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Understanding Underwriting Full vs. Moratorium

Understanding Underwriting Full vs. Moratorium 2026

As an FCA-authorised expert with over 900,000 policies arranged, WeCovr helps demystify the choices you face when buying private medical insurance in the UK. One of the biggest decisions is selecting the right type of underwriting. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Full Medical Underwriting and Moratorium underwriting.

Martin Lewis and WeCovr explain the crucial differences and what works best for each person. Full medical underwriting gives certainty but takes extra admin. — MoneySavingExpert

Choosing your private medical insurance (PMI) is a significant step towards taking control of your health. But before you can access fast-track consultations and private hospital rooms, you'll encounter a crucial term: underwriting.

Underwriting is simply the process an insurer uses to assess your health and medical history. This helps them decide what they can and can't cover on your policy and at what price. The two main ways they do this in the UK are Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) and Moratorium (MORI) Underwriting.

The choice you make has a major impact on what your policy covers, how quickly it's set up, and what happens when you need to make a claim. Let's break down the differences to help you decide which path is right for you.

The Golden Rule of UK Private Health Insurance

Before we dive into the details, it's vital to understand a fundamental principle of standard UK private medical insurance:

PMI is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.

An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery (like a cataract or a hernia). PMI does not cover chronic conditions – long-term illnesses that have no known cure and need ongoing management, such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure. It also does not cover pre-existing conditions unless they are specifically accepted by the insurer, which is rare. Understanding this distinction is key to having the right expectations for your health cover.

Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): The Path of Certainty

Full Medical Underwriting is exactly what it sounds like: a complete, upfront review of your medical history. It’s the more traditional approach, favouring total transparency from the outset.

How Does Full Medical Underwriting Work?

The process is straightforward but requires some effort on your part:

  1. Health Questionnaire: You will fill out a detailed application form. This will ask questions about your health, lifestyle, and medical history. You'll need to disclose any conditions, treatments, consultations, or symptoms you've experienced, typically within the last five years, but sometimes longer.
  2. Information Gathering: You must be honest and thorough. Insurers may ask for your permission to contact your GP to verify information or get more details about a condition you've declared.
  3. The Underwriting Decision: The insurer's underwriting team will review your application. They will then issue your policy documents, which will clearly state any personal medical exclusions. These are specific conditions or body parts that will not be covered by your policy.

Example: Sarah, a 48-year-old marketing director, had physiotherapy for knee pain three years ago. On her FMU application, she declares this. The insurer might review her GP records and decide to place an exclusion on her policy for any future knee-related problems. From day one, Sarah knows exactly where she stands: her policy will cover a new hip problem, but not a flare-up of her old knee trouble.

The Pros and Cons of Full Medical Underwriting

FeaturePros (The Good Bits)Cons (The Downsides)
Clarity✅ Crystal Clear Cover: You know precisely what is and isn't covered from the very beginning. No nasty surprises when you claim.❌ Potential for Exclusions: Conditions you might have considered minor could be permanently excluded.
Process✅ Smoother Claims: As the insurer already has your medical history, claims are often processed faster without the need for deep investigation.❌ Upfront Admin: It takes time and effort to complete the detailed forms accurately.
Setup Time✅ Thorough Review: The insurer has a complete picture, leading to a tailored policy.❌ Slower Start: The policy can take longer to issue while the insurer reviews your details and potentially contacts your GP.
Privacy✅ One-Time Disclosure: You deal with the medical questions once at the start.❌ Intrusive Questions: You have to share personal and sometimes sensitive medical information.

Who Should Consider Full Medical Underwriting?

FMU is often the best choice for individuals who:

  • Value certainty and want to eliminate any ambiguity about their cover.
  • Have had previous medical issues and want to know for sure if they will be covered.
  • Are happy to do the paperwork upfront for a smoother process later.
  • Want the peace of mind that comes from a clear, contractually-defined policy.

Moratorium Underwriting (MORI): The "Wait and See" Approach

Moratorium underwriting is the most common type for individual PMI policies in the UK. It’s a faster, less invasive way to get cover, but it comes with a trade-off: a lack of initial certainty.

How Does Moratorium Underwriting Work?

With a moratorium policy, you don't complete a detailed health questionnaire. Instead, the policy automatically excludes any medical conditions for which you have had symptoms, treatment, medication, or advice in the five years before the policy start date.

Here's the key part: these conditions can become eligible for cover later on, subject to two main rules:

  1. The Moratorium Period: You must have the policy for a continuous period, usually two years.
  2. The Symptom-Free Period: During that two-year period, you must not have any symptoms, treatment, medication, or advice for that specific pre-existing condition.

If you meet both these criteria, the condition may no longer be considered pre-existing and could be covered in the future. This is often referred to as a "rolling" moratorium because the two-year clock can restart if you have a flare-up or seek advice for the condition.

Example: David, a 32-year-old software developer, takes out a moratorium policy. Four years ago, he saw his GP for occasional migraines. For the first two years of his policy, any claims related to headaches or migraines would be automatically rejected. However, if David goes for two full years on the policy without seeking any treatment, medication, or advice for his migraines, they could then become eligible for cover in his third year.

The Pros and Cons of Moratorium Underwriting

FeaturePros (The Good Bits)Cons (The Downsides)
Clarity✅ Potential for Future Cover: Old conditions can become covered over time if you stay well.❌ Uncertainty at Claim Time: You don't know for sure if a condition is covered until you make a claim and the insurer investigates your history.
Process✅ Quick and Easy Setup: You can get covered in minutes with no lengthy forms.❌ Claims Can Be Delayed: The underwriting happens at the point of claim, which can be a stressful and slow process.
Setup Time✅ Immediate Cover: Your policy can be up and running very quickly.❌ The "Rolling" Clause: The 2-year symptom-free clock can be reset by a minor consultation, pushing back potential cover.
Privacy✅ Less Intrusive: You don't have to disclose your full medical history at the start.❌ History is Investigated Later: The insurer will ask for access to your medical records when you claim.

Who Should Consider Moratorium Underwriting?

MORI is often a great fit for people who:

  • Are generally in good health with no significant medical history in the last five years.
  • Want to get a policy set up as quickly as possible.
  • Prefer not to go through the process of digging up their full medical history.
  • Are younger and less likely to have a complex medical background.

At a Glance: Full Medical Underwriting vs. Moratorium

AspectFull Medical Underwriting (FMU)Moratorium Underwriting (MORI)
Application ProcessDetailed health questionnaire required.No medical questionnaire at the start.
Speed of SetupSlower (days or weeks).Fast (minutes or hours).
Clarity of CoverHigh – you know exactly what’s excluded from day one.Low – cover is determined at the point of claim.
Claim ProcessGenerally faster, as underwriting is already done.Slower, as insurer investigates your history when you claim.
PrivacyIntrusive at the start, less so at claim time.Less intrusive at the start, more so at claim time.
Pre-existing ConditionsExplicitly excluded in writing from the start.Automatically excluded for a set period, but can become eligible for cover later if you remain symptom-free.
Best ForPeople who want certainty and don't mind upfront admin.Healthy people who want a quick setup and are comfortable with some ambiguity.

Expert Guidance from WeCovr

The choice between FMU and MORI is deeply personal. There is no single "best" option—only what's best for you.

  • If you can't remember the last time you saw a doctor for anything other than a common cold, a Moratorium policy offers a fast and simple route to getting covered.
  • If you have a more complex history or simply can't stand uncertainty, putting in the effort for Full Medical Underwriting will provide invaluable peace of mind.

This is where an expert PMI broker like WeCovr becomes invaluable. Our specialists can discuss your personal circumstances, explain the nuances of policies from different providers like Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality, and help you make an informed decision. We compare the market for you, ensuring you get the right cover at a competitive price—all at no cost to you.

Beyond Underwriting: Other Factors That Shape Your Policy

While underwriting is a cornerstone of your policy, other choices will also define your cover and premium:

  • Hospital List: Insurers offer tiered lists of private hospitals. A policy covering only local hospitals will be cheaper than one that includes premium central London facilities.
  • Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim each year. A higher excess (£500 or £1,000) will lower your monthly premium, while a lower excess (£0 or £100) will increase it.
  • Outpatient Cover: This covers consultations and diagnostics that don't require a hospital bed. You can choose from full cover, a limited amount (e.g., £1,000 per year), or no outpatient cover to reduce costs.
  • Therapies Cover: This includes treatments like physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic care, which are often a key reason for claiming.
  • Mental Health Cover: Support for mental health is an increasingly important part of modern PMI. Cover levels vary significantly between insurers.

Small Lifestyle Changes, Big Health Impact

Private medical insurance is there for when things go wrong, but living a healthy lifestyle can reduce your chances of needing it. Small, consistent habits can have a profound impact on your long-term well-being.

  • Nourish Your Body: Aim for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. According to the NHS, eating at least five portions of a variety of fruit and veg a day can lower your risk of serious health problems. Tracking your intake can be a powerful tool. That's why WeCovr provides complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to all our PMI and life insurance clients.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Most adults need 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep is linked to a higher risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Create a relaxing bedtime routine and make your bedroom a screen-free zone.
  • Move Every Day: The UK Chief Medical Officers' guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. This could be a brisk walk, a cycle ride, or a dance class. Find something you enjoy to make it a sustainable habit.
  • Manage Stress: Chronic stress can impact your physical health. Practices like mindfulness, spending time in nature, or simply talking to a friend can make a real difference.

When you purchase a policy through WeCovr, you not only gain peace of mind but also discounts on other insurance products, helping you protect your family and your finances in a holistic way.

The UK Health Landscape: Why People Choose PMI

The NHS is a national treasure, but it is facing unprecedented pressure. According to the latest NHS England data, the waiting list for consultant-led elective care stands at over 7.5 million. For many, this uncertainty is the primary driver for considering private medical insurance.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) notes that around 1.7 million people in the UK have a private medical insurance policy, with insurers paying out over £7.6 million every day for treatments. This investment allows people to bypass long waits for diagnosis and treatment, giving them control, choice, and a quicker return to their normal lives.

Do I have to declare every single cold or minor GP visit on a Full Medical Underwriting application?

Generally, no. Insurers are interested in significant conditions, ongoing symptoms, specialist consultations, and prescribed medications. While you must be truthful, you typically don't need to list every common cold or routine check-up unless it led to further investigation or treatment. If in doubt, it is always best to declare it. An expert broker can help you understand what is relevant.

What happens if I forget to declare a medical condition on an FMU application?

This is known as 'non-disclosure'. If the insurer discovers this when you make a claim, they have the right to reject the claim and, in serious cases, void your policy from the start. This would mean you are not covered and will not get your premiums back. It is critically important to be as honest and complete as possible on your application.

Can a moratorium policy ever cover a chronic condition like diabetes?

No. This is a crucial point. Standard UK private medical insurance, regardless of underwriting type, is designed for acute conditions that can be resolved with treatment. Chronic conditions, which require long-term management rather than a cure, are not covered. A moratorium only allows for pre-existing *acute* conditions to potentially become covered over time, not chronic ones.

Is one type of underwriting cheaper than the other?

Not necessarily. The final premium is based on your age, location, the level of cover you choose, and the insurer's assessment of your risk. For a young, healthy person, the price for FMU and Moratorium policies will likely be very similar. For someone with a complex medical history, an FMU policy might have a higher premium (a 'loading') or more exclusions, but this reflects the known risk the insurer is taking on.

Take the Next Step with Confidence

Understanding the difference between Full Medical Underwriting and Moratorium underwriting is the key to unlocking the right private health cover for you and your family. The choice defines the balance between upfront admin and future certainty.

Navigating this decision doesn't have to be complicated. The expert team at WeCovr is here to provide free, friendly, and impartial advice. We'll help you compare leading UK providers, tailor a policy to your needs and budget, and answer all your questions.

Contact WeCovr today for your free, no-obligation quote and gain the peace of mind that comes with having the right health protection in place.

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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!

There is no need to wait until the renewal of your current policy.
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:

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Life Insurance and Private Medical Insurance cover you for two different purposes, so you will need to assess your needs but may wish to consider holding the two policies. Private Medical Insurance covers you if you get sick or need treatment and want or need to go privately. Life Insurance covers you in the case of death, giving a payout to family/those left behind.

Health insurance covers conditions that develop after your policy starts. Pre-existing conditions are typically not covered, and insurers may exclude related issues. Some policies may cover symptoms of pre-existing conditions under specific circumstances. Always review your policy's exclusions. Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions may be available if you currently hold a medical insurance policy or are transitioning from a company scheme. However, if you have never had medical insurance before or if your policy is not active at the moment, pre-existing conditions will not be covered. This limitation exists because health insurance is primarily intended to protect against unexpected health issues. To simplify, it's akin to getting into a car accident and then trying to obtain insurance coverage afterward to repair the vehicle — insurance companies typically do not cover such claims. Nevertheless, there is an option to gain coverage for pre-existing conditions after a two-year waiting period, subject to specific rules and conditions.

If you prefer to get straight into treatment in the private sector without the long waiting times with the NHS, or you just prefer the private sector anyway, without having to pay it all yourself, then you would need to have Private Medical Insurance to cover it. Sometimes treatments and drugs that are not covered by the NHS can be covered by Private Medical Insurance.

It's free to use WeCovr to find health insurance - we never charge you for quotes. Health or private medical insurance is an investment that can pay for itself the first time you might need medical treatment.

It depends on your personal choice and preferences. If you are prepared to limit yourself to NHS-covered treatments only and can or want to endure long waiting times to get into treatment, then yes, NHS might work for you. Your cover there is free. If you don't want to be exposed to long waiting times or if your treatment is not covered by the NHS, then you would benefit from Private Medical Insurance.

Private Medical Insurance is an important financial product that insurance companies take a lot of care and diligence so speaking to real human beings ensures that they understand your requirements fully so that you can get the right cover.

All of our partners are carefully vetted and authorised by the FCA, which means they are held to the highest standards that the FCA expects from them and treat all customers fairly!

Our revenue comes from commissions paid by the insurance providers when a policy is taken out through us. Essentially, when you choose to secure a policy from one of the providers we work with, they compensate us for facilitating the transaction. It's important to note that this commission does not impact the premium you pay. We remain committed to providing transparent and unbiased quotes to help you find the best insurance options tailored to your needs.

The cost of private health insurance depends on several factors, including your age, location, smoking status, and the type of policy you choose. Your health insurance policy is tailored to your needs, and the cost can vary based on the level of cover you require, such as the amount of excess and specific treatment allowances.

Private health insurance covers you for conditions that arise after your policy begins. You pay a monthly fee and can make claims for private healthcare covered by your policy. One of the main benefits of private healthcare is quicker access to treatment compared to the NHS, along with access to new drugs or specialist treatments.

Most health insurance covers private hospital stays and may include outpatient treatments like scans, tests, or appointments. Policies vary in coverage, and exclusions often include emergency treatment, maternity care, cosmetic surgery, and ongoing conditions present before the policy started.

Unfortunately, you cannot pay extra to have a pre-existing condition covered as part of your health insurance policy. However, you have access to support from a nurse or digital GP. If you have questions about what is covered under your policy, please contact us for clarification.

Your health insurance policy begins once you've selected your policy and set up your payment. After setup, you'll receive your cover documents detailing what is and isn't covered. It's important to review these details carefully as policies differ.

An excess is the amount you contribute towards treatment when you make a claim. Choosing a higher excess can reduce your policy's monthly cost but requires a larger contribution when claiming. WeCovr's experts will offer you flexible excess options depending on your preferences.

To reduce health insurance costs, consider choosing a higher excess, which lowers the monthly premium. However, ensure the plan still meets your needs. Other factors affecting cost include lifestyle choices like smoking and potential savings for couples or family plans.

There is no age limit for taking out health insurance, but age influences the policy's cost. The benefits of health insurance are consistent regardless of age. If you're considering health insurance, you can get a quote from WeCovr's experts regardless of your age.

Let WeCovr's experts do the legwork for you and compare health insurance plans at no cost to you to find the best fit for your needs. Consider individual, couple, or family plans and review coverage details thoroughly before choosing. WeCovr provides transparent information on coverage options for easy comparison.

Yes, you can add your partner (if you live at the same address) or dependents to your policy at any time. The cost of couple's or family health insurance depends on factors like location, age, health, and chosen excess. Contact WeCovr or your insurer for assistance in adding someone to your policy.

While WeCovr's private health insurance plans are tailored for the UK, we offer global health insurance options for those living or working abroad. For holiday coverage, travel insurance is recommended.

Comprehensive cover provides extensive benefits, including full outpatient services such as consultations, diagnostic tests, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies. Our team at WeCovr can assist in understanding the various coverage levels available.

Private health insurance typically does not cover dental treatment. However, WeCovr's experts can guide you to dental insurance policies offered by our partner insurers. Reach out to us to explore these options.

Yes, private health insurance covers cancer treatment from diagnosis through treatment. At WeCovr, we can help you navigate the cancer cover options that suit your needs.

At WeCovr, you have flexibility in adjusting your cover. Speak to our experts within 21 days of receiving your paperwork or at policy renewal to make changes.

Accessing a private GP appointment is fast and convenient with WeCovr's services, available through your digital platform provided under your chosen insurance plan.

Yes, family members on the same policy can potentially have different levels of cover tailored to their individual needs.

WeCovr works with insurers offering a range of cover levels to accommodate different budgets and needs. Our experts can discuss these options with you.

Discovering healthcare facilities and specialists is easy with WeCovr's resources. Contact us for personalised assistance by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Fee-assured consultants provides transparency and no hidden costs for clients.

WeCovr prioritises mental health support with comprehensive coverage and access to specialist advice and services.

Children up to a certain age can be included in your policy, and we offer discounts for family coverage.

Like most health insurance plans, premiums may increase annually due to factors such as age and medical cost inflation.

The cost of health insurance varies based on several factors. Connect with our experts by tapping a button below and get your own personalised quote.

Private health insurance offers quicker access to consultations, treatments, and personalised care compared to the NHS.

Yes, WeCovr's experts can guide you which health insurance plans include coverage for physiotherapy treatments.

Immediate access to certain services like our digital GP app is available upon enrolment.

You can obtain a range of suitable quotes easily by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Health insurance covers new conditions that arise after the policy starts. Pre-existing conditions and certain exclusions may apply.

WeCovr's experts help you arrange health insurance that simplifies access to private healthcare services, including consultations and treatments.

Outpatient cover includes consultations, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies outside hospital admissions.

Yes, you can use your health insurance cover immediately. You have access to a nurse through your helpline and can consult with a GP using the digital GP app. If you need to make a claim right away, we may require a medical report from your GP. Health insurance is designed to cover new conditions that arise after the policy has started.

No, health insurance does not cover A&E (Accident and Emergency) visits. Private hospitals do not typically have the facilities for handling A&E cases. In case of an emergency, please dial 999 or use the NHS emergency services. However, if you require follow-up treatment after an emergency situation, your private medical insurance may be able to assist.

Yes, many insurers offer rewards in leisure, wellbeing, and health. Speak to WeCovr's experts or visit your insurer's website for more details on member rewards.

You may continue your cover or get another own personal policy. If you continue your cover, existing or ongoing medical conditions might be covered depending on the level of cover you choose. Contact our friendly experts to discuss your options and find the right option for you.

You can tap one of the buttons above or below and fill in a quick form to arrange a call with us to discuss your options.

Your cover may be similar but not identical. We will help you find the right level of cover that suits your needs, and ongoing medical conditions may be covered. Contact our friendly advisers to explore all available options.

No, the price won't be the same as before since employers often contribute to the cost of employee cover. Additionally, different cover levels and medical histories may affect the price. Contact WeCovr's experts for detailed information.

You have a few weeks or months from leaving your job to decide to continue with your insurer or change to another one. Your policy may start the day after you left your work policy, and our experts can guide you through other available options.

After leaving your job, contact WeCovr's experts with your leave date to discuss available options.

Yes, ongoing treatment may be covered on your new personal policy, although it could affect the price. Contact our experts for personalised advice on your options.

Details on paying excess fees will be provided when you contact your insurer for treatment authorisation.

No, there is no excess fee for utilising these services.

Excess adjustments can be made at specific intervals during your policy term.

No claims discounts can impact renewal costs based on claims history.

Pre-existing conditions typically aren't covered but can be discussed with our healthcare specialists.

This involves health-related questions before policy enrolment to determine coverage.

Moratorium underwriting simplifies enrolment but may require health disclosures during claims.

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

Pre-existing conditions refer to medical issues existing before policy inception. A pre-existing condition is anything you've previously had medical treatment for, such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma. Most insurance providers consider any condition you've had symptoms or treatment for in the past five years as pre-existing. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how pre-existing conditions affect your policy options.

While some insurance providers automatically renew your private healthcare cover, it's beneficial to compare policies when yours is about to end. This ensures you're still getting the best deal for the coverage you need. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in finding the right policy for you.

Typically, you must be over 18 to take out your own policy, but minors can usually be included in a family policy. There may also be an upper age limit for private health insurance, and premiums typically increase with age. Our experts at WeCovr can provide guidance on age-related policy aspects.

Paying for health insurance annually often results in savings compared to monthly payments. However, this depends on your insurance provider. For help determining the most cost-effective option, consider consulting our experts at WeCovr.

If your employer offers private health insurance as part of your benefits package, you likely don't need additional cover. However, there may be limits on the cover you receive, and it may not extend to your entire family. Remember, any insurance you get through work only covers you while you're employed there.

If you don't have pre-existing conditions, a medical exam is usually not required. You'll just need to complete a medical history form and select your level of cover. However, if you're older, have a pre-existing condition, or lead an unhealthy lifestyle, a medical exam may be necessary. Our experts at WeCovr can clarify the requirements of different policies.

Many private health insurance providers now offer GP services, either digitally or face-to-face. This means you can often get a private GP appointment quickly, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer GP services.

With private health insurance, you can often secure a GP appointment much quicker than with traditional methods, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer quick GP appointment services.

Inpatient care refers to any treatment requiring a stay in a hospital or clinic for at least one night. Outpatient care refers to treatments or tests that don't require hospital admission, such as minor diagnostic tests or physiotherapy sessions. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand the different types of care and find a policy that suits your needs.

Private health insurance covers your medical treatment if you fall ill, while critical illness cover provides additional financial help if you develop one of the critical illnesses listed in the policy, such as covering loss of income if you're unable to work. For assistance in understanding the differences and finding the right coverage, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Health insurance policies are designed for cover in the UK. For cover abroad, consider travel insurance for short trips or international health insurance for longer stays or if you have a holiday home overseas. Our experts at WeCovr can guide you in finding the appropriate coverage for your travel needs.

If your employer provides health insurance, it's considered a 'benefit in kind' and is not tax deductible. Your employer should calculate the tax you owe for your health insurance premiums and deduct it from your pay. There are some exceptions for small companies. For more information on tax implications, consider reaching out to our experts at WeCovr.

When you purchase a policy, you choose how much excess you pay, which is your contribution to the cost of treatment if you make a claim. The higher your excess, the lower your premium is likely to be. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how excess works and choose the right level for you.

These are two methods of underwriting a health insurance policy, relating to how insurance providers consider your pre-existing medical conditions when you take out cover. For help understanding the differences and choosing the right option for you, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Some private health insurance providers offer a no-claims discount, similar to car insurance. Every year you don't make a claim gives you an extra year of no-claims discount, potentially reducing your premium when you renew. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer no-claims discounts.

To find the best health insurance for you, compare various policies to find one that offers the features you need at a price you can afford. Consider your personal circumstances and what you want from your policy. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in evaluating your options and selecting the right coverage for you.

If you need treatment, a GP referral is not always necessary. However, this depends on how you plan to pay for your treatment. Most hospitals will allow you to book appointments with a consultant without a GP referral if you are paying out-of-pocket. If you have private medical insurance, you'll need to check the terms of your policy to see whether your insurer requires you to consult with a GP first (most insurers do). Some policies offer a direct booking system without a referral for certain conditions, such as counseling for mental health issues.

Yes, you can obtain financing for a loan to cover the cost of surgery. Many private healthcare companies have partnerships with finance companies to allow you to spread the cost of private treatment over time. You could also explore getting an ordinary loan from your bank if this option proves to be more cost-effective for you.

WeCovr has conducted extensive research into the cost of private health insurance in the UK. Click the link to find out more detailed information.

Yes, you can continue to receive treatment through the NHS even if you have private health insurance and have received private treatment in the past. This could be for rehabilitation after private surgery or for treatment that is not covered by your health insurance policy. For example, some cosmetic surgeries may be available through the NHS but are generally not covered by private medical insurance.

This is a difficult question to answer definitively. There are certain services that cannot be obtained privately, such as emergency treatment at an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. Many NHS consultants also practice privately, so you could potentially see the same consultant regardless of whether you choose private or public healthcare. However, private healthcare typically offers shorter waiting times, guaranteed private rooms, and more relaxed visiting hours. Additionally, you may have access to treatments and drugs that are not routinely available through the NHS.

Yes, you can self-refer to a private specialist without the need for a GP referral. However, the British Medical Association believes that in most cases, it is best practice to start with your GP, as they are familiar with your medical history.

Yes, if you have a health concern and pay for private tests and scans but cannot afford to have private surgery, you should be able to have your test results transferred to an NHS provider for treatment.

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