Private Health Insurance UK Adding Dependants to an Existing Policy
As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands that your family's health is your top priority. This guide explores everything you need to know about adding dependants to your private medical insurance in the UK, from how it impacts your premium to the cover they receive.
How adding children or partners changes your premium and cover
Adding a dependant—be it a partner or a child—to your private health insurance policy is a significant decision. It fundamentally shifts your cover from an individual plan to a joint or family policy. This change affects two key areas: the monthly or annual premium you pay, and the scope of the benefits available.
Essentially, you are extending your safety net to cover the people you care about most. While this naturally increases the cost, it often does so more economically than taking out separate policies for each person. Insurers typically offer discounts for family plans, making it an efficient way to secure private healthcare for your entire household. The level of cover your dependants receive usually mirrors your own, ensuring they have access to the same quality of care, from prompt specialist appointments to advanced diagnostic scans.
Who Can I Add to My Private Health Insurance Policy?
When insurers talk about "dependants," they are generally referring to specific family members. While policies vary, the definition is usually quite consistent across the UK market.
You can typically add:
- Your Partner: This includes your spouse, civil partner, or a partner you live with (cohabit). Most insurers have a broad definition but may require you to share the same address.
- Your Children: This includes your biological children, step-children, and legally adopted children.
There are, however, important age limits for children:
- Cover is usually available for children up to the age of 21.
- This is often extended to the age of 24 or 25 if the child remains in full-time education (e.g., at university).
Once a child surpasses this age or leaves full-time education, they are no longer eligible to be a dependant on your policy. At this point, they would need to take out their own individual private medical insurance policy to maintain cover.
What about other family members? A common question is whether you can add elderly parents or other relatives to your policy. In the UK, this is not standard practice. An adult, such as a parent, will almost always be required to take out their own individual policy. This is primarily due to the risk and pricing models insurers use, which are based on the age and health of each individual.
The Financial Impact: How Adding Dependants Affects Your Premium
The most immediate change you'll notice when adding a dependant is the increase in your premium. Insurers calculate premiums based on risk, and adding more people to a policy increases the likelihood of a claim being made.
Several factors determine the exact cost increase:
- Number of Dependants: Each person added will increase the cost. However, the increase isn't always linear. A policy for two adults is cheaper than two separate individual policies, and a family of four is usually more cost-effective than four individual plans.
- Age of Dependants: Age is one of the biggest factors in pricing private health insurance. Adding a partner in their 40s will have a more significant price impact than adding a 5-year-old child. Children's premiums are typically low when they are young and increase as they get older.
- Level of Cover: If you have a comprehensive policy with extensive outpatient cover, mental health support, and a choice of hospitals, the cost to add a dependant will be higher than if you have a basic, inpatient-only plan. Your dependants will usually inherit the same level of cover as you.
- Underwriting Type: The medical history of your dependants plays a role, especially if you opt for Full Medical Underwriting (more on this later).
Example Premium Changes for Adding Dependants
To give you a clearer idea, here is a table with illustrative examples of how premiums might change. These are not quotes but estimates to show the relative cost differences. Costs are based on a 40-year-old primary member with a mid-range policy.
| Policy Holder(s) | Example Monthly Premium | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Single 40-year-old | £65 | Baseline individual cost. |
| Couple (both aged 40) | £120 | Cheaper than two separate £65 policies due to a couple's discount. |
| Family (2 adults, 2 children under 10) | £160 | Often, insurers cap the cost for children, so you might only pay for the first child. |
| Single Parent (1 adult, 2 children under 10) | £105 | Offers a cost-effective way for a single parent to cover their children. |
Important Note: Many UK insurers, such as Aviva and Bupa, often have pricing structures where you only pay for the first child. This means that whether you have one, two, or three children on your policy, the child-related portion of the premium remains the same, which can offer substantial savings for larger families. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you find providers with these family-friendly pricing models.
Changes to Your Cover: What Benefits Do Dependants Get?
When you add a dependant, they don't get a "lite" version of your cover. In almost all cases, they receive the exact same benefits and are subject to the same policy limits as the primary member.
This means if your policy includes:
- Full inpatient and day-patient cover: Your dependants will have their hospital fees, specialist charges, and surgical costs covered for treatment requiring a hospital bed.
- Comprehensive outpatient cover: They can access specialist consultations, diagnostic tests (like MRI and CT scans), and therapies without needing to be admitted to hospital first.
- Mental health support: If your plan includes it, your partner and children can access therapy, psychiatric consultations, and other mental health services. This is increasingly vital, with NHS data from 2023 showing a rise in young people seeking mental health support.
- A choice of hospitals: The hospital list you selected will also apply to them.
- An excess: The excess you chose (e.g., £250) will apply to their claims as well. It's crucial to check if the excess is per person, per policy, or per claim year.
Family-Friendly Benefits
Many leading private medical insurance providers in the UK now include value-added benefits that are particularly useful for families:
- 24/7 Digital GP: The whole family can get a remote GP appointment via phone or video call, often within hours. This is invaluable for parents with a sick child in the middle of the night.
- Child-Specific Pathways: Some insurers have dedicated pathways for paediatric care, ensuring quick access to children's specialists.
- Wellness Programmes: Many policies now offer access to wellness apps, gym discounts, and health advice that the whole family can use to stay healthy. For instance, WeCovr customers gain complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, helping the entire family build healthier eating habits.
- Travel Cover: Some comprehensive plans include family travel insurance, although you should always check the terms and conditions.
Underwriting Explained: Moratorium vs. Full Medical Underwriting for Dependants
This is one of the most critical aspects to understand when adding a dependant. Underwriting is the process an insurer uses to assess the risk of a new applicant, particularly concerning their medical history.
Crucially, all standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out the policy. It does not cover chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like diabetes or asthma) or pre-existing conditions you already have.
When adding a dependant, their cover will be subject to one of two main types of underwriting:
1. Moratorium (MORI) Underwriting
This is the most common and straightforward option.
- How it works: Your dependant is accepted onto the policy without declaring their full medical history. Instead, the insurer applies a "waiting period," typically two years.
- The Rule: For the first two years of their cover, the policy will not cover any medical condition that the dependant has had signs, symptoms, or treatment for in the five years before they joined the policy.
- After Two Years: If the dependant goes two full years on the policy without needing any treatment, advice, or medication for that pre-existing condition, it may become eligible for cover.
- Pros: Quick and non-intrusive. No lengthy forms to fill out.
- Cons: Lack of certainty. You only find out if a condition is covered when you make a claim.
2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)
This method provides clarity from the start.
- How it works: You complete a detailed health questionnaire for the dependant, declaring all their previous medical conditions.
- The Result: The insurer assesses this information and decides what to do. They might:
- Cover the dependant in full.
- Apply a permanent exclusion for a specific condition (e.g., "no cover for any treatment related to knee pain").
- Increase the premium to reflect a higher risk.
- Pros: You know exactly what is and isn't covered from day one. There are no surprises when you claim.
- Cons: The application process is longer. It can result in permanent exclusions.
Which Underwriting is Right for My Dependant?
| Feature | Moratorium (MORI) | Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Process | Simple and fast, no health forms. | Requires a detailed medical questionnaire. |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Automatically excluded for a 2-year waiting period. | Declared upfront and may be permanently excluded. |
| Certainty of Cover | Less certain. Cover for a condition is determined at the point of claim. | High certainty. You know what's excluded from the policy start date. |
| Best For... | People with no recent medical issues, or those who prefer a quick start. | People who want absolute clarity on their cover, even if it means exclusions. |
A specialist PMI broker can be invaluable here. An adviser at WeCovr can discuss your dependant's medical history with you and recommend the underwriting method that best suits their needs, ensuring you get the most appropriate cover.
The Process of Adding a Dependant to Your Policy
Adding a family member is usually a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide.
-
Choose the Right Time:
- At Renewal: The easiest time to add a dependant is when your policy is up for its annual renewal. You simply inform your insurer or broker that you wish to add your partner or child(ren), and they will provide a revised quote for the upcoming year.
- Mid-Term Adjustment: Most insurers allow you to add dependants at any point during your policy year. This is common for major life events, such as getting married, entering a new partnership, or having a baby. Your premium will be adjusted on a pro-rata basis for the remainder of the policy year.
-
Gather the Necessary Information: You will need to provide your insurer with some basic details for each dependant you wish to add:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- The date you want their cover to start
If you are opting for Full Medical Underwriting, you will also need to provide their detailed medical history.
-
Contact Your Insurer or Broker: The simplest way to add a dependant is to call your provider or your broker. If you arranged your policy through WeCovr, our team can handle the entire process for you. We will:
- Request the necessary details from you.
- Liaise with the insurer to get the dependant added.
- Ensure the new premium and cover details are correct.
- Send you updated policy documents.
This removes the administrative burden from you and ensures the change is processed smoothly and correctly.
Are Family Policies Cheaper Than Separate Individual Policies?
For most families, a single family policy is more cost-effective and easier to manage than multiple individual plans. This is due to:
- Multi-Person Discounts: Insurers incentivise joint and family plans by offering lower combined premiums than the sum of individual policies.
- "Free" Children Cover: As mentioned, many providers only charge for the eldest child, meaning a family with three children pays the same as a family with one.
- Simplified Administration: One policy means one renewal date, one set of documents, and one point of contact. This makes managing your cover much simpler.
However, there are rare scenarios where separate policies might be considered:
- Vastly Different Cover Needs: If one partner wants a top-tier, comprehensive plan but the other only wants basic cancer cover, two separate policies might be more tailored.
- Complex Medical Histories: If one partner has a medical history that would lead to a high premium or significant exclusions on a joint policy, it might be worth exploring individual options.
An expert broker can run the numbers for you. We can provide quotes for a family plan and compare them against the cost of separate policies to find the most financially sensible option for your unique circumstances.
Special Considerations for Adding Children
Adding children to your policy comes with a few unique points to consider.
- Newborns: Many insurers offer a "newborn benefit." If you have a baby while you are covered, some policies allow you to add the newborn to your policy within a certain timeframe (e.g., 3 months) without any medical underwriting. Some may even offer a small cash payout upon the birth of a child.
- Paediatric Specialists: Family policies often excel in providing rapid access to paediatricians and child specialists, bypassing potentially long NHS waiting lists for developmental, ENT (ear, nose, and throat), or allergy issues.
- Mental Health for Young People: With growing awareness of mental health challenges among teenagers and young adults, having a policy that includes strong mental health cover can be a lifeline. It can provide access to counselling or therapy much faster than traditional routes.
- Staying Active and Healthy: Encouraging an active lifestyle from a young age is crucial. Use the wellness benefits that come with many PMI policies. Discounts on gym memberships, fitness trackers, and nutritional advice can benefit the whole family. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and good sleep hygiene are the cornerstones of long-term health, reducing the likelihood you'll need to claim.
What Happens When Your Child Becomes an Adult?
It's a milestone every parent reaches: your child finishes university or turns 21/24 and is no longer eligible to be on your family policy. At this point, they will need their own health insurance.
The good news is that most insurers offer a seamless transition. They can often set up a new individual policy for your child with "continuation of underwriting." This means if they were on a moratorium policy with you, their new policy will continue that moratorium, recognising the time they have already been covered. This can be a huge advantage, as it means some conditions that were previously considered pre-existing might now be eligible for cover.
WeCovr's Role: How an Expert Broker Simplifies the Process
Navigating the options for family health insurance can feel complex. This is where an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr adds immense value.
- Market Comparison: We are not tied to any single insurer. We compare policies and prices from across the UK's leading providers to find the best-value plan for your family's specific needs and budget.
- Expert Advice: Our trained advisors understand the nuances of family cover, from underwriting options to child-specific benefits. We provide clear, jargon-free advice to help you make an informed decision.
- Hassle-Free Process: We handle the paperwork, liaise with the insurer on your behalf, and ensure your policy is set up correctly. This service comes at no cost to you.
- Ongoing Support: Our support doesn't stop once the policy is live. We are here to help you at renewal, if you need to make a claim, or if you need to add another dependant in the future.
- Extra Benefits: When you take out a policy with WeCovr, you also receive discounts on other insurance products, such as life or home insurance, and complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero.
Can I add a dependant with a pre-existing condition to my policy?
Is it cheaper to add my whole family to one health insurance policy?
What happens when my child is too old to be a dependant on my policy?
Can I add my elderly parents to my private health insurance policy?
Protecting your family’s health provides priceless peace of mind. Adding them to your private medical insurance is a powerful way to ensure they can access high-quality care quickly when they need it most.
Ready to explore your options? Speak to one of our friendly, expert advisors at WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation comparison of family health insurance quotes.
Related guides
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?
Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment
Your premium depends on factors like your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. Most policies offer different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor the policy to your needs and budget.
Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance
Just ask yourself:👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
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Many people don't realise that private medical insurance is more affordable than they think, especially when you consider the value of faster treatment and better facilities. A great insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the care you need when you need it.
Benefits offered by private medical insurance
Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.
Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.
Better Facilities and Accommodation
Private hospitals typically offer superior facilities, including private rooms, better food, and more comfortable surroundings. This can make your recovery more pleasant and potentially faster.
Advanced Treatments
Private medical insurance often covers treatments and medications not available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advances and technologies.
Mental Health Support
Many policies include comprehensive mental health coverage, providing faster access to therapy and psychiatric care when needed.
Tax Benefits for Business Owners
If you're self-employed or a business owner, private medical insurance premiums can be tax-deductible, making it a cost-effective way to protect your health and your business.
Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.
Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.
Important Fact!
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!
Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?
👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.
Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.
It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced insurance experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to private medical insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.
You can discuss with them in detail what affordable private medical insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.
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