Are Unmarried Partners Covered by Family PMI Policies
As an FCA-authorised expert with over 800,000 policies issued, WeCovr helps UK consumers navigate the private medical insurance market. The modern family is changing, and a common question we hear is whether unmarried, cohabiting partners can share a family policy. This guide provides a definitive answer.
Eligibility rules for cohabiting partners and how to save money together
The short answer is yes, absolutely. The vast majority of UK private medical insurance (PMI) providers now recognise and welcome unmarried, cohabiting partners onto joint or family policies. The traditional image of a "family" as a married couple with children is no longer the sole model for insurers.
This reflects the reality of modern Britain. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) 2021 Census data, cohabiting couples are the fastest-growing family type in the UK, with numbers rising by 25.8% over a decade to 3.6 million couples. Insurers have adapted their eligibility rules to meet the needs of this significant part of the population.
To be eligible, you and your partner will typically need to meet a few simple criteria:
- Be in a long-term, committed relationship.
- Share the same permanent address. This is the most crucial requirement.
- Both be named on the policy. You cannot simply assume your partner is covered; they must be explicitly added.
Adding your partner to your private health cover is not just about convenience; it's often a smart financial move. Most insurers offer discounts for joint policies, making it cheaper than two separate individual plans.
What Does "Cohabiting" Mean to an Insurer?
Insurers don't have an intrusive checklist, but they generally define a cohabiting couple as two people who are:
- Living together in a relationship akin to marriage or a civil partnership.
- Sharing the same main residence.
- Financially interdependent to some degree (though you won't usually be asked to prove this with bank statements unless there's a specific query).
Think of it this way: if you live together and share your lives, you almost certainly qualify. The key is being honest and upfront when you apply.
Understanding "Family" in the Context of Private Medical Insurance
The term "family policy" has evolved. While it can still mean two parents and their children, its modern definition is far more flexible. A "family" for PMI purposes can now include various combinations.
| Policy Type | Who It Typically Covers |
|---|---|
| Individual Policy | Just one person. |
| Couples Policy | Two adults in a relationship (married, civil partnership, or cohabiting) living at the same address. |
| Family Policy | Two adults (as above) plus one or more of their dependent children. This can include biological children, step-children, and adopted children, usually up to age 21 (or 25 if in full-time education). |
| Single-Parent Policy | One adult plus one or more dependent children. |
As you can see, the "Couples Policy" is the most relevant for unmarried partners. This is often what people mean when they ask about a "family policy" for two adults. It functions identically whether you are married or not, as long as you live together.
The Key Eligibility Criteria for Unmarried Partners
When you apply for a joint policy as an unmarried couple, the insurer's primary goal is to confirm you are in a genuine, established relationship. Here are the main criteria you'll need to meet.
-
A Shared Permanent Address: This is non-negotiable. You must both be registered as living at the same address. Insurers use this to verify that you are a household. You will need to provide this address on your application form.
-
A Committed Relationship: You don't need a certificate to prove this. By applying together, you are declaring that you are a couple. Insurers take this declaration in good faith.
-
Naming Both Partners on the Policy: Your partner is not automatically included. You must either take out a new "couples" policy with both your names on it or add your partner to your existing policy at renewal.
-
Age and Residency: Both partners must meet the insurer's standard age requirements (e.g., be over 18) and be permanent residents of the UK.
You will not typically be asked for:
- A marriage certificate.
- A civil partnership certificate.
- Joint bank statements or utility bills (unless in very rare circumstances for verification).
The process is built on trust and the information you provide in your application.
A Critical Note on Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions
It is vital to understand a fundamental principle of private medical insurance in the UK. Standard policies are designed to cover acute conditions – illnesses or injuries that are short-term and expected to respond to treatment.
PMI does not cover pre-existing conditions or chronic conditions.
- A pre-existing condition is any illness, injury, or symptom you had before the policy start date, whether you were diagnosed or not.
- A chronic condition is one that is long-lasting and cannot be cured, only managed (e.g., diabetes, asthma, arthritis).
When you add a partner, their medical history will be assessed just like yours. Any pre-existing conditions they have will also be excluded from cover. This rule is universal across all UK PMI providers for new policies.
How to Add an Unmarried Partner to Your PMI Policy
The process is straightforward and can be done in two ways, ideally with the guidance of an expert broker like WeCovr to ensure a smooth transition.
Option 1: Taking Out a New Joint Policy
This is the simplest option if neither of you currently has private health cover.
- Compare the Market: Work with a broker to compare quotes for a "couples policy" from leading UK providers.
- Choose Your Underwriting: You'll need to decide on the type of underwriting.
- Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You both complete a detailed health questionnaire. This provides certainty from day one about what is and isn't covered.
- Moratorium Underwriting: You don't declare your medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer will generally exclude any condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the 5 years before the policy began.
- Complete the Application: Fill in your personal details, choose your cover level (e.g., hospital lists, outpatient limits, excess), and set up payment.
- Policy Goes Live: Once approved, you are both covered under a single, unified policy.
Option 2: Adding a Partner to an Existing Policy
If one of you already has an individual policy, you can usually add your partner at your annual renewal.
- Contact Your Insurer or Broker: Before your renewal date, inform your provider or broker (like WeCovr) that you wish to add your cohabiting partner.
- Provide Partner's Details: You'll need to supply your partner's name, date of birth, and medical history (if choosing Full Medical Underwriting).
- Underwriting Assessment: The insurer will assess your partner's health status. The same rules about pre-existing conditions will apply to them. Your own cover and exclusions will typically remain unchanged.
- Receive a New Quote: The insurer will issue a new policy schedule and price for the "couples policy." This will almost always be cheaper than your current individual policy plus a new separate policy for your partner.
- Accept and Renew: Once you accept the new terms, your policy is updated to include your partner.
Important: You can rarely add a partner mid-term. The annual renewal is the key window of opportunity to make changes to who is covered on your policy.
The Financial Benefits of a Joint PMI Policy
Opting for a joint policy isn't just about administrative ease; it's a proven way to save money while securing comprehensive health cover for you both.
- Joint Policy Discounts: Most insurers offer a "couples discount," which is often around 5%. While it may sound small, this translates into significant savings over the lifetime of a policy.
- Simplified Financials: One renewal date, one direct debit, and one set of documents makes managing your finances simpler.
- Potential for a Shared Excess: Some policies may allow you to have a single excess that applies per year for the couple, rather than per person. This can reduce your out-of-pocket costs if you both need to claim.
Let's look at a real-world example.
Cost Comparison: Individual vs. Joint Policies
Costs are illustrative estimates for two healthy 40-year-olds on a mid-range policy. Actual quotes will vary.
| Scenario | Estimated Monthly Cost | Estimated Annual Cost | Annual Saving with Joint Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partner A: Individual Policy | £60 | £720 | N/A |
| Partner B: Individual Policy | £60 | £720 | N/A |
| Total for 2 Individual Policies | £120 | £1,440 | - |
| Joint Couples Policy | £114 | £1,368 | £72 |
Over five years, this modest 5% saving adds up to £360. For more comprehensive policies, the savings can be even greater. Using an independent PMI broker ensures you find the provider offering the best value for your specific circumstances as a couple.
Comparing Top UK Insurers' Stance on Unmarried Partners
While the general rule is that cohabiting partners are welcome, the exact terms and available discounts can vary between the best PMI providers. An expert broker can provide the latest details, but here is a general overview of the market's approach.
| Insurer | General Stance on Unmarried Partners | Typical Requirement | Key Feature for Couples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bupa | Fully accepted on joint and family policies. | Shared permanent address. | Strong brand recognition and extensive hospital network. |
| Aviva | Fully accepted. Clear and straightforward process. | Shared permanent address. | Often praised for its comprehensive cancer cover and digital GP services. |
| AXA Health | Fully accepted. A long-standing and flexible approach. | Shared permanent address. | Excellent mental health support and access to a wide range of specialists. |
| Vitality | Fully accepted. Partners can share and boost rewards. | Shared permanent address. | The wellness programme actively rewards couples for staying healthy together with perks like cinema tickets and coffee. |
The landscape is highly competitive, which is great news for consumers. It means all the major players are keen to offer attractive policies for cohabiting couples. The key is to compare them on more than just price—look at the outpatient limits, cancer cover, and mental health support included. This is where the expertise of a broker like WeCovr becomes invaluable, as they can distil this complex information into a clear recommendation at no cost to you.
What Happens to a Joint Policy if You Separate?
Life is unpredictable, and it's a sensible question to ask what happens to your health insurance if your relationship ends. Insurers have a simple and fair process for this.
- Inform Your Insurer/Broker: As soon as you are living separately, you must contact your provider. The joint policy is based on a shared address, so it will no longer be valid.
- Splitting the Policy: The insurer will split the joint policy into two separate individual policies.
- Continuity of Cover: This is the most important part. You will almost always be offered a "Continued Personal Medical Exclusions" (CPME) or similar basis. This means:
- You don't need to go through medical underwriting again.
- Any conditions that were covered under the joint policy will continue to be covered under your new individual policy.
- Any exclusions that were on the joint policy will be carried over to your individual policy.
This process ensures there are no gaps in your cover. You can each continue your private medical insurance independently without being penalised for your change in circumstances. The premium for each individual policy will be recalculated based on individual ratings.
Beyond PMI: Holistic Wellness for Couples
Securing private medical insurance is a fantastic step towards protecting your health, but true wellbeing is a daily practice. Couples can be a powerful force for good in each other's health journey.
- Shared Fitness Goals: Why not train for a 5k or a parkrun together? Having a partner to motivate you on rainy mornings can make all the difference. Many PMI providers, like Vitality, actively reward this type of activity.
- Healthy Cooking Adventures: Explore new, healthy recipes together. Batch cooking healthy lunches for the week can save time, money, and calories. As a WeCovr client, you get complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, making it easy for both of you to track your diet and support each other's goals.
- Prioritising Mental Health: Create an open environment where you can talk about stress and anxieties. Simply listening without judgement is one of the most powerful forms of support. Many PMI policies now include excellent mental health pathways, providing access to therapy without a long NHS wait.
- Bundle and Save: When you take out a PMI or Life Insurance policy through WeCovr, you can often get discounts on other types of cover, such as income protection. Protecting your health and finances together provides complete peace of mind.
Supporting each other's health is one of the most rewarding aspects of a partnership, and it pays dividends in both quality of life and lower long-term health risks.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Buying Joint PMI
While the process is generally smooth, there are a few common mistakes to be aware of.
- Assuming Your Partner is Covered: Never assume. Unless your partner is explicitly named on the policy documents, they are not covered.
- Failing to Disclose Medical History: When applying, you and your partner must be completely honest about your medical history. Failing to disclose a pre-existing condition can lead to a claim being denied and could even invalidate your policy.
- Forgetting to Update Your Insurer: If you move house or, sadly, if you separate, you must inform your insurer. Keeping your details up-to-date is a condition of your policy.
- Ignoring the Excess: A higher excess (the amount you pay towards a claim) will lower your premium, but make sure it's an amount you can comfortably afford. Discuss and agree on an excess level that works for both of you.
- Misunderstanding the Core Purpose of PMI: Remember, private medical insurance in the UK is for new, acute conditions that arise after you take out the policy. It is not a replacement for the NHS, which remains essential for accidents, emergencies, and the management of chronic conditions.
Why Use a PMI Broker Like WeCovr?
Choosing the right private health cover can feel overwhelming. With so many providers, policy options, and medical jargon, it's easy to feel lost. This is where an independent broker shines.
- Expert Market Knowledge: We live and breathe the UK private medical insurance market. We know which insurers offer the best terms for cohabiting couples and can quickly identify the most suitable options for your needs and budget.
- Personalised, Unbiased Advice: We work for you, not the insurers. Our goal is to find the best possible cover for your unique circumstances. We listen to what's important to you—be it mental health support, specific hospital access, or a tight budget—and tailor our recommendations accordingly.
- No Cost to You: Our service is free. We receive a commission from the insurer you choose, which is built into the standard policy price. This means you get expert advice and support without paying a penny extra.
- We Do the Hard Work: Comparing quotes, reading policy documents, and handling the application can be time-consuming. We do all the legwork, presenting you with clear, easy-to-understand options.
- High Customer Satisfaction: Our clients consistently rate our service highly because we prioritise clarity, transparency, and finding cover that truly delivers peace of mind.
Getting a joint policy as an unmarried couple is a straightforward and financially savvy decision. Let us help you get it right.
Do I need to be married to get a family health insurance policy?
What proof do I need to show we are cohabiting partners?
Will adding my partner affect my cover for pre-existing conditions?
What happens if my partner has a different medical history?
Ready to find the best private medical insurance policy for you and your partner?
Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our expert advisors will compare the top UK providers to find a policy that fits your life and your budget, ensuring you both have peace of mind.
Why private medical insurance and how does it work?
What is Private Medical Insurance?
Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.How does it work?
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Important Fact!
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!
Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?
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