TL;DR
Choosing the right private medical insurance in the UK involves more than just picking a provider. As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr knows that the type of underwriting you select is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make for your long-term health security. How and when you can upgrade your cover type for extra security Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is designed to give you fast access to high-quality private healthcare for new, acute conditions.
Key takeaways
- Moratorium (Mori) Underwriting: A "wait and see" approach.
- Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): A "declare it all upfront" approach.
- Pre-existing Conditions: These are handled by your chosen underwriting method (either temporarily excluded by moratorium or specifically assessed by FMU).
- Chronic Conditions: These are long-term conditions that cannot be cured, only managed (e.g., diabetes, asthma, hypertension). Standard PMI does not cover the routine management of chronic conditions, regardless of the underwriting type.
- On a Moratorium Policy: You submit the claim. The insurer says, "We need to check if this relates to a pre-existing condition." They may request access to your GP records, which takes time to arrange. Weeks could pass while you wait for a decision, all while you're in discomfort or worried.
Choosing the right private medical insurance in the UK involves more than just picking a provider. As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr knows that the type of underwriting you select is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make for your long-term health security.
How and when you can upgrade your cover type for extra security
Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is designed to give you fast access to high-quality private healthcare for new, acute conditions. A crucial part of setting up your policy is the "underwriting" process. In simple terms, underwriting is how an insurer assesses your medical history to decide what they will and won't cover.
In the UK, there are two main methods:
- Moratorium (Mori) Underwriting: A "wait and see" approach.
- Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): A "declare it all upfront" approach.
Many people start their PMI journey on a moratorium basis because it's quick and easy. However, as your health needs evolve, you might wonder if you can gain more certainty. The great news is that you can often switch from moratorium to Full Medical Underwriting, a strategic move that can provide significant peace of mind. This guide explains how and when to consider making that switch.
Understanding the Two Main Types of Underwriting: Moratorium vs. FMU
Before we dive into the "how" of switching, let's cement our understanding of what these two terms really mean for you and your health cover.
What is Moratorium Underwriting?
Moratorium underwriting is the most common and straightforward way to start a private health cover policy. It's often favoured for its speed.
How it works: You don't need to complete a detailed medical questionnaire. Instead, the policy automatically excludes treatment for any medical conditions you have experienced symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the five years leading up to your policy start date.
However, these exclusions aren't necessarily permanent. If you go for a continuous two-year period after your policy starts without needing any treatment, advice, or experiencing symptoms for that specific pre-existing condition, it may become eligible for cover. This is often called a "rolling" moratorium.
| Pros of Moratorium Underwriting | Cons of Moratorium Underwriting |
|---|---|
| Fast & Simple Setup: No lengthy health forms to complete. | Uncertainty at Claim Time: You may not know if a condition is covered until you need to make a claim. |
| Less Intrusive: You don't have to disclose your entire medical history upfront. | Potential for Delays: The insurer will need to investigate your medical history when you claim, which can slow things down. |
| Potential for Future Cover: Old conditions can become eligible for cover after the two-year trouble-free period. | "Rolling" Nature: Any check-up, symptom, or advice for a condition can reset the two-year clock. |
Example: David takes out a moratorium policy in January 2025. He had physiotherapy for a sore shoulder in 2023. Under his new policy, any treatment for his shoulder is initially excluded. If he has no symptoms, consultations, or treatment for his shoulder until January 2027, it could then become eligible for cover.
What is Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)?
Full Medical Underwriting is a more detailed and transparent approach. It provides absolute clarity from day one.
How it works: During the application, you complete a comprehensive questionnaire about your medical history and that of anyone else on the policy. You must declare all previous conditions, treatments, and consultations. The insurer's underwriting team then assesses this information and makes a clear decision.
They will issue your policy documents with a list of specific, named exclusions. For instance, it might explicitly state, "Treatment relating to your left knee ligaments is excluded."
| Pros of Full Medical Underwriting | Cons of Full Medical Underwriting |
|---|---|
| Total Certainty: You know exactly what is and isn't covered from the moment your policy starts. | Longer Application Process: Requires you to gather and disclose your full medical history. |
| Faster Claims Process: As your history is already known, claims are typically processed much more quickly without the need for further investigation. | Potential for Permanent Exclusions: The insurer might decide to permanently exclude a condition that could have eventually been covered under a moratorium. |
| Clarity: There are no grey areas or ambiguity about cover for past conditions. | Requires Full Disclosure: Forgetting to mention a condition (even accidentally) can lead to claims being denied or the policy being voided. |
A Critical Reminder on Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions It is vital to understand a fundamental principle of the UK PMI market: standard policies are designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out the policy.
- Pre-existing Conditions: These are handled by your chosen underwriting method (either temporarily excluded by moratorium or specifically assessed by FMU).
- Chronic Conditions: These are long-term conditions that cannot be cured, only managed (e.g., diabetes, asthma, hypertension). Standard PMI does not cover the routine management of chronic conditions, regardless of the underwriting type.
Why Would You Switch from Moratorium to Full Medical Underwriting?
If you're already on a moratorium policy, you might be perfectly happy. But there are powerful reasons why a switch to FMU could be one of the smartest moves you make for your future health. With NHS waiting lists for elective treatment in England standing at around 7.5 million in mid-2024, the security of a reliable PMI policy has never been more valuable.
Here are the main drivers for making the change:
1. The Pursuit of Absolute Certainty and Peace of Mind
This is, by far, the most significant benefit. With a moratorium policy, a shadow of doubt can linger. "I had some back pain three years ago... will the insurer cover this new sciatica?" This uncertainty arrives at the worst possible time—when you're unwell and need help.
Switching to FMU removes this anxiety. Your policy documents become a clear contract. You know precisely where you stand, allowing you to plan for any potential health needs without the fear of a claim being unexpectedly rejected based on your past.
2. Achieving a Faster, Smoother Claims Experience
Imagine you need an urgent MRI scan.
- On a Moratorium Policy: You submit the claim. The insurer says, "We need to check if this relates to a pre-existing condition." They may request access to your GP records, which takes time to arrange. Weeks could pass while you wait for a decision, all while you're in discomfort or worried.
- On an FMU Policy: You submit the claim. The insurer checks your policy terms. Since your medical history was assessed upfront, there are no past conditions to investigate. The claim is approved in a matter of hours or days.
This speed is a core benefit of private healthcare, and FMU ensures you can take full advantage of it.
3. The Possibility of Negotiating Better Cover
This may seem counter-intuitive, but FMU can sometimes lead to more comprehensive cover.
Under a moratorium, an insurer applies a blanket 5-year exclusion. With FMU, a human underwriter assesses your specific case. If you had a condition many years ago that is now fully resolved and certified as such by a specialist, the underwriter might agree to cover it from day one. This is particularly relevant for:
- Injuries that have completely healed.
- Conditions that were fully investigated and found to be benign.
- Issues where you've been symptom-free for a long time, but still fall within the 5-year moratorium window.
4. Tidying Up a Complex Medical History
If you've had several minor, unrelated health issues over the years, a moratorium policy can feel like a minefield. You might struggle to remember what happened and when, creating confusion about your cover.
Switching to FMU forces a "spring clean" of your medical history. You declare everything, and the insurer provides a simple, consolidated list of what's excluded. This clarity can be incredibly reassuring and makes managing your policy far simpler in the long run.
The Process: How to Switch Your Underwriting Type
Switching from moratorium to FMU is a structured process. You can't simply call your insurer and change it on the spot. Here’s a step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Get the Timing Right The switch can almost always only happen at one key moment: your annual policy renewal. Insurers will not typically allow a change in underwriting mid-way through a policy term. Use your renewal notice as a prompt to review your options.
Step 2: Contact Your Broker or Insurer This is the perfect time to engage an expert PMI broker like WeCovr.
- Expert Advice: We can analyse your specific situation and advise whether a switch is genuinely in your best interest.
- Market Comparison: We will not only manage the switch with your current insurer but also compare FMU offers from other leading UK PMI providers. Another insurer might offer better terms or a lower premium for your medical history.
- Hassle-Free Process: We handle the paperwork and liaise with the insurers on your behalf, at no cost to you.
Step 3: Complete the Full Medical Underwriting Application This is the most critical part of the process. You will be sent a detailed health questionnaire. Be prepared to provide information on:
- Hospital admissions, surgeries, and investigations.
- Conditions for which you've seen a GP or specialist.
- Any symptoms you've experienced, even if undiagnosed.
- Medication you have taken.
Top Tip: Be honest, thorough, and accurate. If you're unsure, it's better to include it. Non-disclosure can have serious consequences. A good broker can guide you on the level of detail required.
Step 4: The Insurer's Assessment Once you submit the form, the insurer's medical underwriters will review your information. They may:
- Approve the switch with standard terms if you have a clean history.
- Apply specific exclusions for conditions you've declared.
- Apply a "premium loading" (a small price increase) to cover a specific condition.
- Request a report from your GP (at their own expense) for more clarity on a condition.
Step 5: Review and Accept Your New Terms The insurer will send you a new policy schedule clearly outlining their decision and listing any new exclusions. You must review this document carefully. Make sure you understand and agree with the terms before your renewal date. Once you accept, your policy will be on an FMU basis going forward.
Key Considerations and Potential Pitfalls of Switching
While FMU offers great benefits, it's a decision that requires careful thought. Here are the potential downsides to consider.
- The Risk of New, Permanent Exclusions: This is the biggest trade-off. A condition that might have become eligible for cover after two years on a moratorium policy could be permanently excluded under FMU. You are trading potential future cover for absolute present certainty.
- The Impact of Full Disclosure: If you've forgotten about a condition that then comes to light during the FMU application, it will be assessed and may be excluded.
- It's a One-Way Street: Once you move to an FMU basis with an insurer, you can rarely switch back to moratorium on that same policy line. The decision needs to be a confident one.
To help you decide, here is a direct comparison:
| Feature | Moratorium Underwriting | Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Process | Quick, no health forms needed. | Longer, requires a detailed health questionnaire. |
| Certainty of Cover | Low. Assessed at the point of a claim. | High. All exclusions are known from day one. |
| Claims Speed | Can be slower due to medical history investigation. | Generally much faster as history is pre-assessed. |
| Cover for Pre-existing Conditions | Automatically excluded for 5 years; may become eligible after a 2-year trouble-free period. | Assessed individually; may be covered, surcharged, or permanently excluded. |
| Best For... | People with a clean bill of health who want a fast, simple start to their policy. | People who value certainty and a fast claims process above all else. |
When Should You Switch? And When Should You Stay Put?
The right answer depends entirely on your personal circumstances and attitude to risk.
Scenarios Favouring a Switch to FMU:
- You Value Certainty: You want to eliminate any "what ifs" from your health cover.
- You Have a Complex History: You have multiple past issues and want a clear, consolidated list of what is and isn't covered.
- You Anticipate Needing to Claim: If you have a niggling issue you want to get checked out, clarifying cover before you see a doctor is wise.
- You've Passed the 2-Year Mori Period: If you've been symptom-free for a condition for two years, switching to FMU can lock in that cover explicitly, so it can't be re-excluded later.
Scenarios Favouring Sticking with Moratorium:
- You Have a Clean Medical History: If you've had no health issues in the last 5+ years, FMU offers little advantage as there's nothing to exclude.
- You Have a Recent, Minor Issue: If you had a minor sprain a year ago, you might prefer to wait one more year on your moratorium policy for it to become covered automatically, rather than risk a permanent exclusion by declaring it on an FMU form.
- You Prioritise a Simple Application: If you want the quickest and easiest renewal process, staying with moratorium is the path of least resistance.
The Role of an Expert PMI Broker Like WeCovr
Navigating the complexities of underwriting can be daunting. This is where an independent, expert private medical insurance broker proves invaluable.
Using a service like WeCovr—at no extra cost to you—gives you a significant advantage. We work for you, not the insurance company.
- Personalised Advice: We’ll help you decide if switching is the right move for your specific health profile and budget.
- Whole-of-Market Access: We can secure FMU quotes from all the UK's best PMI providers, ensuring you get the most favourable terms possible. Some insurers are more lenient with certain conditions than others, and we know who to approach.
- Application Mastery: We guide you through the FMU questionnaire, ensuring it's completed accurately to prevent any issues with non-disclosure. We take the stress out of the paperwork.
- High Customer Satisfaction: Our clients consistently rate our service highly because we prioritise clear, honest advice and exceptional support.
Furthermore, WeCovr clients receive complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, helping you stay on top of your wellness goals. Policyholders who purchase PMI or life insurance can also benefit from exclusive discounts on other insurance products, adding even more value.
A Note on Wellness and Maintaining Your Health
Your PMI policy is a safety net, but the best strategy is always to maintain good health. A healthier lifestyle reduces your need to claim and can contribute to more stable premiums at renewal. Insurers are increasingly rewarding proactive health management.
- Balanced Diet: Follow principles like the NHS Eatwell Guide. Using tools like WeCovr's CalorieHero app can make tracking your nutrition simple and effective.
- Regular Activity: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like a brisk walk or cycling) or 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week.
- Quality Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. It's crucial for physical and mental regeneration.
- Stress Management: Many PMI policies include access to mental health support lines and wellness apps. Use them! Techniques like mindfulness can make a huge difference.
Taking small, consistent steps to improve your health is the best investment you can make—your PMI policy is there for when the unexpected happens.
Can I switch from moratorium to FMU mid-way through my policy year?
Will switching to FMU guarantee cover for my old medical conditions?
Do I have to declare minor illnesses like a cold or flu on an FMU application?
Is Full Medical Underwriting more expensive than moratorium underwriting?
Ready to secure your health with clarity and confidence?
Switching from moratorium to Full Medical Underwriting could be the key to unlocking true peace of mind from your private health cover. It’s a decision that replaces uncertainty with transparency, ensuring you know exactly where you stand when you need help the most.
Ready to explore your options? Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today. Our friendly, expert advisors will help you compare the entire market and decide if a switch to Full Medical Underwriting is the right choice for you and your family.
