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You can still get cover if you have a pre-existing condition. Your premium won't increase because of it, though the condition itself is usually excluded until it's covered under your policy's terms.
Yes. Having a pre-existing condition doesn't stop you getting health insurance, and it won't make your premium more expensive. What it does affect is what's covered.
The exact outcome depends on which insurer you choose, the type of condition, and which underwriting method you select when you apply.
When you're weighing up pre-existing conditions and health insurance together, it helps to start with a clear definition. A pre-existing condition is any medical issue you've had symptoms of, received treatment for, or sought medical advice about before your health insurance policy begins. This definition is broader than many people expect.
If it's on your medical record, insurers take it into account when assessing your cover. This includes:
You need to disclose anything in your medical history when asked, even conditions you consider minor or fully resolved. Failing to disclose can lead to rejected claims later.
If you're unsure whether something counts as a pre-existing condition, mention it anyway. Insurers would rather have complete information upfront than discover a gap when you need to claim.
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'll 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.
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 medical history is reviewed, and minor issues from the past five years are automatically excluded.
Example: if you had mild asthma treated three years ago, it's excluded at the start under moratorium underwriting. 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.
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: if you had surgery for gallstones a few years ago but have had no further issues, the insurer may decide to permanently exclude gallstones under full medical underwriting but cover everything else immediately, so you know this before your policy starts.
Your choice depends on your medical history and what matters most to you.
Moratorium underwriting can suit you if: you've had minor issues in the past five years but nothing serious, you've recovered from a more serious condition and expect to remain symptom-free, or you want a quick, simple application.
Full medical underwriting can suit you if: you have a complex medical history, you want complete certainty about your cover, or you'd rather know exclusions upfront than discover them when claiming.
If your condition has been stable for a while, full medical underwriting often gives you a clearer picture than moratorium. Knowing your exclusions on day one means fewer surprises if you ever need to claim.
Not sure which underwriting method suits you?
An advisor can talk through your medical history and explain which approach is likely to work best for your circumstances.
Understanding the difference between chronic and acute conditions matters because it affects what private health insurance will ever cover, not just what's excluded at the start.
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, and 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.
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.
Disclosing conditions doesn't increase your premium. Pre-existing conditions affect what's covered, not what you pay. The Association of British Insurers sets out standards for how insurers should communicate with customers about medical disclosure, and its website has further guidance if you want to understand your rights.
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 or treatment, 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 your conditions are, how serious they are, and whether you prefer certainty or flexibility.
Compare quotes
Get quotes from multiple insurers. An advisor can search across providers, explain which are most flexible for your conditions, and help you understand exclusions and policy terms.
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 and what's not, and how to make a claim.
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.
As a guide, monthly premiums for individual cover typically range from around £75 to £200 or more, depending on your age and the level of cover you choose. These figures are estimates for non-smokers, and your actual quote will depend on your specific circumstances, location, and the insurer you choose. Speak to an advisor for current pricing.
While all insurers handle pre-existing conditions similarly in principle, some are known for being more accommodating than others.
The Exeter is widely regarded as one of the more flexible insurers when it comes to pre-existing conditions. Their Health+ policy stands out because of its fixed moratorium option: unlike most insurers' rolling moratorium, if you don't claim for a condition in the first two years, it becomes covered even if you sought NHS treatment during that time. The Exeter may also cover potential complications linked to pre-existing conditions, for example someone with diabetes might be able to claim for retinopathy treatment in future. The Exeter is a mutual company, owned by its members, so profits are reinvested to benefit policyholders rather than shareholders.
Freedom Health Insurance is often overlooked but worth considering if you've struggled to get cover elsewhere. They take a more personalised approach to underwriting, are more willing to consider complex medical histories, and offer straightforward policies. If you've been turned down by mainstream insurers, Freedom may be able to help.
Bupa is one of the UK's largest health insurers. While they handle pre-existing conditions similarly to other insurers, their Direct Access feature lets you go straight to a specialist for cancer, mental health, or musculoskeletal concerns without waiting for a GP referral. They also offer comprehensive cancer cover and one of the largest hospital networks in the UK.
Vitality takes a different approach by rewarding healthy behaviours. Their programme offers discounts on gym memberships, fitness gear, and healthy food, alongside 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 not offer the same value.
WPA consistently receives high customer satisfaction ratings and is known for flexible policy configuration and a no-claims discount that isn't affected by smaller claims. Like Bupa and The Exeter, it's not-for-profit.
Both Aviva and AXA offer competitive health insurance with standard handling of pre-existing conditions. Aviva's 'BacktoBetter' service supports muscle, bone, and joint pain, alongside family-friendly options. AXA typically applies a shorter, three-year lookback for moratorium underwriting, along with good digital tools and competitive pricing for younger applicants.
Diabetes is one of the most common pre-existing conditions. As a chronic condition, its ongoing management won't be covered by private health insurance. However, new, unrelated conditions will be fully covered, acute complications may be covered depending on your policy, and some insurers, including The Exeter, may offer cover for diabetes-related complications like retinopathy. Ask your insurer whether complications of your diabetes would be considered related or separate conditions.
Asthma is classed as both a chronic condition and, if you've been treated recently, a pre-existing condition. Ongoing asthma management won't be covered, but emergency hospital stays during severe attacks may be, and new, unrelated respiratory conditions may be covered. If you've been symptom-free for two years under moratorium underwriting, the exclusion may lift. Ask what counts as an asthma-related condition and whether acute flare-ups are covered.
Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder are treated like any other pre-existing condition. If you've had treatment in the past five years, the condition will likely be excluded initially, though it may become covered after two symptom-free years under moratorium underwriting. New, unrelated mental health conditions may be covered, and many insurers now offer good mental health support as standard.
If you've had cancer in the past, underwriting will depend on how long ago you were treated, whether you're currently in remission, and the type of cancer. New, unrelated cancers will typically be covered. The original cancer may be excluded permanently, but this varies by insurer and circumstances. Ask whether a recurrence of your specific cancer is excluded and how new, unrelated cancers would be treated.
Cardiovascular issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a previous heart attack are common pre-existing conditions. Their ongoing management won't be covered, but new, unrelated conditions will be, and diagnostic tests for new symptoms are usually covered too. Ask your insurer how they distinguish between related and unrelated cardiac conditions.
Back pain, joint problems, and previous injuries are frequently declared as pre-existing conditions. With moratorium underwriting, these are excluded if you've sought treatment in the past five years, though the exclusion may lift after two symptom-free years. Related areas of the body may also be excluded, not just the specific joint or area, so ask whether a related area would be excluded too.
Being declined for health insurance is rare, but you might face more exclusions than expected. If this happens, there are still options.
For general guidance on insurance products and your rights as a consumer, MoneyHelper offers free, independent information.
Why it's still worth it
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. Moratorium can suit you 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. Full medical underwriting can suit you 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, which could include cancer, heart treatment, and joint replacements. You also get faster access to private healthcare and 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.
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