TL;DR
As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands that life's circumstances can change unexpectedly. This guide explores if you can pause your private medical insurance in the UK, a process known as policy suspension, and what your best alternatives might be. A guide to PMI policy suspension and alternatives Life is rarely a straight line.
Key takeaways
- What policy suspension is and how it works.
- The pros and cons of freezing your cover.
- Crucial alternatives that might be better for your situation.
- How your underwriting and future cover are affected.
- Expert tips for making the smartest financial decision for your health.
As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands that life's circumstances can change unexpectedly. This guide explores if you can pause your private medical insurance in the UK, a process known as policy suspension, and what your best alternatives might be.
A guide to PMI policy suspension and alternatives
Life is rarely a straight line. You might plan a long-term trip abroad, face a temporary financial squeeze, or even join a new company that offers health cover. In these moments, you might wonder, "What can I do with my private health insurance policy? Can I just put it on hold?"
The answer is yes, sometimes you can. Many UK insurers offer a feature called 'policy suspension'. However, it's not a standard, one-size-fits-all option. The rules, eligibility, and consequences vary significantly between providers.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about pausing your private medical insurance (PMI). We'll cover:
- What policy suspension is and how it works.
- The pros and cons of freezing your cover.
- Crucial alternatives that might be better for your situation.
- How your underwriting and future cover are affected.
- Expert tips for making the smartest financial decision for your health.
A Critical Note on UK Private Medical Insurance
Before we dive in, it's 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 likely to respond quickly to treatment.
PMI does not cover pre-existing conditions or chronic conditions. A chronic condition is a long-term illness that may have no known cure and requires ongoing management, such as diabetes, asthma, or Crohn's disease. This is a key reason why simply cancelling your policy with the intent to restart it later can be a very risky strategy.
What is Private Medical Insurance (PMI)? A Quick Refresher
Private Medical Insurance, often called private health cover, is an insurance policy that pays for the costs of private healthcare for eligible conditions. Its primary purpose is to help you bypass long NHS waiting lists for diagnosis and treatment.
According to the latest data from NHS England, the waiting list for routine hospital treatment remains a significant concern for millions of people. As of mid-2025, the number of people waiting for treatment continues to be substantially higher than pre-pandemic levels, often exceeding 7 million.
A PMI policy gives you more control over your healthcare, offering:
- Faster access to specialist consultations and diagnostic tests.
- Prompt treatment for acute conditions.
- Choice over the specialist and hospital you use.
- Comfort and privacy, often in a private en-suite room.
It complements the fantastic work of the NHS, acting as a safety net for when you need care quickly.
Can You Actually Pause or Freeze Your Health Insurance Policy?
Yes, in many cases you can. The official term for this is 'policy suspension'. It's a feature offered by several major UK health insurers that allows you to temporarily halt your policy and your premium payments for a set period.
However, 'suspension' is the key word. You are not covered for any new medical conditions that arise during this period. You are effectively putting the entire policy, and its benefits, into hibernation.
Understanding Policy Suspension: The Nuts and Bolts
When you suspend your PMI policy, you agree with your insurer to stop paying premiums for an agreed duration. In return, the insurer stops providing cover.
Here are the common features:
- Duration: Most insurers allow suspension for periods ranging from one month to as long as two years, though this varies.
- Reason: Common reasons include extended travel, temporary financial hardship, or being covered by a company scheme. Some insurers require a specific reason, while others are more flexible.
- Cost: During the suspension, you typically pay no premiums or, in some cases, a very small administrative fee to keep the policy framework active.
- Cover: You have no cover during the suspension period. You cannot make any claims for treatment or consultations.
Why Would You Need to Suspend Your Policy?
People consider pausing their health insurance for several valid reasons:
- Extended Travel Abroad: If you're planning a sabbatical, a round-the-world trip, or working overseas for 6-12 months, you won't be using the UK-based services your PMI provides. Suspending it saves you money while you're away.
- Financial Difficulties: A change in employment, a sudden large expense, or the rising cost of living can put a strain on household budgets. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) regularly reports on household financial pressures, and pausing a policy can provide temporary relief.
- Temporary Company Cover: You might start a new job that includes private health cover as a benefit. You could suspend your personal policy while you're covered by your employer, ready to reactivate it if you leave the company.
- Short-Term Relocation: If you move to a part of the UK with no access to your insurer's hospital network for a few months, suspension could be an option.
How Does Policy Suspension Work in the UK?
The process is generally straightforward, but you must be proactive. You can't just stop your direct debit and assume the policy is paused. This would lead to cancellation for non-payment, which has serious consequences.
The Step-by-Step Process for Requesting a Suspension
- Contact Your Insurer: Call your provider's customer service line well in advance of when you want the suspension to start. Do not wait until the day before your premium is due.
- State Your Intention: Clearly explain that you wish to suspend (or 'pause') your policy, providing your reason and the expected duration.
- Understand the Terms: The insurer will explain their specific rules. This is the most important step. You need to be crystal clear on what happens when you reactivate the policy.
- Get it in Writing: Ask for written confirmation of the suspension, including the start date, end date, and the terms of reactivation. An email is usually sufficient.
- Plan for Reactivation: Set a reminder for a few weeks before the suspension period ends to contact your insurer and formally reactivate your cover. Some policies may reactivate automatically, but it's always best to confirm.
Key Questions to Ask Your Insurer Before Suspending
Before you agree to suspend your policy, arm yourself with the right questions. This will prevent nasty surprises down the line.
| Question | Why It's Important |
|---|---|
| Is there a minimum or maximum suspension period? | To ensure your required timeframe (e.g., a 9-month trip) is allowed. |
| Do I need a specific reason (e.g., travel) to suspend? | Some insurers are stricter than others. You need to know if your reason is valid under their rules. |
| What happens if a new condition develops during the suspension? | Crucially, this will likely be treated as a new pre-existing condition upon reactivation, meaning it won't be covered. You must confirm this. |
| How does reactivation work? Is it automatic? | To avoid accidentally remaining without cover after you return or your circumstances change. |
| Will my premium be the same when I reactivate? | Premiums usually increase with age. Your reactivated premium will likely be higher, reflecting your age at the time of restart. |
| Does the suspension affect my 'no claims discount'? | Some insurers will freeze your NCD, while others may reset it. This can have a big impact on your future premiums. |
| What happens to my underwriting terms? | This is vital. The main benefit of suspension is preserving your original underwriting, so you need to confirm this is the case. |
The Major Pros and Cons of Suspending Your PMI
Suspending your policy isn't a decision to be taken lightly. It has significant benefits but also comes with considerable risks.
| Pros of Suspending Your Policy | Cons of Suspending Your Policy |
|---|---|
| Immediate Cost Savings: You stop paying monthly premiums, freeing up cash for other priorities. | No Cover: You are completely uninsured for private treatment for anything that happens during the suspension period. |
| Preserves Underwriting: This is the biggest advantage. You keep your original underwriting terms (e.g., Moratorium). | New Conditions Become Pre-Existing: Any illness or injury that starts while paused will not be covered when you restart the policy. |
| Avoids a New Application: You don't have to go through the hassle of applying for a new policy from scratch. | Potential Premium Increase: Your premium will likely be higher upon restart due to age-related price increases. |
| Retains Loyalty Benefits: You often maintain your status as a long-term customer with the insurer. | Waiting Periods May Apply: Some insurers may impose a short waiting period (e.g., 30-90 days) for claims upon reactivation. |
What Happens to Your Underwriting When You Suspend?
This is perhaps the most important, and often misunderstood, aspect of policy suspension. The primary benefit of suspending over cancelling is the preservation of your original underwriting terms.
Let's break down the two main types of underwriting in the UK:
- Moratorium Underwriting (Most Common): With this type, you don't declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer applies a simple rule: they won't cover any condition you've had symptoms of, or sought advice for, in the five years before the policy started. However, if you go two continuous years on the policy without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition, it may become eligible for cover.
- Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): With FMU, you complete a detailed health questionnaire when you first apply. The insurer reviews your medical history and explicitly lists any conditions that will be permanently excluded from cover.
Why does this matter for suspension? When you suspend your policy, the insurer effectively "freezes" your underwriting. If you had a Moratorium policy, the two-year clock for covering a previous condition is paused. When you reactivate, the clock resumes where it left off.
If you were to cancel your policy and take out a new one a year later, the five-year look-back period for pre-existing conditions would reset. Any medical issue you had during your uninsured year would now be considered pre-existing and would be excluded from your new policy for a long time, if not forever.
Example:
- Sarah has a Moratorium policy. Before she took it out, she had knee pain in 2023.
- She is one year into her two-year waiting period for the knee to become eligible for cover.
- She suspends her policy for one year to go travelling.
- When she returns and reactivates her policy, she still has one year of the waiting period left for her knee.
- If she had cancelled instead, her new policy would exclude the knee for a fresh two-year period, and any new issue (like back pain from carrying a heavy backpack) would also be excluded.
Alternatives to Suspending Your Private Health Insurance
Suspending your policy is a blunt instrument. It's 'all or nothing'. For many people, especially those facing financial pressure but not travelling, there are smarter, less risky alternatives to consider.
An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can review your policy documents and the wider market at no cost to you, helping you find savings without leaving you completely uninsured.
Here are the best alternatives:
1. Reduce Your Level of Cover
Most policies are modular. You can add or remove components to adjust the price. If your premium has become too high, consider downgrading.
- Out-patient Cover: This is often the most expensive part of a policy. You could reduce your out-patient cover limit (e.g., from £1,500 to £500) or remove it entirely. This means you would rely on the NHS for initial consultations and diagnostic tests but could still use your PMI for the actual treatment (like surgery) if needed.
- Therapies Cover: Reducing or removing cover for services like physiotherapy or osteopathy can also lower your premium.
2. Increase Your Policy Excess
The excess is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. For example, if you have a £250 excess and your treatment costs £3,000, you pay the first £250 and the insurer pays the rest.
- Impact on Premiums: Increasing your excess from £100 to £500, or even £1,000, can dramatically reduce your monthly premium.
- Our View: This is one of the most effective ways to manage costs. You remain fully covered for major expenses but share a small, manageable part of the cost, making the policy more affordable month-to-month.
3. Switch to a 6-Week Wait Option
A '6-week wait' option is a brilliant compromise. It means your private medical insurance will only kick in if the NHS waiting list for the in-patient treatment you need is longer than six weeks.
- How it Works: If the NHS can treat you within six weeks, you use the NHS. If not, your private cover is activated.
- Cost Savings: Because the insurer's risk is lower, premiums on these policies are significantly cheaper.
- Peace of Mind: You still have the ultimate safety net against long waits, which is the primary reason most people buy PMI.
4. Review Your Hospital List
Insurers offer different 'hospital lists' or networks. A comprehensive national list that includes expensive central London hospitals will cost far more than a more restricted list of local private hospitals. If you don't live near London or have no preference for a specific hospital, moving to a more limited list can generate substantial savings.
Comparison of Alternatives
| Option | Impact on Premium | Impact on Cover | Best For... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Increase Excess | Significant reduction | You pay more per claim, but your overall cover remains the same. | Someone looking for big monthly savings who can afford a one-off payment if they claim. |
| Reduce Out-patient Cover | Moderate to significant reduction | You use the NHS for diagnostics; PMI for treatment. | People comfortable with using the NHS for the initial stages of care. |
| Add 6-Week Wait | Significant reduction | Cover only activates if the NHS wait for treatment is over 6 weeks. | Cost-conscious individuals whose main fear is being stuck on a very long waiting list. |
| Change Hospital List | Moderate reduction | Your choice of hospitals becomes more limited. | People who don't need access to high-cost city-centre hospitals. |
| Suspend Policy | 100% reduction (no premium) | No cover at all during the suspension period. | People travelling abroad for long periods or with other temporary primary health cover. |
Provider Comparison: Who Offers Policy Suspension?
The availability and terms of policy suspension vary by insurer. While specific details can change, here is a general overview of the market based on typical policy conditions. Always check your own policy documents or speak to your provider.
| Provider | Typical Suspension Availability? | Common Reasons Allowed | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bupa | Yes | Travel, financial hardship, redundancy | Often has clear, established procedures. May require policy to be active for 1 year first. |
| AXA Health | Yes | Travel, unemployment, joining a company scheme | Flexible options, but terms on new conditions arising during suspension are strict. |
| Aviva | Yes | Generally flexible, often case-by-case | Good for preserving underwriting, but check impact on No Claims Discount. |
| Vitality | Often more restrictive | Primarily for travel or joining a corporate plan | May have stricter rules. Their focus on rewards can complicate suspensions. |
Disclaimer: This table is for informational purposes only. Insurers' policies and rules can change. It is essential to contact your provider or a broker for the most current information regarding your specific policy.
A Real-Life Example: David's Financial Squeeze
David, a 45-year-old self-employed graphic designer, was worried about his PMI premium. A few clients were late paying, and his monthly outgoings were tight. His policy with a major insurer cost him £95 per month. He considered cancelling it to save money.
He contacted WeCovr for a free policy review. Instead of cancelling, the advisor showed him three options:
- Suspend the policy: This would save him £95/month but leave him uninsured, a big risk as he had no sick pay.
- Increase his excess: By increasing his excess from £200 to £750, his premium dropped to £65 per month.
- Add a 6-week wait option: This reduced his premium to £55 per month.
David chose option 3. He saved £40 a month (£480 a year), which eased his financial pressure significantly. Most importantly, he remained covered against the risk of a long wait for surgery, giving him invaluable peace of mind without breaking the bank.
Staying Healthy While Your Policy is Paused
If you do decide to suspend your policy, particularly for travel, it's more important than ever to focus on your wellbeing. You are your own insurer during this time.
- Nutrition: A balanced diet is your first line of defence against illness. Focus on whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. As a WeCovr client, you get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, which can help you stay on track wherever you are in the world.
- Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week, as recommended by the NHS. This could be brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Regular exercise boosts your immune system and reduces stress.
- Sleep: Don't underestimate the power of 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. It's essential for physical and mental recovery.
- Know the Local System: If travelling, understand how to access healthcare in the country you're visiting. Ensure you have appropriate travel insurance – this is different from PMI and is absolutely essential for medical emergencies abroad.
How a Broker Like WeCovr Can Help Navigate Your Options
Making decisions about your health insurance can be complex and stressful. The jargon can be confusing, and the consequences of a wrong move can be significant. This is where an independent, expert PMI broker is invaluable.
At WeCovr, we are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and our advisors are experts in the UK private medical insurance market. We can help you by:
- Conducting a Free Policy Review: We'll analyse your current policy and explain your options—suspension, downgrading, or switching—in plain English.
- Comparing the Market: We can compare quotes from across the market to see if you could get a better deal elsewhere without losing important cover. Our service is completely free to you.
- Handling the Paperwork: If you decide to switch or change your policy, we handle the administration for you, ensuring a smooth transition.
- Providing Ongoing Support: We're here for you at renewal each year to make sure your policy continues to meet your needs and budget.
Furthermore, customers who purchase PMI or Life Insurance through WeCovr may be eligible for discounts on other types of cover, like home or travel insurance, providing even greater value. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to finding the right solution for every individual.
What is the biggest risk of freezing my health insurance?
Will my PMI premium be cheaper when I restart my policy?
Is it better to downgrade my cover or suspend my policy?
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Whether you're considering pausing your policy, looking for ways to save money, or simply want to ensure you have the best possible cover, expert advice is crucial.
Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation review of your private medical insurance. Our friendly team can help you navigate your choices and find a solution that provides peace of mind at a price you can afford.
