Can health insurance be transferred or ported?
Switching your health cover? Here's what to know before moving between insurers or employers.
Can health insurance be transferred or ported?
If you're thinking of changing your health insurance policy, whether for a new job, life changes, or better deals, you might be wondering whether your plan can be transferred or ported. The answer is: sometimes. It depends on who your provider is, the policy type, and where you're transferring to.
Let's break it down so you know exactly what's possible when it comes to keeping your private medical cover moving with you.
Transferring your health insurance
Health insurance in the UK isn't as portable as a mobile number, but in some situations it's possible:
- Changing jobs: While your employer cover usually doesn't move with you, you can often convert it to an individual plan from the same provider.
- Switching insurers: You can port to a new insurer, but pre-existing conditions and waiting periods may reset unless you go for a "continuation" or switch plan.
- Keeping your provider: You might be able to upgrade, downgrade, or change the terms of your plan without fully reapplying.
Tip: Ask your current provider for a certificate or proof of previous cover - it can help you avoid new waiting periods.
What to check before porting
Before making the jump to a new plan, be sure to run through these essential checks:
- Policy wording - Not all plans are transferrable. Check small print or ask your insurer.
- Underwriting type - Switching may trigger full medical underwriting (health assessment).
- Breaks in cover - Even a few days' gap can impact how your new provider sees your cover.
- Exclusions and limits - A new policy might not offer the same level of cover or care network.
- Premium changes - Your new policy could be more expensive, even for similar benefits.
Tip: If you're not sure, working with a health insurance broker can make the transfer process simpler.
Summing up
While health insurance isn't automatically transferable, some providers do offer options to port or continue your cover. It's important to keep continuous cover to avoid new waiting periods or underwriting. Always check your current policy's terms and ask for help. By understanding their rules, you can make switching smoother and carry on protecting your health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my health cover without starting a new waiting period?
Often yes, but it depends on how quickly you move and the new insurer's rules. If you keep continuous cover and use a switch or continuation policy, many insurers will let you skip new waiting times - and that protects you from delays in treatment.
What happens to my pre-existing conditions if I change insurers?
Pre-existing conditions might not be covered by your new insurer unless you transfer via a continuation or porting option. Without this, insurers often exclude these conditions or ask for new underwriting (health assessment), which can mean delays or refusals.
Is it easier to transfer individual or group health insurance?
Individual policies tend to be more flexible and easier to transfer or change. Group cover from employers usually ends when you leave the job and can't be taken with you. That said, some insurers offer a conversion option, so that you can keep similar cover.
Can I keep the same level of cover when I switch?
It's possible - but not guaranteed. Even if the new plan seems similar, the level of benefits, limits, provider networks, and exclusions may vary quite a lot. It's important to check the new policy details carefully to make sure it matches your what you're looking for.
Do I need to tell my new insurer everything again?
Usually yes, especially if full medical underwriting applies. Even with a "moratorium" (waiting period) plan or switch plan, you'll need to show accurate information about your health. If you don't disclose important details, this could lead to claim refusals or policy cancellation later on.
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The details shown are for illustration only and may not include all lenders or products. Actual rates and terms depend on your circumstances and the lender’s assessment. Information was correct at publication but may change at any time.
