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What Is Moratorium Underwriting in Private Medical Insurance

What Is Moratorium Underwriting in Private Medical Insurance

At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, we know that navigating the world of private medical insurance in the UK can feel complex. This expert guide breaks down moratorium underwriting—one of the most common ways to get health cover—explaining exactly how it works for you.

How PMI providers use moratoriums and their effects on claims

Private Medical Insurance (PMI) providers use underwriting to assess the risk of insuring a new customer. It's the process they use to decide what they will and won't cover, particularly concerning your past medical history.

One of the most popular methods in the UK is moratorium underwriting.

In simple terms, a moratorium is a "wait-and-see" approach. Instead of asking you to complete a long medical questionnaire upfront, the insurer automatically excludes treatment for any medical conditions you've had in a set period (usually the five years) before your policy began.

However, this exclusion isn't always permanent. If you then go for a specified period after your policy starts (typically two years) without having any symptoms, treatment, medication, or advice for that condition, the insurer may agree to cover it in the future.

This method has a significant effect on claims. When you need to make a claim, your insurer will investigate your medical history to determine if your condition is new or relates to something you've had before. This means the administrative work happens at the point of a claim, not at the application stage.

What Exactly Is Moratorium Underwriting?

Think of moratorium underwriting as drawing a line in the sand. When you take out your policy, the insurer essentially says: "We won't cover any medical conditions you've had recently. But if you stay symptom-free for a while, we'll reconsider."

Here’s the typical process, often referred to as the '2-5-2 rule' by those in the industry:

  1. The Look-Back Period (5 Years): The insurer will not cover you for any conditions for which you have had symptoms, sought medical advice, or received treatment in the 5 years leading up to your policy start date.
  2. The Qualifying Period (2 Years): After your policy begins, you must complete a 2-year continuous period without experiencing any symptoms, needing treatment, or seeking advice for that specific pre-existing condition.
  3. The Outcome (Cover Added): If you successfully complete this 2-year "trouble-free" period, the condition will no longer be considered pre-existing and may become eligible for cover under your policy terms.

If, however, your symptoms return or you need advice for the condition during this 2-year window, the clock resets. You would need to start another 2-year continuous trouble-free period before it could be considered for cover.

A Real-Life Example: David and His Back Pain

Let's imagine David is looking for private health cover.

  • Medical History: Two years ago, David saw his GP for a bout of lower back pain. He was given some painkillers and advice on stretching. He hasn't had any trouble since.
  • Policy Start: David takes out a moratorium policy in January 2025. Because he had advice for back pain within the last five years, his policy will automatically exclude treatment for it.
  • Scenario 1: Cover is Added. David remains free of back pain. He doesn't see a doctor, take medication, or have any symptoms related to his back. By January 2027 (two years later), his back condition is no longer a pre-existing exclusion. If he develops a new back problem after this date, his PMI policy should cover it.
  • Scenario 2: The Exclusion Remains. In June 2026, David's back pain returns, and he visits a physiotherapist. Because he has sought advice for the condition within the 2-year moratorium period, the "clock" on his back pain exclusion resets. It will remain an excluded condition.

This simple example shows the core trade-off with moratorium underwriting: you get a quick and easy application, but there's a degree of uncertainty about what's covered until you need to make a claim.

The Two Main Types of Underwriting: Moratorium vs. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)

Moratorium isn't the only option. The other main method is Full Medical Underwriting (FMU). With FMU, you provide detailed information about your medical history by completing a comprehensive questionnaire when you apply.

The insurer assesses your application and tells you from day one exactly what is and isn't covered. Any conditions you declare may be permanently excluded, or the insurer might charge a higher premium to cover them.

Here’s a comparison to help you understand the difference:

FeatureMoratorium UnderwritingFull Medical Underwriting (FMU)
Application ProcessQuick and simple. No medical forms to fill in.Detailed questionnaire about your medical history.
Upfront DeclarationsNone. Your history is assessed at the point of claim.You must declare all past conditions and treatments.
Speed of SetupVery fast. Cover can often be set up the same day.Slower. The insurer needs time to assess your application.
Certainty of CoverLess certainty. You don't know what's covered until you claim.High certainty. You get a definitive list of exclusions from the start.
Claims ProcessCan be slower. Insurer needs to check medical records.Generally faster, as underwriting was done at the start.
Cover for Past ConditionsPossible to gain cover after a 2-year trouble-free period.Pre-existing conditions are usually permanently excluded.
Best For...People who are generally healthy with no recent medical issues.People with a known medical history who want upfront clarity.

Choosing the right underwriting is a crucial step. An expert PMI broker, such as WeCovr, can explain these options in detail and help you decide which method best suits your personal circumstances and health profile, all at no cost to you.

Critical Point: PMI is for Acute, Not Chronic Conditions

This is the single most important concept to understand about private medical insurance in the UK.

Standard UK PMI policies are designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy. They are not designed to cover the ongoing management of chronic conditions, nor do they typically cover pre-existing conditions from the outset.

Let's break this down:

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include a hernia, cataracts, joint replacement, or appendicitis. PMI is excellent for getting fast access to treatment for these issues.
  • Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs ongoing or long-term monitoring, it has no known cure, it is likely to recur, or it requires palliative care. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and Crohn's disease. The day-to-day management of these conditions is handled by the NHS.
  • Pre-existing Condition: Any ailment for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, or sought advice before the start date of your policy.

While PMI won't cover the routine management of a chronic condition like diabetes, it may cover an acute flare-up if you have been symptom-free for the required moratorium period. The specifics depend entirely on your insurer and policy wording.

The Claims Process with a Moratorium Policy

So, you have a moratorium policy and you need medical treatment. What happens next?

  1. Visit Your GP: Your health journey almost always starts with your GP. The NHS remains your first port of call.
  2. Get an Open Referral: If your GP believes you need to see a specialist, they will write you an 'open referral' letter. This confirms the need for specialist consultation without naming a specific doctor.
  3. Contact Your Insurer: You call your PMI provider's claims line with your policy details and the referral information.
  4. The Investigation (The Crucial Step): This is where the moratorium aspect kicks in. The insurer will likely ask for your consent to access your medical records from your GP. Their medical underwriters will review your history to check if the current issue is:
    • A brand-new condition.
    • Related to a pre-existing condition you had in the 5 years before your policy started.
    • A condition that was previously excluded but has since passed the 2-year trouble-free period.
  5. Authorisation: If the insurer determines the condition is eligible for cover, they will authorise your treatment. They will provide a list of approved specialists and hospitals from their network.
  6. Treatment: You proceed with your consultation and any subsequent treatment, with the bills being settled directly by your insurer.
  7. Denial: If the investigation reveals the condition is pre-existing and still within its moratorium period, the claim will be denied. You would then need to seek treatment through the NHS or pay for it yourself.

This investigation stage can sometimes cause delays and anxiety, which is the main drawback of moratorium underwriting.

Advantages of Moratorium Underwriting

Despite the uncertainty, moratorium policies are incredibly popular for several good reasons:

  • Speed and Simplicity: It's the fastest way to get private health cover. With no forms to fill out, you can often be insured on the same day you apply.
  • Less Intrusive: You don't have to recall and declare every single doctor's visit or prescription from the last decade. This is a huge plus for people who value their privacy or simply don't have perfect records of their medical history.
  • Potential for Future Cover: This is a key benefit. A condition that might be permanently excluded under an FMU policy has a chance of becoming covered under a moratorium policy after the 2-year symptom-free period.
  • No Premium Loading for Past Conditions: With FMU, an insurer might agree to cover a minor past condition but charge you a higher premium for it. This doesn't happen with a moratorium policy.

Disadvantages and Potential Pitfalls

It's equally important to be aware of the downsides:

  • Uncertainty: You don't have 100% clarity on what's covered until you make a claim. This can be stressful when you're unwell.
  • Delays at Claim Stage: The need for the insurer to investigate your medical history can slow down the authorisation process.
  • Potential for Rejection: There is a risk that a claim could be rejected if the insurer links it to a past condition, which can be upsetting and unexpected.
  • Administrative Burden: The "work" of underwriting is shifted from the application stage to the claim stage, and it falls on you to provide the necessary information and consent when you are unwell and least want the hassle.

Who Is Moratorium Underwriting Best For?

Moratorium underwriting is an excellent choice for many people, but it's not for everyone. It generally suits individuals who are:

  • Young and Healthy: If you have had little or no reason to see a doctor in recent years, a moratorium policy is a simple and logical choice.
  • Unsure of Their Full Medical History: For those who can't remember the exact dates of minor past ailments, moratorium underwriting avoids the stress of trying to complete a detailed FMU form accurately.
  • Wanting Cover Quickly: If you've decided you want PMI and want it in place immediately, a moratorium policy is the fastest route.
  • Hopeful of Covering a Past Condition: If you have a historical condition that has now resolved, a moratorium offers a pathway to getting it covered in the future.

Conversely, if you have a complex or recent medical history and want absolute clarity before you commit, Full Medical Underwriting might be a better fit.

How WeCovr Can Help You Navigate Your Underwriting Options

Choosing between moratorium and full medical underwriting is one of the most significant decisions you'll make when buying PMI. The right choice depends entirely on your unique health profile and preferences.

This is where working with an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr provides immense value.

Our expert advisors can:

  • Explain the Nuances: We talk you through the pros and cons of each underwriting method in the context of your personal situation.
  • Compare the Market: We have access to policies from all the UK's leading insurers, including AXA Health, Bupa, Aviva, and Vitality. We can find the best provider and policy for your needs.
  • Save You Time and Money: Our service is completely free to you. We do all the research and comparison work, presenting you with clear, no-obligation quotes.
  • Provide Ongoing Support: We are here to help you not just at the start, but also if you have questions about claims or at renewal.

As a WeCovr client, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, to support your wellness goals. Plus, clients who purchase PMI or life insurance can benefit from discounts on other types of cover, like home or travel insurance.

Staying Healthy: A Note on Wellness and Prevention

Private medical insurance is there for when things go wrong, but the best strategy is always to stay healthy in the first place. Many PMI providers, like Vitality, now actively incentivise healthy living with rewards and discounts.

Taking proactive steps to manage your health can reduce your need to claim and help keep your future premiums down.

Wellness AreaKey Recommendations for Adults in the UK
Diet & NutritionAim for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The NHS "Eatwell Guide" is a great resource. Stay hydrated by drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day.
Physical ActivityThe NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week (like brisk walking or cycling) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (like running or tennis).
SleepMost adults need 7 to 9 hours of good-quality sleep per night. Poor sleep is linked to a range of health issues, including a weakened immune system and high blood pressure.
Stress ManagementChronic stress can impact your physical health. Make time for hobbies, mindfulness, or simply spending time in nature to help manage stress levels.

Taking care of your wellbeing is the best insurance policy of all.

Do I need to declare my medical history for a moratorium policy?

No, you do not need to provide your medical history upfront when you apply for a moratorium policy. This is its main appeal. However, you must be aware that the insurer will investigate your medical history at the point you make a claim to determine if the condition is new or pre-existing.

What happens if a pre-existing condition comes back during the moratorium period?

If you experience symptoms, seek advice, or receive treatment for a pre-existing condition during the two-year moratorium period, the 'clock' for that condition resets. You would need to start a new, continuous two-year trouble-free period from the date of that last event before the insurer would consider covering it.

Is moratorium underwriting cheaper than full medical underwriting?

Not necessarily. The price of a private medical insurance policy is primarily based on risk factors like your age, your location, and the level of cover you choose (e.g., hospital lists, outpatient limits). The underwriting method itself does not usually have a direct impact on the initial premium.

Ready to explore your private medical insurance UK options and find the right cover for you?

Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today and let our experts guide you to the perfect policy.

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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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Any questions?

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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