Private Health Insurance & Pre-Existing Conditions UK

posted 16th July 2026

Posted 2 hours ago

By Darren Lewis

Knowledge Hub
Knowledge Hub · Pre-Existing Conditions

Private Health Insurance and Pre-Existing Conditions: The Complete UK Guide

Having a pre-existing medical condition doesn't mean you can't take out private health insurance in the UK. What changes is how it's assessed, and that depends entirely on which underwriting you choose.

This guide explains what a pre-existing condition is, how moratorium, full medical and switch underwriting all work, and how to compare providers if you have a medical history.

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GP consulting with a patient about their medical history
At A Glance

Pre-Existing Conditions At A Glance

Some useful information to know before you compare you options.

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What Counts As Pre-Existing

An illness, injury or symptom you've had medication, advice, treatment or tests for before your policy starts, even without a formal diagnosis.

5

The Look-Back Period

Under the moratorium, insurers typically exclude conditions you've had advice, symptoms or treatment for in the 5 years prior to your policy starting.

2

The Qualifying Period

You must go 2 continuous years symptom, treatment and advice-free after your policy starts, for a pre-existing condition to become covered under the moratorium.

✓

You Can Still Get Cover

In almost all cases you'll still be offered a policy. The condition and potentially associated conditions mat be excluded initially, while everything else is covered normally.

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Chronic Conditions

Long-term conditions like diabetes or asthma without a known cure are usually excluded regardless of underwriting type, as health insurance is designed for new, treatable (acute) conditions.

⇆

Switching Insurers

If you're already covered you may want to consider Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME) which can let you switch provider without losing your existing medical history.

Underwriting Explained

The Different Types Of Medical Underwriting

When you apply for cover, you'll usually be asked to choose how the insurer assesses your medical history. This choice has a big impact on what's covered and when.

M

Moratorium Underwriting

The most common option. No medical questionnaire upfront, your history is only reviewed if you make a claim. Conditions from the past 5 years are excluded until you go 2 continuous years symptom, advice and treatment free.

F

Full Medical Underwriting

You complete a detailed health questionnaire when you apply, and the insurer may contact your GP. You'll know exactly what's covered an whats not excluded from day one, FMU has more certainty than moratorium underwriting.

C

Continued Personal Medical Exclusions

For people switching insurers. Your existing exclusions carry over to the new policy, so you don't lose progress towards a condition becoming covered.

D

Medical History Disregarded

Less common, usually available via employer schemes. Covers all pre-existing conditions with no exclusions, subject to the policy's standard terms.

5-year look-back Condition excluded Policy starts Cover begins 2-year qualifying Must be symptom-free Covered Included If symptoms, treatment or advice occur during the qualifying period, the 2-year clock resets.

Which Underwriting Type Is Right For You?

M Want Speed?

Moratorium underwriting is fast and simple with less admin, there is some uncertainty about historic conditions until claim stage.

F Want Certainty?

Full medical underwriting tells you exactly what's covered from day one, useful if you have a specific condition.

C Already Insured?

Ask about CPME when comparing quotes so you don't lose the medical history you've already built up.

FAQs

Pre-Existing Conditions FAQs

Common questions about getting private health insurance with a medical history.

Will I be refused private health insurance because of a pre-existing condition?

It's rare to be refused outright. In almost all cases you'll still be offered a policy, the condition itself may just be excluded, at least initially.

Do I have to declare a pre-existing condition?

Under full medical underwriting, yes, you must fully and accurately disclose your medical history. Under moratorium underwriting you don't need to declare it upfront, but it will be reviewed if you make a related claim, so accuracy still matters.

Can a pre-existing condition ever become covered?

Under moratorium underwriting, yes, if you go two continuous years without symptoms, treatment, medication or advice for that condition after your policy starts, it can become covered. Under full medical underwriting, exclusions are less likely to be automatically reviewed but there are some insurers that will offer this.

Can I switch insurers if I have a pre-existing condition?

Yes. Using Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME), you can usually move to a new insurer while keeping your existing medical history and any progress already made towards a condition becoming covered.

Need Help Comparing Cover For Your Medical History?

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Sources & Disclaimer

General underwriting terms outlined in this guide reflect common industry practice among UK private medical insurers as of 2026. Exact look-back periods, qualifying periods and exclusion terms vary by insurer and policy, always check your specific policy documents or speak to one of our advisers before making a decision.

Any information provided on this page is for general information purposes only and should not be considered financial advice, regulated advice or a personal recommendation. Health insurance suitability depends on your individual circumstances, needs and budget.

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