Covering Related Conditions and Pre-Existing Conditions Under Private Health Insurance
Private medical insurance (PMI) provides peace of mind for those looking to access timely and quality healthcare. However, if you have a pre-existing condition or a medical history that might impact your eligibility, it can feel like many doors are closed. Thankfully, some insurance providers offer flexible options, such as moratorium underwriting, which for some insurers, may include cover for related conditions. Additionally, we work with providers who can offer specific cover for pre-existing conditions under tailored policies.
Let’s explore these options and how they can help you access the healthcare coverage you need.
How Does Moratorium Underwriting Work?
With Moratorium Underwriting, pre-existing conditions are usually excluded for a set period of two years, unless certain criteria are met. For instance, if you go two continuous years without symptoms, treatment, medication or advice related to a pre-existing condition after your policy begins, that condition may then be covered.
Some providers take a more flexible approach when it comes to related conditions. They may offer coverage for new conditions that, while linked to your medical history, are considered distinct from your pre-existing conditions. These cases are carefully assessed by the insurer’s underwriters at the time of the claim.
Important Caveat: Each claim is subject to review. Insurers will evaluate whether the condition is genuinely new or a worsening of a pre-existing condition. Additional medical information or reports may be required to support the assessment.
Examples of pre-existing conditions that can have Related Conditions:-
- Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol
Some of our insurance providers may allow claims for new conditions that arise after your policy begins, even if they are somewhat linked to pre-existing conditions. For example:
If a new condition develops after your policy starts and you have not experienced any symptoms, received medication, undergone treatment, or sought advice for this condition in the five years prior to the policy start date, it may qualify for coverage.
Caveat: Each claim will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Insurers may request medical evidence to determine whether the new condition is eligible under the policy’s terms.
Access to Pre-Existing Conditions Cover
In addition to related conditions under moratorium underwriting from this insurance provider, we also work with other providers who offer coverage for specific pre-existing conditions. This can be added to your policy for an additional premium and offers the reassurance that you’ll be covered if a flare-up occurs.
How Pre-Existing Conditions Cover Works
- Conditions Covered: You can choose up to two conditions from a predefined list, including common issues like asthma, arthritis, and hypertension.
- Annual Limit: The cover starts with an annual limit of £1,000, which increases by £1,000 each year (up to a maximum of £10,000 after 10 years), provided there are no claims and the cover is continuous.
- Continuity of Cover: If you switch insurers, you may lose any accumulated benefits, so it’s essential to consider the long-term benefits of staying with one provider.
Examples of Pre-Existing Conditions That Can Be Covered:
- Acne: A skin condition causing spots and inflammation.
- Asthma: A lung condition leading to breathing issues.
- Arthritis: Joint pain and inflammation.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hand and fingers caused by nerve compression.
- Crohn’s Disease: Inflammation in the digestive system with manageable symptoms.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar levels requiring ongoing management.
- Eczema: Red, itchy, and dry skin that can become inflamed.
- Fibrocystic Breast Disease: Benign breast lumps or changes.
- Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease: Acid reflux causing heartburn.
- Glaucoma: A condition that may lead to vision loss.
- Hypertension: High blood pressure that increases the risk of other health problems.
- Psoriasis: Red, scaly skin patches causing discomfort.
- Ulcerative Colitis: Chronic inflammation of the rectum and colon.
- Varicose Veins: Enlarged or twisted veins causing discomfort.
For a complete list and details of the conditions covered, we can help guide you through your options.
Choosing the Right Underwriting Method
Selecting the right underwriting method is essential for tailoring your private health insurance policy to your needs. Here are the main options:
- Moratorium Underwriting: Excludes pre-existing conditions for a set period, typically 24 months, unless they meet eligibility criteria for coverage.
- Full Medical Underwriting: Requires you to declare your medical history, after which pre-existing conditions are either excluded or accepted by agreement.
- Continued Underwriting Options: If you’re transferring from another provider, options like continued moratorium or personal medical exclusions may help maintain your coverage.
Private Health Insurance Designed for You
Private medical insurance is about providing peace of mind and flexibility when it comes to your healthcare. Whether you’re looking for cover for related conditions or a policy that can include certain pre-existing conditions, we can help you find the right solution.
Contact us today to learn more about your options or get a free quote to see how little it could cost to protect your health and wellbeing.