TL;DR
As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands that life is anything but static. This guide to updating your UK private medical insurance (PMI) will help you navigate life's big moments, ensuring your health cover remains a perfect fit for your changing world. Guidance for job changes, moving regions, adding dependents, or receiving new diagnoses—and how these impact your policy Life’s milestones—a new job, a bigger home, a growing family—are exciting.
Key takeaways
- Job Changes: Moving from company to personal cover, or vice versa.
- Moving Home: How your postcode dramatically affects your premium.
- Family Growth: The right way to add partners and children.
- New Health Diagnoses: Understanding what's covered and what isn't.
- An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Think of conditions like appendicitis, cataracts, joint replacements, hernias, or treating a broken bone. The treatment has a clear beginning and end.
As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands that life is anything but static. This guide to updating your UK private medical insurance (PMI) will help you navigate life's big moments, ensuring your health cover remains a perfect fit for your changing world.
Guidance for job changes, moving regions, adding dependents, or receiving new diagnoses—and how these impact your policy
Life’s milestones—a new job, a bigger home, a growing family—are exciting. Yet, they can have significant implications for your finances and your health cover. Your private medical insurance policy isn't a "set and forget" product; it's a dynamic agreement that needs to evolve with you.
Failing to update your insurer about key changes can, in the worst-case scenario, lead to a claim being rejected or even your policy being invalidated. More commonly, it means you could be paying too much for cover you don't need, or too little for a policy that no longer meets your requirements.
This guide will walk you through the most common life events and explain exactly what you need to do to keep your private health cover in sync. We'll cover:
- Job Changes: Moving from company to personal cover, or vice versa.
- Moving Home: How your postcode dramatically affects your premium.
- Family Growth: The right way to add partners and children.
- New Health Diagnoses: Understanding what's covered and what isn't.
By understanding these triggers, you can ensure your PMI continues to provide the peace of mind and rapid access to treatment you expect.
The Golden Rule of UK PMI: Understanding Acute vs. Chronic Conditions
Before we delve into specific life changes, it's crucial to grasp the fundamental principle of all standard UK private medical insurance policies. This single concept underpins what is and isn't covered.
PMI is designed exclusively for the treatment of acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.
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An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Think of conditions like appendicitis, cataracts, joint replacements, hernias, or treating a broken bone. The treatment has a clear beginning and end.
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A chronic condition, by contrast, is an illness that cannot be cured but can be managed. These are long-term conditions that require ongoing or periodic care. Examples include diabetes, asthma, hypertension (high blood pressure), Crohn's disease, and most types of arthritis.
Crucially, standard private health cover does not pay for the ongoing management of chronic conditions. It also does not cover pre-existing conditions—any ailment you had symptoms of, or received advice or treatment for, before you took out the policy.
While PMI may cover the initial diagnostic tests that lead to the discovery of a chronic condition, the long-term management will then revert to the NHS. This is a non-negotiable principle across the entire UK PMI market.
Changing Jobs: How Does This Affect Your PMI?
A new job is one of the most common reasons people need to review their health insurance. Your situation will depend on whether you're leaving a company scheme, joining one, or going it alone.
Scenario 1: You're Leaving a Job with a Company PMI Scheme
If your employer provided your health insurance, that cover will cease when you leave the company. You are now responsible for your own healthcare arrangements. You have a few key options:
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Take out a new personal PMI policy: You can shop around for a brand new policy that suits your individual needs and budget. You will be subject to new underwriting, meaning any conditions you developed while on the company scheme will now be considered pre-existing and likely excluded.
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Request a 'Switch' or 'Continued Cover' option: This is often the best choice. Many insurers offer a special facility for employees leaving a corporate scheme. It allows you to continue your cover on a personal basis, often on the same underwriting terms you had before. This is hugely valuable because it means you may retain cover for conditions that developed while you were in the group scheme. You must typically apply within a specific timeframe (e.g., 30-90 days) after leaving your job.
An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can be invaluable here, helping you navigate the complexities of a 'switch' policy and comparing it against new market options to ensure you get the best possible terms.
Scenario 2: You're Starting a New Job with a Company PMI Scheme
This is great news. Your new employer will provide details on how to join their scheme. Things to check include:
- Level of Cover: Is it better or worse than your previous policy? Check the outpatient limits, excess, and hospital list.
- Dependents: Can you add your family? What is the cost to do so?
- Underwriting: Most company schemes have "Medical History Disregarded" (MHD) underwriting, which is the most comprehensive type and may even cover some pre-existing conditions.
If you had a personal policy, you may now want to cancel it to avoid paying for duplicate cover. However, if the new company policy is less comprehensive, you might consider downgrading your personal policy to a basic level to 'top up' the new scheme's shortfalls.
Scenario 3: You're Becoming Self-Employed or Starting a Business
When you become your own boss, you also become your own HR department. You'll need to arrange personal private medical insurance. This is an ideal time to speak with a broker to find a policy tailored to your new circumstances.
If you're a director of your own limited company, you can purchase the policy through the business. While this is a legitimate business expense, remember that in the UK, PMI is typically considered a 'P11D benefit in kind', meaning you will pay personal income tax on the value of the premiums.
| Scenario | Key Action | WeCovr's Role |
|---|---|---|
| Losing Company Cover | Immediately explore 'Continued Cover' options or find a new personal policy. | We find the best 'switch' deals and compare them with new policies to protect your cover continuity. |
| Gaining Company Cover | Review the new policy's terms and decide whether to cancel your personal plan. | We can help you analyse the new company scheme and advise on whether to keep a supplementary personal policy. |
| Becoming Self-Employed | Purchase a personal or small business PMI policy. | We compare the entire market to find the most cost-effective and comprehensive cover for you and your new business. |
Moving Home: Why Your Postcode Matters to Your Insurer
It may seem strange, but your home address is one of the most significant factors in determining your PMI premium. This is known as "postcode rating."
Insurers base their prices on the cost of private medical treatment in your geographical area. The costs for hospital rooms, consultants' fees, and diagnostic scans vary enormously across the UK.
For example, private healthcare in Central London is significantly more expensive than in rural Wales or Northern England. According to 2024 data, the cost of a private hip replacement can vary by thousands of pounds depending on the hospital's location.
What this means for you:
- Moving to a more expensive area (e.g., from Leeds to London): Your premium will almost certainly increase at your next renewal, even if your health hasn't changed.
- Moving to a less expensive area (e.g., from Surrey to Shropshire): You could see a welcome reduction in your premium.
Hospital Lists
Your location also affects your "hospital list"—the network of private hospitals you are covered to use. Insurers typically have several tiers:
- National List: A comprehensive list of hospitals across the UK.
- Regional/Local Lists: More restricted lists that exclude pricier city-centre hospitals.
- London-Specific Lists: Premium lists that include the high-cost hospitals in Central London.
If you move, your nearest eligible hospital might change. You may need to upgrade your hospital list to access a convenient local facility, which would increase your premium. Conversely, if you move away from an expensive area, you could downgrade your list and save money.
Action to Take: You must inform your insurer or broker as soon as you have a confirmed moving date and new address. This ensures your policy documentation is correct and your premium is accurately calculated for the new risk area.
| Change of Address | Likely Premium Impact | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Rural England to Central London | Significant Increase | Inform insurer immediately. May need to upgrade hospital list. |
| Central London to Rural Scotland | Significant Decrease | Inform insurer immediately. May be able to downgrade hospital list for extra savings. |
| Manchester to Birmingham | Minimal/Moderate Change | Inform insurer. Check local hospital access on your current plan. |
Family Changes: Adding Dependents to Your PMI Policy
As your family grows or changes, your PMI policy should adapt. Here’s how to handle adding or removing loved ones.
Adding a Partner or Spouse
You can usually add your partner to your policy at any time. However, they will be treated as a new applicant. This means:
- Underwriting: They will be medically underwritten. Their own pre-existing conditions will be excluded from cover.
- Cost: Your premium will increase substantially, often just under double what you were paying for yourself.
Adding a Newborn Baby
This is a key area where acting quickly pays dividends. Most leading PMI providers, including Bupa, AXA Health, and Vitality, offer a "newborn benefit".
This allows you to add your new baby to the policy without any medical underwriting, provided you do so within a set timeframe (usually 3 to 6 months from the date of birth). This means any congenital conditions or issues discovered at birth could be covered, which would be impossible if you applied later.
Do not delay. Contact your insurer or broker as soon as possible after the baby is born to take advantage of this fantastic benefit.
Adding Older Children or stepchildren
Adding older children is similar to adding a partner. They will be medically underwritten based on their own health history. Most family policies allow children to remain on the plan until age 21, or often up to 25 if they are in full-time education.
Removing Dependents
You may need to remove a dependent if a child ages out of the policy, or in the unfortunate event of a divorce or separation. This is a straightforward process and will result in a premium reduction.
Managing a family policy can be complex. Working with an expert like WeCovr ensures you find the best PMI provider with family-friendly terms and helps you make these changes smoothly.
Health Changes: New Diagnoses and Your PMI Policy
What happens if your health changes after you've taken out your policy? This depends entirely on the nature of the diagnosis.
If You're Diagnosed with a New Acute Condition
This is precisely what private medical insurance is for. If you develop symptoms of a new condition, like persistent stomach pain or a worrying lump, your PMI policy is your gateway to a swift diagnosis and treatment.
- Visit your NHS GP for a referral.
- Contact your insurer to open a claim.
- They will approve consultations, diagnostics, and eligible treatment for the acute condition.
Examples include gallbladder removal, cataract surgery, or physiotherapy for a sports injury.
If You're Diagnosed with a New Chronic Condition
This is where the distinction is vital. Let's use an example:
- Symptoms: You develop persistent joint pain and stiffness.
- PMI Role (Initial Phase): Your policy will cover the GP referral, the private consultation with a rheumatologist, and the diagnostic tests (blood tests, X-rays, MRI scans) needed to determine the cause.
- Diagnosis: The consultant diagnoses you with rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic condition.
- PMI Role (Post-Diagnosis): At this point, PMI's role largely ends. It has successfully provided a quick diagnosis.
- NHS Role (Long-Term): The long-term management of your arthritis—including ongoing medication, monitoring, and routine check-ups—will be handled by the NHS.
Your PMI policy remains incredibly valuable for any new, unrelated acute conditions you may develop in the future.
Important Note on Switching: If you develop a health condition while insured, it is generally unwise to switch to a new insurer. The condition will now be considered "pre-existing" by the new provider and will be excluded from cover. Sticking with your current insurer means you remain covered for any new acute conditions that arise.
| Type of New Diagnosis | Is it Covered by PMI? | Example of PMI's Role |
|---|---|---|
| Acute Condition | Yes | Covers consultation, diagnostics, surgery, and aftercare for a hernia. |
| Chronic Condition | No (for long-term management) | Covers initial consultations and scans to diagnose diabetes, but not the lifelong insulin and monitoring. |
| Routine Pregnancy | No | Standard antenatal appointments and delivery are not covered. |
| Pregnancy Complications | Often Yes | Many policies will cover emergency medical complications that arise during pregnancy. |
Adjusting Your Policy Level: Managing Costs and Benefits
Life changes often bring financial pressures. A new mortgage or the cost of a growing family might mean you need to reduce your outgoings. The good news is that PMI policies are flexible. You can tailor your cover to manage the premium without cancelling it altogether.
Here are the most effective ways to reduce your PMI costs:
- Increase Your Excess: The excess is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. Increasing it from £100 to £500, for instance, can reduce your monthly premium significantly.
- Add a "6-Week Wait" Option: This is a popular cost-saving feature. If the NHS can provide the inpatient treatment you need within six weeks of when it's recommended, you agree to use the NHS. If the NHS waiting list is longer than six weeks, your private cover kicks in. This can cut premiums by 20-30%.
- Change Your Hospital List: If you don't live near London or a major city, you can opt for a more restricted hospital list that excludes the most expensive private facilities, leading to immediate savings.
- Reduce Outpatient Cover: You can choose to cap your outpatient benefit (e.g., to £1,000 per year) or remove it entirely, relying on the NHS for diagnostic tests and consultations.
- Remove Optional Add-ons: Extras like dental, optical, or comprehensive mental health cover add to the cost. You can remove these to lower your core premium.
Beyond Insurance: Proactive Health Management and Wellness
Many of the UK's best PMI providers now include a wealth of wellness benefits designed to help you stay healthy. Life changes can be stressful, and looking after your wellbeing is more important than ever.
Make use of the value-added services that often come with your policy:
- Digital GP Services: 24/7 access to a GP via phone or video call.
- Mental Health Support: Access to telephone counselling or therapy sessions.
- Gym Discounts & Activity Rewards: Incentives for staying active.
- Nutrition Advice: Consultations with dietitians.
Furthermore, as a WeCovr customer, you receive complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, helping you stay on top of your diet. You can also benefit from discounts on other insurance products, such as life or income protection insurance, when you take out a PMI policy.
Even small, consistent efforts can make a big difference during times of change:
- Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours per night to manage stress and support your immune system.
- Nutrition: Prioritise whole foods, fruits, and vegetables, even when you're busy. Planning meals can help you avoid relying on convenience food.
- Movement: A brisk 30-minute walk each day is proven to boost mood and physical health.
The Value of an Expert PMI Broker
As this guide shows, navigating the PMI market during a period of change is complex. This is where an independent broker becomes your most valuable asset.
Unlike going directly to an insurer who can only offer their own products, a broker works for you. At WeCovr, our expert advisors:
- Provide a whole-of-market comparison to find the absolute best policy for your new circumstances.
- Help you manage policy changes, such as adding a baby or changing your address, handling the administration for you.
- Advise on cost-saving options like excesses and 6-week waits to ensure your cover remains affordable.
- Offer their expertise at no cost to you. Our commission is paid by the insurer you choose.
With high customer satisfaction ratings, WeCovr is committed to providing clear, impartial advice to help you make informed decisions about your health.
Do I need to tell my PMI provider about every GP visit?
What happens if I forget to tell my insurer I've moved house?
If I get pregnant, is that covered by private medical insurance?
Can I pause my PMI policy if I move abroad temporarily?
Your life will continue to change, and your private health cover should be ready to change with it. Don't leave your health and finances to chance.
Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation review of your private medical insurance. Our friendly UK-based experts will help you find the perfect cover for your circumstances.
Sources
- Office for National Statistics (ONS): Mortality, earnings, and household statistics.
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Insurance and consumer protection guidance.
- Association of British Insurers (ABI): Life insurance and protection market publications.
- HMRC: Tax treatment guidance for relevant protection and benefits products.











