Leaving a Group Health Insurance Scheme
Options when leaving an employer’s health plan. Find individual health cover after exiting a group scheme.
Stepping away from your company health insurance plan
Leaving a group or company health insurance scheme means you're no longer covered by your employer's plan. This might happen when you change jobs, retire, or your company stops offering the benefit. It might be a daunting moment, but it's also a great time to take control of your health cover with a personal plan. That’s when looking into individual UK health insurance becomes important, so you stay protected.
Why you're leaving and what it means
- Changing jobs or retiring
If you’re switching jobs, your new employer may not offer health insurance - or at least not right away. Retiring early can also leave you without private medical insurance, especially before you qualify for benefits. Retiring at 60 could mean a five-year gap until you reach NHS pension age. - Company decision or restructuring
Sometimes, the choice isn’t yours. Employers might remove a company scheme or private health benefits to cut costs or restructure. If this happens, you usually get advance notice, but not always. A mid-sized firm may cancel the scheme with a month’s notice, for example, leaving staff scrambling for alternatives.
Options for staying protected
- Taking out individual health insurance
After leaving, you can apply for an individual private medical plan. Some insurers have a group leaver policy with a “continuation option,” so you can move from a group scheme to personal cover without new underwriting. Always ask the insurer directly, as this is often time-sensitive. - Relying on the NHS or pay-as-you-go
If individual insurance is too costly, you can rely on NHS services or pay for private medical care when needed. Many people choose to self-insure, setting aside savings in case of illness. For example, you might save £50 a month instead of paying for a policy if you’re fit and well.
Leaving a group health insurance scheme may feel like a step into the unknown, but it doesn’t have to be. Many employers see the value in offering group health insurance as a key employee benefit, and its loss can be significant for staff. It’s a great moment to reassess what matters to you in terms of healthcare - speed, flexibility, or cost. The important thing is to make a timely decision so you don’t get caught without support when you need it.
You could switch to a personal policy by comparing different private health insurance plans.
Summing up
Leaving a group health insurance scheme may feel like a step into the unknown, but it doesn't have to be. It's a great moment to reassess what matters to you in terms of healthcare - speed, flexibility, or cost. The important thing is to make a timely decision so you don't get caught without support when you need it. For a complete overview of what’s available, explore our main guide to UK health insurance cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my cover after I leave?
Cover for group members will usually end on the last working day or at the end of the month, depending on how your company set up the scheme. It’s important to speak to your HR department or health insurance provider as early as possible to clarify your end date and make plans to avoid a gap in your coverage. You can also take expert advice or speak to a health insurance broker to help explore your options. To avoid gaps, check out our full guide to UK private medical insurance.
Can I keep my current policy when I leave?
In some cases, yes. Certain insurers offer a “continuation option” that lets you carry on your company health insurance plan as an individual policy, often without needing a new assessment. You typically need to arrange this within 30 days of leaving your job, so ask your insurer or HR about this well in advance.
Will my premiums go up if I go solo?
Yes, they likely will. Group policies benefit from lower rates because risk is shared across several employees. Individual plans are priced based on your age, health history, and level of cover. Expect a noticeable increase, especially if you're older or have pre-existing conditions - though you may find plans that offer more limited protection at a lower cost.
Can I rejoin a group scheme later?
You can rejoin a group scheme if you move to a new employer that offers one, but not all employers do. Some sectors are more likely to offer business health insurance as a benefit—like finance or tech—while others tend not to. Make sure to check your benefits before accepting a job if a new policy is important to you.
What do individual health insurance policies cover
Individual health insurance policies are designed to provide comprehensive health insurance coverage for you and, if you choose, your family members—especially if you’re no longer eligible for a group health insurance plan through your employer. These policies typically cover a wide range of medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgical procedures, and diagnostic tests. Many individual health insurance plans also offer access to outpatient treatment, day patient care, and specialist consultations, ensuring you receive timely medical treatment when you need it most.
One of the key benefits of individual health insurance is the ability to tailor your health insurance plan to your specific needs. You can often add supplemental health plans for mental health support, dental and vision care, or wellness programs, giving you greater flexibility than most group health insurance plans. This customization can be especially valuable if you have particular health concerns or want additional benefits not included in standard group coverage.
While individual health insurance can sometimes be more expensive than group health insurance due to the lack of shared risk, it offers the advantage of portability and control over your health insurance policy. Whether you’re seeking coverage for acute medical conditions, ongoing management of chronic conditions, or simply want peace of mind for unexpected medical expenses, individual health insurance plans can be structured to fit your lifestyle and budget.
Are pre-existing conditions covered?
Whether your health insurance policy covers a pre-existing medical condition depends on the terms, and some policies may exclude pre existing conditions depending on the underwriting process. Medical underwriting is used to assess risk and determine whether pre existing conditions are covered or excluded. Some require full medical history, involving a medical questionnaire or exams, while others are more comprehensive, including those with “medical history disregarded” underwriting. Be sure to fully disclose your medical history, so there are no complications with your future claims.
What happens to family members’ coverage when you leave?
When you leave a company and your group health insurance plan ends, it’s important to consider how this change affects your family members who were covered under your policy. In most cases, family members’ health insurance coverage will end at the same time as yours, unless you are retiring or leaving due to disability—situations where some group health insurance plans may allow continued coverage for dependents.
If your family members lose group health insurance coverage, there are several options to maintain their health insurance plan. In some cases, they may be eligible for COBRA continuation coverage (in the US), which allows them to stay on the group health insurance plan for a limited period, though they will need to pay the full premium themselves. Alternatively, your family members can explore individual health insurance policies, which can be tailored to their specific needs, or they may be able to join a new group health insurance plan if you start a new job that offers this benefit.
To avoid any gaps in health insurance coverage, it’s crucial to review your company’s group health insurance policy and understand the rules regarding family members’ coverage before you leave. Taking proactive steps ensures your loved ones continue to have access to essential health benefits and medical care, no matter what changes in employment may bring.
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