What is CPME Underwriting?

Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME) is an underwriting option for those looking to switch their Private Health Insurance provider.

Health insurance policies typically renew annually, allowing you to review your coverage and premiums against other available options in the UK market. If you find a better deal—whether it’s lower premiums or enhanced benefits—you can easily change insurers.

CPME underwriting ensures that when you switch providers, you maintain the same underwriting terms as before. This means you won’t lose coverage for pre-existing conditions, making the transition smoother and more secure.

What is health insurance underwriting?

Health insurance underwriting in the UK is the process by which insurers evaluate the risk of providing medical insurance cover to you based on your health history, lifestyle and other relevant factors. This evaluation helps insurers determine the terms of your policy, including what cover options are available and how much your premiums will be.

There are two main types of underwriting options offered by health insurance providers: Moratorium Underwriting and Full Medical Underwriting.

Moratorium Underwriting

With Moratorium Underwriting, you won’t need to provide your entire medical history when you apply. Instead, any health conditions you had in the five years before your policy starts will be excluded for the first two years. If you haven’t needed treatment for a specific condition during that time, it may then be covered. This option can make things easier for many people, but it may take longer to know what is covered when you make a claim.

Full Medical Underwriting

This underwriting option requires you to share detailed information about your medical history. This allows your insurance company to assess any risks from pre-existing conditions right from the start. While this may lead to some exclusions, it means you will know exactly what is covered from the beginning, which can lead to quicker claims processing.

Larger companies often provide a health insurance option known as Medical History Disregarded. This option is particularly beneficial for employees because it allows them to claim for health issues without worrying about exclusions related to their medical history. Essentially, this means that when you enrol in a policy with this type of underwriting, your past health conditions will not automatically affect your eligibility for cover.

What is CPME (Continued Personal Medical Exclusion) Underwriting?

When you initially signed up for health insurance, you probably selected either Moratorium or Full Medical Underwriting. However, as your renewal date approaches, you might find yourself comparing premiums with other insurance providers and noticing the term CPME in your quotes. So, what is CPME Underwriting?

Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME) is an underwriting option for those looking to switch their Private Health Insurance provider.

Health insurance policies typically renew annually, allowing you to review your medical cover and premiums against other available options in the UK market. If you find a better deal—whether it’s lower premiums or enhanced benefits—you can easily change insurers.

CPME underwriting ensures that when you switch providers, you maintain the same underwriting terms as before. This means you won’t lose cover for pre-existing conditions, making the transition smoother and more secure.

Why might CPME health insurance underwriting be right for you?

Continued Personal Medical Exclusions health insurance underwriting could be a good choice for you for a few reasons. If you have a medical condition that requires ongoing care, CPME lets you keep the same cover you had with your previous medical insurer without starting fresh. This means your new insurer won’t add any new exclusions for conditions already covered, giving you peace of mind.

Switching health insurance providers is also easier with CPME. You can find a better policy with better premiums or benefits without losing cover for your existing health conditions. The process is simple because your medical history won’t be reviewed again, which makes getting new insurance easier.

If you are currently receiving medical treatment for a pre-existing condition, CPME ensures that there is no gap in your care when you switch insurers. Keeping your existing health insurance policy terms can help you avoid unexpected medical costs related to ongoing health problems. Choosing CPME is a smart way to handle your health insurance needs, especially if you have specific medical concerns.

How Does Continued Personal Medical Exclusions Underwriting Work?

Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME) underwriting allows individuals to switch health insurance policies while maintaining the same medical exclusions as their current policy. Here’s an overview of how the process works:

To begin, you’ll need to gather a few key documents, including:

• Current Policy Certificate – The latest version of your existing policy.
• Claims Information – Details about any claims you’ve made under your current policy.
• Medical History – Basic information about your medical history, which won’t directly impact underwriting but helps the new insurer understand your previous exclusions.

Once you submit this information, the new medical insurance provider will assess whether they can offer you a policy that mirrors the terms of your existing coverage. They will not use your medical history for risk assessment but will use it to understand your previous exclusions and claims.

If the new  insurer agrees to provide uninterrupted cover, they will replicate your existing exclusions in the new policy, ensuring continuity in terms of what is not covered. However, it’s important  to review the new policy’s terms closely because:

• The new policy may have different rules; even though your exclusions stay the same, the coverage limits and benefits might change
• Look out for any new exclusions or changes in terms that could affect what’s covered.
• Check the new insurer’s reputation for handling claims and customer service, as this can affect your experience.

Keep in mind that if your health situation changes after switching, it may affect your future health plan options. Switching on a CPME basis can be beneficial, but it requires careful consideration to ensure that you fully understand the implications of the new policy.

Example of when you can switch with CPME

You’ve completed treatment for a minor health issue, such as a knee surgery, and have fully recovered. You have no ongoing claims or medical treatment related to this condition.

In this case, you can switch to a new health insurance provider on a Continued Personal Medical Exclusions basis. The new insurer will honour your existing exclusions and allow you to maintain similar cover while potentially offering better monthly premiums or
benefits.

Example of when you cannot switch with CPME

You are currently undergoing treatment for a serious condition, such as cancer, and have recently filed a claim for expensive chemotherapy sessions.

In this scenario, you cannot switch to a new health insurance provider using CPME. Since you are in the middle of an ongoing claim, most new insurers will likely decline your application, considering the associated risks. You may need to wait until your treatment is complete and a certain period has passed before you are eligible to switch insurers.

What is Continued Moratorium underwriting?

Continued Moratorium Underwriting, also known as “rolling moratorium underwriting,” is a way that health insurance companies manage pre-existing medical conditions when you switch insurance providers.

When you start a new health insurance policy, any medical condition you’ve had in the past five years is usually excluded from coverage. This is called a moratorium. After two years of not receiving treatment, advice, or medication for that condition, the insurer may consider covering it again.

If you decide to change insurers while in the middle of this two-year waiting period, you can often use Continued Moratorium Underwriting. This allows you to carry over the time you’ve already served with your current insurer.

Example

Imagine you have been with your health insurance for one year and have not received any treatment or medication for your back pain which you had previously. You have one more year before your current insurer would consider covering it. If you find a better deal with another insurer, you can switch using Continued Moratorium Underwriting. This means you will still need to wait for another year with the new insurer before they will cover your back pain.

Switching Health Insurance Providers? We’ve Got You Covered.

At PremierPMI, we understand that changing health insurance providers can feel overwhelming—especially if you have pre-existing conditions or have recently made a claim.
But with our expert advisors by your side, it doesn’t have to be.

Our team is dedicated to ensuring that you’re always on the best policy at the best price. We conduct regular market reviews, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on better options. Whether you’re approaching renewal, have already made a claim, or are planning to, we’ll guide you through every step of the process.

We’re not just knowledgeable about all the health insurance products on the market; we’ll also make sure your switch comes with the right underwriting terms tailored to your needs. With over 40 years of experience, we specialise in helping clients navigate complex policies and find the coverage that works for them—so you can feel secure about your health and your future.

Why PremierPMI?

• We work with all major UK insurers to bring you the best deals.
• You’ll have a dedicated health insurance expert from start to finish.
• We ensure that your policy transition is smooth and hassle-free.
• Claims Support When You Need It: We’re here to assist you with claims, offering expert support when it matters most.
• Our advice comes at no cost to you.
• PremierPMI is directly authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

As we age, health insurance becomes more critical, and medical expenses can add up fast. Let our team ensure you’re not only covered but protected from unexpected costs. Speak with one of our expert advisors today and rest easy knowing your health insurance is in the best hands.