Can I get health insurance with high blood pressure?
Written By: Stuart Hendy
Can I get health insurance with high blood pressure?
According to the British Heart Foundation, around 14.4 million adults in the UK have high blood pressure (hypertension) and many more remain undiagnosed. You might think having high blood pressure means you can not get health insurance, but the good news is that you can. However, any treatment or care related to your hypertension won’t be covered, as it is considered a long-term condition. Most health insurance plans do not cover chronic conditions. Let us explain how health insurance for hypertension works in this guide.
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Can I get health insurance If I have high blood pressure?
Health insurance for high blood pressure is private medical insurance that helps cover medical treatment costs. However, it does not include hypertension or related conditions. Hypertension is a chronic condition. It requires ongoing management rather than a one-time cure. Because of this, most health insurance providers exclude high blood pressure and its complications from their policies.
Private health insurance can still be useful. It covers acute conditions that are not related to hypertension. This allows you to access private healthcare and avoid long NHS waiting lists.
Any conditions caused by hypertension will not be covered. For example, if you develop heart disease or suffer a stroke due to high blood pressure, your health insurance won’t cover treatment. These conditions are directly linked to hypertension. However, if you catch pneumonia or need surgery for a hernia, your insurance will cover those treatments. They are unrelated to high blood pressure.
When applying for health insurance, you must declare your high blood pressure. This may increase your premium. Some insurers may even refuse to cover you. That is why it is important to read your policy documents carefully. Speaking to a broker can help you understand what is and isn’t covered.
What is Hypertension?
Hypertension is a condition where blood pressure levels remain consistently high, putting extra strain on the heart and blood vessels. It increases the risk of serious complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and vision problems. In the UK, the NHS provides free care and management of high blood pressure.
How does health insurance for Hypertension work?
Health insurance for hypertension works like any other private health insurance in the UK. You get a quote, choose a plan and once you start paying your premiums, you can use your insurance right away.
Your policy will usually cover new acute conditions that develop after your start date. However, pre-existing conditions may be excluded for the first two years, depending on the underwriting options you choose. Chronic conditions like hypertension are excluded from day one.
Acute Conditions
An acute condition is a short-term illness or injury that is treatable and curable. Think of infections, broken bones or sudden illnesses requiring medical intervention. Private health insurance typically covers these fully, ensuring you get the best possible treatment without long NHS wait times.
Pre-Existing Conditions
A pre-existing condition is any medical issue you had before taking out your health insurance. Some insurers won’t cover these at all, while others may exclude them for the first two years of your policy. After that, they might be covered if you have had no symptoms or treatment during that time.
Chronic Conditions
Chronic conditions are long-term illnesses that require continuous management rather than a one-time cure. Conditions like diabetes, asthma or heart disease fall into this category. Private health insurance generally does not cover chronic conditions, meaning you will need to rely on the NHS for their ongoing treatment. However, your insurance may cover complications related to a chronic condition if they require short-term treatment.
What Does Private Medical Insurance Cover?
Your level of cover depends on the plan you choose. Insurance providers typically offer three main tiers of coverage:
Basic (Core) Plan
✅ Full in-patient treatment (hospital stays and surgeries) ✅ Full cancer cover (advanced treatments and medications)
❌ No or limited out-patient cover (specialist consultations, diagnostics)
Mid-Range Plan
✅ Limited out-patient cover
✅ Limited diagnostics, including blood tests, scans, MRI, PET, and X-rays
✅ Full in-patient treatment
✅ Full cancer cover
Comprehensive Plan
✅ Unlimited out-patient cover including specialist visits, scans, and tests
✅ Full in-patient cover
✅ Full cancer cover
Our expert says…
“Pre-existing health insurance: Your shield against uncertainties, ensuring care and support when you need it most. Peace of mind that stands strong, empowering you to face life’s challenges with confidence and security “
– Stuart Hendy, PMI expert
In-Patient Treatment
In-patient treatment means you will stay in the hospital overnight for medical care, surgery or monitoring. This type of treatment includes everything from the hospital stay to the procedures and follow-up treatments you might need while being admitted. Depending on your policy, your health insurance plan may cover all in-patient expenses, including specialised care if necessary.
Out-Patient Treatment
Out-patient treatment refers to medical care that does not require you to stay overnight in the hospital. This could include things like consultations, minor surgeries or diagnostic tests. You may go to a clinic or be treated and sent home the same day. Cover for outpatient treatment may have different levels of cover. Some insurers provide comprehensive out-patient level while others may have limits of £500, £750 or £1,000.
Comprahensive Cancer Treatment
Your health insurance can cover essential cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. Some policies go beyond what is available through the NHS and offer access to advanced treatments. You may also be eligible for additional benefits, like cover for wigs and prostheses during treatment.
Diagnostic Tests
Health insurance typically covers diagnostic tests like MRIs, CT scans, blood tests and other important diagnostics such as X-rays or PET scans. If your policy offers an unlimited level of cover you won’t have to worry about exceeding a set number of tests. Your insurer may also cover routine diagnostics, like blood pressure monitoring, to ensure any potential health issues are caught early.
Mental Health
Most private health insurance providers offer mental health cover, either as part of their standard package or as an optional add-on. This can include therapy, counselling or psychiatric consultations. Depending on your policy, you may be covered for up to 28 therapy sessions per year. Mental health cover can be incredibly valuable if you need support for emotional or psychological well-being.
Therapies
If you need physiotherapy, osteopathy or chiropractic treatments, your health insurance may cover those therapies. Some policies offer unlimited physiotherapy sessions, while others may limit the number of sessions you can receive each year. If you’re recovering from an injury, surgery or dealing with ongoing pain, therapy cover is important to include in your health policy.
Dental and Optical Cover
Dental and optical cover is often available as an add-on to your health insurance policy. This plan can help pay for dental check-ups, treatments like fillings or extractions and vision care such as glasses or contact lenses. Many policies have limits on how much cash back you can claim for eyewear each year.
What is excluded from health insurance policy if you have a Hypertension?
If you have high blood pressure, most health insurance policies will exclude treatments for hypertension and related conditions. This typically includes:
- Ongoing treatment or care for managing high blood pressure, such as medications, regular check-ups or lifestyle management.
- Conditions directly linked to high blood pressure, like heart disease, stroke, kidney disease or vision problems are considered complications of the chronic condition.
- Pre-existing hypertension is often excluded under pre-existing condition clauses.
Benefits of Private Medical Insurance
Core Cover:
Optional Add-Ons:
For more information or to customise your plan, contact us today!
How Much Is Health Insurance for Hypertension?
Getting private health insurance in the UK with hypertension can be more costly due to the chronic nature of the condition. Premiums vary based on age, cover level, and insurer. Here are approximate monthly premiums for a mid-range plan with a £100 excess for individuals in the HA1 postcode area:
| Insurer | 40 years old | 50 years old |
|---|---|---|
| AXA | £50.21 | £65.62 |
| Aviva | £43.76 | £56.90 |
| Bupa | £47.26 | £76.87 |
| Freedom Health Insurance | £83.04 | £116.20 |
| General & Medical | £54.82 | £71.92 |
| Vitality | £50.75 | £64.10 |
| The Exeter | £47.69 | £62.02 |
Which private health Insurance providers cover high blood pressure?
If you have hypertension, different insurers have varying policies regarding health insurance policies. The table below demonstrates how health insurance providers cover blood pressure or any conditions related to hypertension:
| Provider | Moratorium Definition | Hypertension-Related Coverage | Review Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| AXA | Specified moratorium definition | May cover related conditions like strokes | Reviewable every 2 years |
| Aviva | Related moratorium definition | Excludes hypertension and related conditions | Reviewable – case by case |
| Bupa | Related moratorium definition | May exclude strokes and heart disease as related conditions | If well-controlled for over 2 years, maybe reconsidered |
| Vitality | Related moratorium definition | Excludes hypertension-related claims | Reviewable every 5 years |
| The Exeter | Related moratorium definition (option for fixed moratorium) | Excludes hypertension-related claims | Reviewable – case by case |
This table helps highlight how insurers treat hypertension when applying for health insurance.
AXA is often a preferred choice because of its ‘specified’ moratorium definition, meaning it only excludes the exact condition for which you have received treatment, rather than any related complications like strokes or heart disease. Your broker may request you to fill out an application for hypertension. Other providers may exclude these conditions altogether.
Why should I have health insurance with high blood pressure?
Even though private health insurance does not cover chronic conditions like hypertension, it still offers valuable benefits. It ensures quick access to private doctors, fast diagn[oses, and treatment for acute conditions. With NHS waiting times often long, private medical insurance ensures you get the care you need without delays.
If you have or have had high blood pressure, the best way to buy health insurance is to consult an expert. Be honest about your health history to ensure you get the right private health insurance plan. Some insurers may exclude pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure, while others may offer cover after a waiting period. Comparing quotes from different providers will help you choose the most affordable and comprehensive policy for your needs.
Many companies, like AXA, Bupa and Vitality, offer different options for those with high blood pressure. A comparison will allow you to find the right health plan at the best price. If cost is a concern, make sure to communicate your budget and your health insurance broker can help you find a plan that fits.
At PremierPMI, our specialists have over 15 years of experience and can guide you through the process. They will help you navigate the options and find the best health insurance policy for your specific needs. With expert advice, you can secure the best policy for your high blood pressure and overall health.
Summary from PremierPMI
If you have high blood pressure, you can still get health insurance, but coverage for hypertension and related conditions is typically excluded. Private health insurance can still be valuable for covering acute conditions not related to high blood pressure, offering quicker access to treatments and avoiding long NHS waiting times. Some insurers, like AXA and Bupa, offer some level of cover for high blood pressure. It’s essential to be honest about your condition when applying, as it may affect premiums or your health insurance policy. Consulting an expert, like PremierPMI, ensures you get the best policy.
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