Buying a Home
Remortgaging
Landlord
Specialist
Secured Loans
Debt Consolidation
Conveyancing
Finding a Solicitor
Health Insurance
Pre-existing conditions won't stop you getting cover over 50, and they won't increase your premium. They're typically excluded from your policy at first, though some conditions may become covered later depending on how your policy is underwritten.
Yes. Having a pre-existing condition, at any age including over 50, does not stop you getting private health insurance and does not increase what you pay.
The two ways insurers assess your history, moratorium and full medical underwriting, determine when and how those exclusions might change. Speak to an advisor to understand which approach suits your situation.
If you're over 50 with a pre-existing condition, private health insurance is still available to you, and having one on your medical record won't cost you more. A pre-existing condition is any medical issue you've had symptoms of, received treatment for, or sought advice about before your policy begins. This definition is broader than most people expect.
If it's on your medical record, insurers take it into account when deciding your cover. This includes:
The critical point is that you must disclose anything in your medical history when asked. Even conditions you consider minor or fully resolved could be relevant. Failing to disclose can lead to rejected claims later, which is the last thing you want when you're unwell.
Even if a condition feels minor or fully resolved, it's worth declaring. Insurers would rather have too much information than find gaps later when you make a claim.
Pre-existing conditions
Speak to an advisor who can explain how different insurers handle your specific medical history and which providers tend to be more flexible.
Private health insurance is designed to cover new, unexpected medical conditions that arise after your policy starts. It's a safety net for the unknown, not a way to fund treatment for conditions you already have.
If insurers covered all pre-existing conditions from day one, they'd effectively be paying for medical problems that are already known to exist. This would push premiums up for everyone. By excluding pre-existing conditions initially, insurers can keep cover affordable while still providing valuable protection for future health issues.
This is fundamentally different from the NHS, which treats everyone regardless of medical history. Private health insurance complements NHS care rather than replacing it. You can continue using the NHS for pre-existing conditions while using private cover for new problems.
When you apply for health insurance, you choose how insurers assess your medical history. This is called underwriting, and it's one of the most important decisions you'll make when setting up a policy. The two main options are moratorium underwriting and full medical underwriting (FMU).
With moratorium underwriting, you don't provide your full medical history upfront. The insurer only looks at your medical records if and when you make a claim.
How it works:
Pros: a quick, simple application, historic conditions from more than five years ago are usually covered immediately, and exclusions may lift after two symptom-free years.
Cons: you won't know exactly what's covered until you claim, claims can take longer while your history is reviewed, and minor issues from the past five years are automatically excluded.
Example: you had mild asthma treated three years ago. With moratorium underwriting, it's excluded at the start. But if you have no symptoms, medication, or treatment for two years on cover, the exclusion may lift automatically.
With full medical underwriting, you provide a complete medical history when you apply. The insurer then confirms in writing which conditions will be covered or excluded.
How it works:
Pros: complete clarity about your cover before you start paying, a faster claims process since your history is already assessed, and minor conditions are assessed individually rather than automatically excluded.
Cons: a longer, more detailed application process, exclusions tend to be permanent even if you go years without symptoms, and you may need to provide GP reports, which can take time.
Example: you had surgery for gallstones in 2020 but have had no further issues. With FMU, the insurer may decide to permanently exclude gallstones but cover everything else immediately, and you'll know this before your policy starts.
Your choice depends on your medical history and what matters most to you.
Moratorium may suit you if:
Full medical underwriting may suit you if:
If you've fully recovered from something serious in the past five years, moratorium underwriting can work in your favour - an exclusion that looks permanent under full medical underwriting might lift automatically after two symptom-free years.
Application process
Gather your medical information
Note the names of any conditions you have or have had, when you were diagnosed, what treatment or medication you've received, when you last had symptoms, and your GP's contact details.
Decide on your underwriting method
Think about whether moratorium or full medical underwriting suits you better, based on how recent and serious your conditions are, and whether you prefer certainty or flexibility.
Compare quotes
Speak to an advisor who can compare a wide range of providers, explain which insurers tend to be more flexible for your conditions, and help you understand exclusions.
Complete your application honestly
Be thorough when answering medical questions. Include everything, even if you think it's minor, and keep copies of what you've declared.
Review your policy documents
Once approved, check your list of personal medical exclusions, what's covered, how to make a claim, and your insurer's contact details.
Understanding the difference between chronic and acute conditions matters because it affects what private health insurance will ever cover.
An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that comes on suddenly and is likely to respond to treatment, leading to full recovery. Private health insurance is designed for acute conditions.
Examples include appendicitis, broken bones, a new cancer diagnosis, cataracts, hernias, joint replacements, and heart attacks. Even if an acute condition is serious, insurers will typically cover treatment because there's a defined endpoint: you receive treatment, you recover, and your health returns to how it was before.
A chronic condition is an illness that can't be cured but can usually be managed with ongoing treatment. Private health insurance doesn't typically cover chronic conditions because they require continuous, long-term management rather than short-term treatment.
Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, high blood pressure, COPD, Crohn's disease, and multiple sclerosis. If you have a chronic condition, the NHS is generally better equipped to provide the ongoing, long-term care you need. Private insurance works alongside NHS care rather than replacing it.
Some policies may cover acute flare-ups of a chronic condition. For example, if you have asthma and need hospital treatment during a severe attack, your policy might cover that emergency stay, depending on the insurer and policy wording.
However, the ongoing management of your chronic condition, such as regular check-ups, routine medication, and preventive care, won't be covered.
Being completely honest about your medical history is essential. If you fail to disclose a condition, whether intentionally or by accident, the consequences can be serious.
If you make a claim and the insurer discovers you didn't disclose relevant information, they can:
It's always better to include more information than less. If you're unsure whether something is relevant, mention it. Insurers would rather have complete information than discover gaps later.
Remember: disclosing conditions doesn't increase your premium. Pre-existing conditions affect what's covered, not what you pay.
Here's something that surprises many people: having a pre-existing condition doesn't make your health insurance more expensive. Premiums are based on factors like your age, location, and chosen cover level, not your medical history.
For context, typical monthly premium ranges for people in the 46-70 age bracket look like this:
These figures are estimates for non-smokers. Your actual quote will depend on your specific circumstances, location, and the insurer you choose. Speak to an advisor for a personalised quote based on your situation, or try our health insurance calculator to estimate costs.
Several factors influence how much you'll pay:
Your pre-existing condition affects what's covered, never what you pay. If an insurer quotes you a higher premium because of your medical history, it's worth asking why - that's not how mainstream providers price cover.
While all insurers handle pre-existing conditions in a broadly similar way, some are known for being more accommodating than others. Based on market research and broker feedback, here are the providers worth considering. For more on age-specific considerations, see our guide to health insurance for over 50s.
The Exeter is widely regarded as one of the more flexible insurers when it comes to pre-existing conditions. Their Health+ policy stands out for a few reasons:
The Exeter is a mutual company, owned by its members, which means profits are reinvested to benefit policyholders rather than shareholders. They hold a Trustpilot rating of 4.6/5 and are particularly popular with older applicants or those with complex medical histories.
Freedom Health Insurance is often overlooked but worth considering if you've struggled to get cover elsewhere. They're known for taking a more personalised approach to underwriting, being more willing to consider complex medical histories, and offering straightforward policies. If you've been turned down by mainstream insurers, Freedom may be able to help.
Bupa is the UK's largest health insurer with around 35% market share. While they handle pre-existing conditions similarly to other insurers, they stand out for their Direct Access feature (for cancer, mental health, or musculoskeletal concerns, you can go straight to a specialist without a GP referral), comprehensive cancer cover, the largest hospital network, and strong mental health cover. Bupa is a good choice if you want comprehensive cover for new conditions even if your pre-existing condition is excluded.
Vitality takes a different approach by rewarding healthy behaviours. Their programme offers discounts on gym memberships, fitness gear, and healthy food, along with premium reductions for meeting activity targets. If you're committed to managing your health proactively, Vitality's rewards can offset the cost of insurance. If you don't engage with the programme, it may offer less value.
WPA consistently receives high customer satisfaction ratings. They won Best Private Medical Insurance Provider at the Moneyfacts Awards 2025 and topped the Which? survey. Key features include a Trustpilot rating of 4.7/5, flexible policy configuration, and a no-claims discount that isn't affected by small claims. Like Bupa and The Exeter, they're not-for-profit.
Both Aviva and AXA offer competitive health insurance with standard handling of pre-existing conditions. Aviva's 'BacktoBetter' service covers muscle, bone, and joint pain, and they offer good family-friendly options and various hospital list choices to manage costs. AXA offers a shorter three-year lookback for moratorium underwriting, good digital tools, and competitive pricing for younger applicants.
By condition
We connect you with specialist health insurance brokers who compare a wide range of providers.
Being declined for health insurance is rare, but you might face more exclusions than expected. If this happens, you have options.
Independent guidance if you want to understand your rights and options further.
Even with exclusions
Common questions
Yes, pre-existing conditions don't stop you getting health insurance. You can take out a policy even with multiple pre-existing conditions, though those specific conditions will likely be excluded from cover initially. You'll still be fully covered for new, unrelated conditions that develop after your policy starts.
No. Pre-existing conditions don't increase your premiums. Health insurance pricing is based on age, location, cover level, and lifestyle factors like smoking. Your medical history affects what's covered, not what you pay.
If you go two continuous years from your policy start date without symptoms, treatment, medication, or advice for a pre-existing condition, it may become eligible for cover. This isn't guaranteed for every condition and varies by insurer, but it's a genuine possibility with moratorium underwriting.
Ongoing management of chronic conditions isn't covered by private health insurance. Chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, and arthritis require continuous treatment that health insurance isn't designed for. However, acute flare-ups or complications may be covered depending on your policy, and the NHS remains available for chronic condition management.
It depends on your medical history. Choose moratorium if you've had minor issues recently but expect to remain symptom-free, or if you've recovered from something serious and want the chance of cover after two years. Choose full medical underwriting if you want certainty about exclusions from day one, or if you have a complex history and want conditions assessed individually.
The Exeter is widely considered one of the most flexible insurers for pre-existing conditions, particularly due to their fixed moratorium option and willingness to cover complications of pre-existing conditions. Freedom is worth trying if you've been declined elsewhere. Bupa offers comprehensive cover for new conditions.
It depends on the underwriting method. With moratorium, you typically only need to consider the last five years. Conditions before that are usually covered immediately. With full medical underwriting, you disclose your entire medical history, and serious conditions from any time may be excluded.
Always try to be thorough. If you genuinely forget something and later realise, contact your insurer immediately to update your records. Failing to disclose can lead to rejected claims or cancelled policies. When in doubt, disclose - it won't increase your premium.
Usually not. If your pre-existing condition is excluded, related conditions and complications are typically excluded too, though some insurers may cover certain complications. Always check your policy wording carefully and ask your insurer if you're unsure.
Often yes. Even with multiple exclusions, you're still covered for everything new that develops after your policy starts. This could include cancer, heart treatment, joint replacements, and more. Plus, you get faster access to private healthcare and your choice of consultant.
When you claim, insurers may request your medical records from your GP or other healthcare providers to verify whether a condition is pre-existing. With full medical underwriting, they may also request records during the application process.
Yes, but be careful. If you switch insurers, your pre-existing conditions may be excluded again under the new policy. Any cover you've built up for those conditions may be lost. Always check the terms before switching, or look for continued underwriting options that preserve existing cover.
Private health insurance covers the cost of private medical treatment, hospital stays, and consultations. Health cash plans reimburse fixed amounts for routine healthcare costs like dental check-ups, optical tests, and physiotherapy. Health cash plans are cheaper but don't cover major medical treatment or hospital care.
Yes. Private health insurance doesn't replace the NHS. You'll continue to use the NHS for chronic condition management, A&E visits, GP appointments, and anything your policy doesn't cover.
For most new conditions, you can use your insurance as soon as your policy starts. Some treatments may have specific waiting periods, and moratorium exclusions apply to pre-existing conditions. Your policy documents will confirm exactly when cover begins for different situations.
What our clients say
Shortly after I spoke with Anna, she was also very helpful and made it effortless and a nice experience.
Had a really good experience regarding arranging a secured loan. They introduced me to a great advisor. Thanks for the help.
For once a loan transaction without stress and complications. Very impressed and highly recommended.
Thrilled to share my exceptional experience with Money Saving Advisors. The website made it incredibly simple and easy to connect with an advisor. They helped me find the best deal on my remortgage and secured a very competitive interest rate!
Great advice and money saved on mortgage.
I have previously declined a loan of the value I needed from various brokers, but this website found me a reputable broker with surprisingly decent rates.
Health Insurance
Protect what matters most. Our advisors compare plans from leading UK health insurance providers.
