Switching PMI Providers How to Do It Penalty-Free
Shopping around for a better deal on your car or home insurance is second nature, but many of us hesitate when it comes to our health cover. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, we know that switching your private medical insurance in the UK is not only possible but can also save you money and secure better benefits—if you know how to do it correctly. This guide will show you how to switch providers without incurring penalties or losing the cover you've built up.
Transfer guidance and timing to maintain continuous cover
Switching your Private Medical Insurance (PMI) provider can feel like a daunting task. You might worry about losing cover for conditions that have developed since you first took out a policy, or facing new waiting periods. The good news is that there is a well-established process designed to prevent this, allowing for a smooth transition from one insurer to another.
The key is to maintain continuous cover. This means ensuring there isn't a single day's gap between your old policy ending and your new one beginning. More importantly, it involves transferring the terms of your original health assessment—your underwriting—to the new provider. This process, known as "switching on a Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME) basis," is the secret to a penalty-free switch.
This article will walk you through everything you need to know, from the reasons you might want to switch to a step-by-step guide on how to do it safely and effectively.
Why You Might Consider Switching Your PMI Provider
Loyalty isn’t always rewarded in the insurance market. While you might be happy with your current provider, there are several compelling reasons to review your options each year.
- Soaring Renewal Premiums: This is the most common reason people look to switch. Insurers often offer attractive introductory prices, but premiums can increase significantly at renewal. These increases are typically due to a combination of your age, medical inflation (the rising cost of private treatment), and sometimes an insurer's claims experience. It's not uncommon to see a 20-30% hike in your premium, even if you haven't claimed.
- Your Needs Have Changed: Life events can alter your health insurance priorities. You might be starting a family and need maternity cover, or your children might be growing up and leaving your policy. Perhaps your new job has a different commute, and you need access to a different hospital network.
- Better Cover is Available Elsewhere: The private medical insurance UK market is competitive, with providers constantly updating their products. A new insurer might offer more comprehensive cancer cover, better mental health support, or access to the latest medical technologies that your current policy lacks.
- Poor Customer Service or Claims Experience: A difficult or slow claims process can be incredibly stressful when you're unwell. If you've had a bad experience with your current insurer, it's a perfectly valid reason to seek a provider with a better reputation for service.
- A More Suitable Hospital List: Your policy dictates which private hospitals and clinics you can use. If you've moved house or your local hospital has been removed from your insurer's list, switching to a provider with a better network in your area is a smart move.
Understanding the Key to a Penalty-Free Switch: Underwriting Methods
To switch without penalty, you first need to understand how insurers assess your health. This process is called "underwriting," and the method used on your policy is the single most important factor in a successful transfer.
What is Underwriting?
In simple terms, underwriting is how an insurer reviews your medical history to decide what they will and won't cover. It determines the "personal medical exclusions" on your policy. There are two main types when you first take out cover, and a third, special type used for switching.
1. Moratorium (Mori) Underwriting
This is the most common type of underwriting for new policies because it's quick and doesn't require a full medical questionnaire.
- How it works: A moratorium policy automatically excludes treatment for any medical conditions you (or anyone on your policy) have had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the 5 years before the policy starts.
- The "2-Year Rule": These exclusions can be lifted, but only if you go for a continuous 2-year period after your policy starts without needing any treatment, medication, or advice for that specific condition. If you do, the 2-year clock resets.
Example: You had physiotherapy for knee pain a year before starting your policy. Your new moratorium policy will not cover that knee. If you then go 2 full years without any knee pain, symptoms, or consultations, it may become eligible for cover in the third year.
2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)
This method involves a more detailed application process but offers greater clarity from day one.
- How it works: You complete a comprehensive health questionnaire, declaring your full medical history. The insurer's underwriting team reviews your answers and may ask for more information from your GP.
- The Result: The insurer provides you with a policy certificate that explicitly lists any conditions that are permanently excluded from cover. There are no grey areas.
3. Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME) Underwriting
This is the golden ticket for switching providers. It is not available when you first buy health insurance but is specifically designed for people who already have a policy and want to move to a new insurer.
- How it works: CPME allows you to transfer the underwriting terms from your old policy directly to your new one. This means any conditions that were already covered by your previous insurer will remain covered by your new insurer, without any new waiting periods.
- The Benefit: It ensures continuity of cover. If you developed a condition like heart palpitations three years into your first policy, and it was covered, a CPME switch ensures it remains covered with your new provider. Your original exclusions (from when you first took out cover) will also carry over.
Here is a table to help clarify the differences:
| Underwriting Type | How it Works | Best For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moratorium (Mori) | Automatic 5-year exclusion on recent conditions. Exclusions can be removed after a 2-year trouble-free period. | People with no recent medical issues who want a quick start. | No initial medical forms. |
| Full Medical (FMU) | You declare your full medical history on a questionnaire. Insurer lists specific, permanent exclusions. | People who want absolute clarity on what is and isn't covered from day one. | Exclusions are clear and fixed. |
| Continued (CPME) | Transfers your existing underwriting terms from your old policy to the new one. | Anyone with an existing PMI policy who wants to switch providers. | Maintains cover for conditions that arose while insured. |
Using a PMI broker like WeCovr is essential for a CPME switch, as they have the expertise to ensure the transfer is handled correctly between the old and new insurers.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Switching Your PMI Provider with CPME
Ready to explore your options? Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and successful switch.
Step 1: Review Your Current Policy and Renewal Notice
Before you do anything, find your latest policy documents and your renewal invitation. Pay close attention to:
- Your current premium.
- Your renewal date.
- Your level of cover (outpatient limits, cancer cover, therapies).
- Your policy excess.
- Your original start date and underwriting type.
Step 2: DO NOT Cancel Your Old Policy
This is the most important rule. Never cancel your existing policy until your new one is fully active. Cancelling prematurely could leave you uninsured and unable to secure CPME terms, forcing you to start again with fresh underwriting.
Step 3: Contact an Expert Broker Like WeCovr
Instead of spending hours calling individual insurers, engage an independent broker. An expert adviser at WeCovr can:
- Discuss your current needs and budget.
- Compare policies from a wide range of the best PMI providers.
- Specifically request quotes on a CPME basis to protect your cover.
- Handle the paperwork and liaise with insurers on your behalf.
- This service comes at no cost to you.
Step 4: Gather Your Documents
To get CPME quotes, your broker will need copies of your current policy certificate and your renewal notice. These documents prove your current level of cover and underwriting history to the new insurer.
Step 5: Compare Your Options
Your broker will present you with a comparison of quotes. This should clearly show how the new options stack up against your existing policy in terms of both price and benefits.
| Feature | Your Current Policy (Provider A) | Proposed Policy (Provider B) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Premium | £1,850 | £1,480 |
| Excess | £250 | £250 |
| Outpatient Cover | £1,000 Limit | Full Cover |
| Mental Health | Limited to 8 CBT sessions | Enhanced cover, including outpatient consultations |
| Hospital List | Standard Network | Extended Network (includes local private hospital) |
Step 6: Apply for the New Policy
Once you've chosen your preferred new policy, your broker will guide you through the application. You will need to declare any new conditions that have arisen since you first took out your original policy. Honesty is crucial here. The new insurer will then confirm they can offer you cover on a CPME basis.
Step 7: Receive and Review Your New Policy Documents
Once accepted, you'll receive your new policy certificate. Scrutinise it carefully. It should state that the policy is on a "Continued Personal Medical Exclusions" basis and should not contain any new, unexpected medical exclusions (unless based on a new condition you declared).
Step 8: Cancel Your Old Policy
Only when you have your new policy documents in hand and the cover is active should you contact your old provider to cancel. Time this to coincide with your renewal date to prevent paying for two policies or having a gap in cover.
Critical Information: Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions
It is vital to understand the fundamental purpose of private health cover in the UK.
PMI is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.
Let's break this down:
- Pre-existing Conditions: These are illnesses or injuries you had before you ever took out your first PMI policy. These are almost always excluded from cover, regardless of which provider you are with. A CPME switch will carry over these original exclusions.
- Chronic Conditions: A condition is considered chronic if it requires long-term management, has no known cure, or is likely to recur. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis. PMI does not cover the ongoing management of chronic conditions. Your GP and the NHS will continue to provide this care.
- Acute Conditions: This is what PMI is for. An acute condition is a disease or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to your full recovery or a return to your previous state of health. Examples include joint replacements, cataract surgery, hernia repairs, and diagnostics for new symptoms.
A CPME switch protects cover for acute conditions that first arose while you were insured. It does not add cover for chronic or pre-existing conditions.
Timing Your Switch: When is the Best Time to Change Provider?
Timing is everything. Acting at the right moment makes the process seamless.
The Renewal Window: Your Golden Opportunity
The best time to start the switching process is 4 to 6 weeks before your policy renewal date. Your current insurer is legally required to send you a renewal pack at least 28 days before your renewal date, which will contain your new premium and a summary of your cover.
Starting 4-6 weeks out gives you and your broker ample time to:
- Review your renewal offer.
- Gather quotes from other insurers on a CPME basis.
- Compare the benefits and costs thoroughly.
- Complete the application for the new policy.
- Allow the new insurer's underwriting team to process the CPME transfer.
- Receive your new documents before your old policy expires.
Can You Switch Mid-Policy?
While technically possible, it's generally not advisable. Most PMI policies are annual contracts. If you cancel mid-term, you will almost certainly not receive a pro-rata refund for the unused months. This means you would effectively be paying for cover twice. The cleanest and most financially sensible approach is to align your switch with your annual renewal date.
What If I've Recently Claimed or Am in the Middle of Treatment?
This is a common concern.
- If you have recently made a claim: You can still switch, but your options may be slightly more limited. Some insurers might be hesitant to take you on a CPME basis if you have a high claims history. An expert broker's knowledge is invaluable here, as they know which insurers are more flexible.
- If you are in the middle of active treatment: You should complete your course of treatment with your current insurer. A new provider will not take on an ongoing claim. It's best to wait until your treatment is complete before initiating a switch.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Switching Your Health Insurance
Navigating the switch successfully means avoiding a few common mistakes.
- ❌ Cancelling Too Early: As we've stressed, this is the biggest error. You risk being left without cover and losing your continuous underwriting terms.
- ❌ Assuming "Like-for-Like" is Identical: A new policy may look similar, but the devil is in the detail. Check the outpatient limits, the excess structure, the cancer cover pathway, and, crucially, the hospital list.
- ❌ Accidentally Opting for Moratorium Underwriting: If you go directly to an insurer's website and buy a new policy, it will almost certainly be on a moratorium basis. This "resets the clock" and means any conditions you've developed under your old policy will now be excluded for at least two years. Always specify a CPME switch.
- ❌ Not Disclosing New Information: A CPME switch is not a way to hide new medical issues. You must declare any new symptoms or conditions that have arisen when you apply to the new insurer.
- ❌ Focusing Only on Price: The cheapest policy is rarely the best PMI provider for your needs. A slightly higher premium might buy you significantly better cover, such as full outpatient diagnostics or a more comprehensive cancer care promise. Value should always be the primary consideration.
Beyond the Policy: Added Value and Wellness Benefits
Modern private health cover is about more than just paying for hospital treatment. Insurers are increasingly focused on preventative care and keeping you healthy. When comparing providers, look for these valuable extras:
- Digital GP Services: 24/7 access to a GP via phone or video call, often with the ability to get prescriptions or referrals.
- Mental Health Support: Access to telephone counselling lines, therapy sessions (CBT), or mental wellbeing apps.
- Wellness Programmes: Many insurers offer discounts on gym memberships, fitness trackers, and health screenings to encourage a healthy lifestyle.
- Health Information Helplines: Access to qualified nurses for non-urgent medical advice.
As an NHS report from 2023 highlighted, just 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week can have a significant positive impact on long-term health. Insurers are leaning into this, rewarding proactive health management.
At WeCovr, we enhance this further. All our private medical insurance clients receive:
- Complimentary access to CalorieHero: Our proprietary AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app to help you manage your diet and health goals.
- Multi-policy discounts: When you take out PMI or Life Insurance with us, you can often get discounts on other types of cover, such as home or travel insurance.
The Role of an Expert PMI Broker
You can switch on your own, but using an FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr simplifies the process and protects you from potential pitfalls.
- Market Knowledge: We have access to and deep knowledge of policies from across the market, including specialist products not available on comparison websites.
- Underwriting Expertise: We live and breathe the complexities of CPME, Moratorium, and FMU underwriting. We ensure your application is submitted correctly to protect your continuity of cover.
- It Costs You Nothing: Our service is free for you to use. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, which is already built into the premium, so you don't pay a penny more.
- Your Advocate: We work for you, not the insurance company. We are on your side, from finding the right policy to offering guidance if you need to make a claim. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to our clients.
With the NHS waiting list in England remaining over 7.5 million treatment pathways as of mid-2025, having the right private cover provides invaluable peace of mind. A broker ensures your cover is not just affordable, but robust and right for you.
Do I need to have another medical exam to switch PMI providers?
What happens to my No Claims Discount (NCD) when I switch?
Can I switch my company PMI policy to a personal one when I leave my job?
Will my premium definitely be cheaper if I switch my private health cover?
Ready to see if you can get better private health cover for a better price, all while keeping your underwriting terms protected?
Contact the friendly, FCA-authorised experts at WeCovr today. We'll provide a free, no-obligation review of your current policy and compare it against the UK's leading insurers to find the best option for you.
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?
👉 Would you prefer to choose your own consultant and hospital?
👉 Do you want faster access to diagnostic tests and scans?
👉 Would you like private hospital accommodation and better food?
👉 Do you want to avoid the stress of NHS waiting lists?
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.
By tapping the button below, you can book a free call with them in less than 30 seconds right now:
Our Group Is Proud To Have Issued 800,000+ Policies!
We've established collaboration agreements with leading insurance groups to create tailored coverage
How It Works
1. Complete a brief form
2. Our experts analyse your information and find you best quotes
3. Enjoy your protection!
Any questions?
Learn more
Who Are WeCovr?
WeCovr is an insurance specialist for people valuing their peace of mind and a great service.👍 WeCovr will help you get your private medical insurance, life insurance, critical illness insurance and others in no time thanks to our wonderful super-friendly experts ready to assist you every step of the way.
Just a quick and simple form and an easy conversation with one of our experts and your valuable insurance policy is in place for that needed peace of mind!