TL;DR
As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands the UK private medical insurance (PMI) market inside and out. This guide explains how to switch your health insurance provider, helping you find better value without sacrificing the cover you’ve carefully built up over the years. WeCovr shows you how to change providers without losing valuable cover Feeling stuck with your current health insurance provider?
Key takeaways
- Soaring Renewal Premiums: This is the number one driver. Premiums naturally increase with age. On top of this, 'medical inflation'—the rising cost of treatments, drugs, and technology—often runs much higher than general inflation, sometimes at 8-10% per year. Your insurer might also increase your premium if you've made a claim.
- Poor Customer Service: Long waiting times on the phone, a complicated claims process, or unhelpful staff can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you are unwell and feeling vulnerable.
- Your Needs Have Changed: Life events can change your insurance needs. You might be starting a family and want to add your children, or you may want to add more comprehensive cancer cover or mental health support that your current policy lacks.
- Better Benefits Elsewhere: The private health cover market is competitive. Newer policies often include attractive benefits as standard, such as:
- 24/7 Digital GP access
As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands the UK private medical insurance (PMI) market inside and out. This guide explains how to switch your health insurance provider, helping you find better value without sacrificing the cover you’ve carefully built up over the years.
WeCovr shows you how to change providers without losing valuable cover
Feeling stuck with your current health insurance provider? Perhaps your renewal premium has shot up unexpectedly, or you’ve found the customer service lacking when you needed it most. You’re not alone. Many people in the UK believe that switching private medical insurance is a complex process fraught with risk, especially if they’ve developed health conditions since taking out their policy.
The good news is that it’s not only possible to switch but, when done correctly, it can be a straightforward way to get a better deal, enhanced benefits, and superior service. The secret lies in understanding a specific type of underwriting designed for switchers.
This comprehensive 2026 guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll demystify the jargon, explain the critical rules of cover, and provide a step-by-step process for changing your private health cover seamlessly.
Why You Might Want to Switch Your Health Insurance Provider
Your relationship with your insurer isn't a life sentence. Your circumstances change, the market evolves, and what was a perfect fit five years ago might not be the best private medical insurance UK policy for you today.
Here are the most common reasons people look for a new provider:
- Soaring Renewal Premiums: This is the number one driver. Premiums naturally increase with age. On top of this, 'medical inflation'—the rising cost of treatments, drugs, and technology—often runs much higher than general inflation, sometimes at 8-10% per year. Your insurer might also increase your premium if you've made a claim.
- Poor Customer Service: Long waiting times on the phone, a complicated claims process, or unhelpful staff can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you are unwell and feeling vulnerable.
- Your Needs Have Changed: Life events can change your insurance needs. You might be starting a family and want to add your children, or you may want to add more comprehensive cancer cover or mental health support that your current policy lacks.
- Better Benefits Elsewhere: The private health cover market is competitive. Newer policies often include attractive benefits as standard, such as:
- 24/7 Digital GP access
- Comprehensive mental health support pathways
- Wellness programmes and rewards
- Discounts on gym memberships and health tech
- Restrictive Hospital List: Your policy dictates which private hospitals and clinics you can use. You might find your current list is limited or doesn't include a new, highly-rated facility near you.
The Golden Rule of UK Private Medical Insurance
Before we dive into the 'how' of switching, it's crucial to understand the fundamental principle of all standard UK PMI policies. Getting this wrong is the biggest mistake people make.
Private Medical Insurance is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.
It is not designed to cover:
- Pre-existing Conditions: Any illness, disease, or injury for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, or sought advice before the policy start date.
- Chronic Conditions: Conditions that are long-term, have no known cure, and require ongoing management or monitoring.
Let's break that down.
| Condition Type | Definition | PMI Coverage | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acute | A condition that starts unexpectedly, responds quickly to treatment, and is expected to lead to a full recovery. | This is what PMI is for. | Appendicitis, broken bones, cataracts, joint replacements, hernias. |
| Chronic | A long-term condition that needs ongoing management and cannot be conventionally 'cured'. | Not covered by standard PMI. | Diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, arthritis, Crohn's disease. |
Understanding this distinction is vital. If you develop diabetes, your PMI won't cover your routine GP check-ups, insulin, or regular monitoring. However, if you have a policy in place and later develop an unrelated acute condition, like a gallbladder that needs removing, your PMI would cover the surgery.
This rule is precisely why people worry about switching. They fear that a new insurer will treat all their past medical issues as pre-existing conditions and refuse to cover them. But there is a way to prevent this, and it’s called CPME underwriting.
The Key to a Seamless Switch: Understanding Underwriting Options
"Underwriting" is simply the process an insurer uses to assess your health and medical history to determine the terms of your policy—what they will and will not cover. When you first buy a policy, you typically choose between two main types. When you switch, a third, crucial option becomes available.
1. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)
With FMU, you complete a detailed health questionnaire, declaring your entire medical history. The insurer's underwriting team reviews this information and may place specific exclusions on your policy for any pre-existing conditions.
- Pros: You have complete clarity from day one. You know exactly what is and isn't covered.
- Cons: The application process is longer. Conditions you had years ago and may have forgotten about could be permanently excluded.
2. Moratorium (Mori) Underwriting
This is the most common type for new policies because it's quick and simple. You don't answer any medical questions. Instead, the policy automatically excludes treatment for any medical condition you've had symptoms, medication, or advice for in the five years before the policy began.
However, if you then go for a continuous two-year period after your policy starts without needing any treatment, advice, or medication for that condition, the exclusion may be lifted, and it could become eligible for cover.
- Pros: Very fast to set up.
- Cons: The "wait and see" approach creates uncertainty. You might not know if a condition is covered until you need to make a claim.
3. Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME) Underwriting
This is the switcher's best friend.
CPME is a special type of underwriting available only to those moving from one PMI provider to another. Instead of starting from scratch with a new moratorium period or a full medical declaration, you essentially "port" your existing underwriting terms over to the new insurer.
How does it work? Your new insurer agrees to take you on with the same medical exclusions you had on your old policy.
- If a condition was covered by your old insurer (e.g., you joined them when healthy and later developed a new acute condition), it will be covered by your new insurer.
- If a condition was excluded by your old insurer, it will remain excluded by your new insurer.
The massive advantage is that you don't lose cover for conditions that have developed while you've been insured. You don't have to serve a new two-year moratorium period.
Comparing Underwriting for Switchers
| Underwriting Type | How it Works | Best For | Key Advantage for a Switcher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) | You declare your full medical history on a new questionnaire. | Very rarely suitable for switching as it resets your cover. | None. You would likely gain new exclusions for any conditions that arose under your old policy. |
| Moratorium (Mori) | You start a new 5-year lookback / 2-year waiting period. | Also rarely suitable for switching. | None. Any condition you received treatment for in the last 5 years would now be excluded for at least 2 years. |
| Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME) | Transfers your existing underwriting terms from your old insurer to the new one. | Almost everyone switching providers. | Preserves your existing cover. No new moratoriums to serve for conditions already covered. |
Working with an expert PMI broker like WeCovr is essential here. We specialise in arranging switches on a CPME basis, ensuring our clients get the best of both worlds: a better price or better benefits, with no loss of valuable cover.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Switching Health Insurance Providers
Ready to make a move? Follow this process to ensure a smooth and safe transition.
Step 1: Review Your Current Policy
Before your renewal date, dig out your latest policy documents. Pay close attention to:
- Your renewal date.
- Your current premium.
- Your level of cover (out-patient limits, cancer cover, etc.).
- Any personal medical exclusions.
- Your hospital list.
- Your excess (the amount you pay towards a claim).
Step 2: DO NOT Cancel Your Old Policy Yet!
This is the most important step. To be eligible for CPME underwriting, you must have continuous cover. If you cancel your old policy before the new one is active, you create a "gap in cover," which will force you to start again on new underwriting terms, likely losing cover for any conditions that have arisen.
Step 3: Speak to an Independent Health Insurance Broker
This is where we come in. Instead of spending hours calling individual insurers yourself, a broker does the hard work for you. An independent broker like WeCovr:
- Has access to deals from across the market.
- Understands the intricate CPME application processes for each insurer.
- Offers impartial advice tailored to your specific needs.
- Provides this service at no cost to you. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose.
Step 4: Compare Like-for-Like (and Better)
Your broker will take your current policy details and gather quotes from other leading providers on a CPME basis. They will present you with a clear comparison, showing you where you could save money or gain better benefits, such as a higher out-patient limit, enhanced mental health support, or a broader hospital network.
Step 5: Gather Your Documents
To apply on a CPME basis, you will need to provide your broker with a copy of your current policy certificate and schedule. This proves to the new insurer that you have existing cover and outlines your current terms.
Step 6: Apply for the New Policy
Your broker will help you complete the new application form, ensuring the "continued personal medical exclusions" option is correctly selected. They will handle the submission and liaise with the new insurer on your behalf.
Step 7: Receive and Review Your Offer
The new insurer will issue formal offer documents confirming they will accept you on a CPME basis. These documents will state that the same exclusions as your previous policy will apply. Review these carefully with your broker to ensure everything is as expected.
Step 8: Go Live and Cancel the Old Policy
Once you have accepted the new policy, set its start date to be the same day your old policy expires. Once the new policy is confirmed as active, you can then contact your old provider to cancel the renewal. This ensures a seamless transition with zero gap in cover.
Potential Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Switching is safe when done correctly, but here are some common traps to be aware of.
- The "Gap in Cover" Trap: We can't say it enough. Never cancel your old policy until the new one is fully in place. A gap of even one day can invalidate your eligibility for CPME.
- Misunderstanding CPME: CPME maintains cover; it doesn't create it. If your old Aviva policy excluded treatment for a bad back, your new Bupa policy switched on a CPME basis will also exclude your bad back. The goal is to not add new exclusions for conditions that were previously covered.
- "Cheaper" Isn't Always "Better": A lower premium can sometimes mean a worse policy. Be wary of quotes that seem too good to be true. It might involve:
- A much higher excess.
- A more restrictive hospital list.
- Lower limits on out-patient consultations or therapies.
- No cover for diagnostics.
- A "guided" option where the insurer chooses your specialist.
A good broker will highlight these differences, allowing you to make an informed choice about value, not just price.
- Forgetting Your No-Claims Discount (NCD): Like car insurance, many PMI policies feature an NCD that rewards you with a discount for not claiming. When you switch, most insurers will honour your NCD level, but you need to ensure this is requested. This can have a significant impact on your new premium.
A Note on Wellness, Prevention, and Overall Health
Modern private health cover is evolving. The best PMI providers are no longer just passive payers of claims; they are active partners in your health and wellbeing. When comparing policies, look beyond the core hospital cover and see what preventative and wellness benefits are on offer.
These often include:
- 24/7 Digital GP: Speak to a GP via video call or phone anytime, anywhere. This is perfect for getting quick advice, prescriptions, or referrals without waiting for a local GP appointment.
- Mental Health Support: This can range from a simple telephone helpline to a full pathway of care, including access to therapy sessions like CBT, without needing a GP referral.
- Wellness Apps and Discounts: Many insurers offer discounted gym memberships, deals on fitness trackers, and access to health and wellbeing apps.
At WeCovr, we go a step further. All our health and life insurance clients receive complimentary premium access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. Good nutrition is a cornerstone of good health, helping to manage weight, reduce the risk of chronic illness, and improve energy levels.
Furthermore, clients who take out a PMI policy with us are often eligible for discounts on other types of cover they may need, such as life insurance or travel insurance.
Taking proactive steps to manage your health is the best way to reduce your long-term reliance on any insurance:
- Balanced Diet: Aim for your 5-a-day, lean proteins, and whole grains. Staying hydrated is also key.
- Regular Activity: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like a brisk walk) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (like running) a week.
- Prioritise Sleep: Most adults need 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night for physical and mental recovery.
- Manage Stress: Find healthy coping mechanisms, whether it's mindfulness, exercise, or simply talking things through with a friend or professional.
The UK Health Landscape in 2026: Why PMI is More Relevant Than Ever
While the NHS remains a world-class service, free at the point of use, it is facing unprecedented pressure. This has made private medical insurance an increasingly important consideration for individuals, families, and businesses.
According to the latest NHS England data from late 2025, the number of treatment pathways on the elective care waiting list remains stubbornly high, at over 7.4 million. For patients facing long waits for procedures like hip replacements, cataract surgery, or hernia repairs, the ability to bypass the queue via PMI offers invaluable peace of mind and a quicker return to normal life.
This pressure has also led to a significant rise in 'self-funding', where individuals pay for one-off private operations out of their own savings. While this is an option for some, a single surgical procedure can easily cost £5,000 to £15,000 or more. Private medical insurance is a way to budget for these potential costs, protecting your savings from unexpected medical bills for a manageable monthly premium.
In this complex and evolving market, the role of an expert PMI broker is more critical than ever. We help you navigate the choices, understand the implications of switching, and secure a policy that provides real security and value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Switching Health Insurance
Can I switch health insurance if I have a pre-existing condition?
Will my premiums go down if I switch providers?
Do I have to do a medical exam to switch my health insurance?
What happens to my No-Claims Discount (NCD) when I switch?
Ready to Find a Better Health Insurance Deal for 2026?
Switching your health insurance doesn't have to be a gamble. With the right advice and the right process, you can move to a new provider with confidence, securing better value and benefits while keeping your hard-won cover intact.
Let WeCovr's team of independent experts do the heavy lifting for you. We will compare the market, handle the CPME application, and provide clear, impartial advice to help you make the best choice.
Get your free, no-obligation quote today and discover how much you could save.
