terms.
• Assuming Coverage: Never assume your new personal policy will cover the same things your old company policy did, especially regarding pre-existing conditions. Always check the terms.
• Non-Disclosure: Failing to disclose your full medical history can lead to your policy being invalidated when you make a claim, leaving you uninsured and out of pocket.
• Under-Insuring: Choosing a policy based purely on cost, without ensuring it provides adequate cover for potential needs (e.g., insufficient outpatient cover if you anticipate regular specialist visits).
• Over-Insuring: Paying for benefits you'll likely never use (e.g., unlimited outpatient cover if you're generally healthy and prefer to rely on the NHS for minor issues).
• Not Comparing: Sticking with the first quote or simply porting without checking other market options can mean you miss out on better value or more suitable policies.
• Not Understanding Underwriting: Misinterpreting Moratorium rules or the implications of Full Medical Underwriting can lead to claims being declined.

The Future of Private Health Insurance in the UK

The landscape of UK healthcare is continuously evolving. The increasing pressures on the NHS, evidenced by record waiting lists (NHS England data shows over 7.7 million people waiting for elective treatment as of early 2024), are driving more individuals to consider private options. This trend is likely to continue, making personal PMI an increasingly important aspect of personal financial planning for many.

We're also seeing:

• Increased Focus on Preventative Care: Insurers are investing more in wellness programmes and preventative health tools to keep members healthy and reduce claims.
• Digital Transformation: Virtual GP consultations, online claims portals, and AI-powered health apps are becoming standard, offering greater convenience and efficiency.
• Personalisation: More flexible policy structures are emerging, allowing individuals to truly tailor their cover to very specific needs and budgets.
• Mental Health Parity: While progress is still needed, there's a growing recognition of the importance of mental health, leading to more comprehensive mental health benefits being offered.

These developments underscore the dynamic nature of the PMI market and the importance of staying informed and regularly reviewing your policy.

Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Health Journey

Losing your company health insurance can feel like an abrupt loss of security, but it also presents an opportunity to take direct control of your healthcare provision. By understanding the critical differences between group and personal policies, exploring continuation options, and diligently comparing market offerings, you can secure a personal private medical insurance plan that perfectly aligns with your individual health needs and financial circumstances.

Remember the fundamental principle: standard UK private medical insurance is for acute conditions that arise after your policy begins, and does not cover chronic conditions or pre-existing conditions (unless you successfully port specific Medical History Disregarded terms). Arming yourself with this knowledge is your best defence against disappointment and ensures realistic expectations.

Navigating the complexities of underwriting, comparing diverse policy benefits, and understanding the fine print can be a daunting task. This is precisely where the expertise of an independent health insurance broker becomes invaluable. At WeCovr, we specialise in guiding individuals through this transition, offering impartial advice and comparing options from all major UK insurers. We empower you to make an informed choice, ensuring seamless continuity of care and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your health is adequately protected. Don't leave your health to chance; take proactive steps to secure your future private healthcare today.