Health Insurance for Pre-existing Conditions

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Health Insurance for Pre-existing Conditions

  • Pre-existing health insurance might cover prior medical conditions.
  • Premiums remain stable
  • Optional add-ons available: cancer, mental health, dental, and travel cover
  • Chronic conditions might be excluded from your policy
  • will be excluded for two years.
  • We offer one month free for each policy purchased 
  • Speak to a specialist to get comprehensive information on your policy

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What are pre-existing conditions for health insurance?

A pre-existing condition is any health problem you had before getting health insurance. This includes conditions where you received medicine, advice, or experienced symptoms. When you buy insurance, it’s important to tell your insurer about these conditions. It’s essential to check them first because they are usually not covered for a specific time, especially chronic illnesses. Remember this when picking health insurance to avoid any surprises later.

Some examples of these you should mention include, but are not limited to:

  • If you have been diagnosed or treated for any cancer or cancer-like illness, heart problems, or blood circulation issues such as high blood pressure, blocked blood flow to the brain or stroke in the last 5 years.
  • If you have been diagnosed with any mental or emotional problems, such as anxiety or depression, and received treatment for them.
  • Any medical conditions, illnesses, or injuries for which you have received treatments, medications, or advice in the last five years may include chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, and other ongoing health issues

Can you get health insurance with a pre-existing medical condition?

Yes, in the UK, insurers must offer private medical insurance to individuals with pre-existing conditions, even if the policy excludes coverage for those conditions. 

This means people with acute or chronic conditions should consider getting private medical insurance because it can cover other unrelated conditions, illnesses, or injuries. Having the additional coverage can be beneficial for their overall health needs. 

Stuart Hendy

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

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Health insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions?  

Health insurance policy for pre-existing conditions ensures that individuals with prior medical conditions can still access essential healthcare services. These conditions refer to health issues diagnosed or treated before obtaining health insurance.

Coverage options vary, including hospital treatments, surgeries, consultations, tests, and medications. Additional benefits like mental health support and physiotherapy may be included. Some insurers may provide limited coverage for pre-existing conditions after a waiting period or for an additional premium.

Coverage options

When applying for pre-existing health insurance, you have a few underwriting options to consider, this includes full medical underwriting and moratorium underwriting. Additionally, some insurers give you the freedom to select the specific type of underwriting that suits you best.

Moratorium

Moratorium underwriting is a way of assessing health insurance without asking detailed medical questions upfront. It involves an initial exclusion period of 2 years during which pre-existing conditions are not covered. If you haven’t received treatment or advice for any conditions you had in the past five years during this period, you may become eligible for coverage afterwards. It’s a simpler process compared to full medical underwriting, but it comes with an initial waiting period before certain conditions are included in the policy.

Full medical underwriting

With full underwriting, you can be certain whether your pre-existing condition will be covered by the insurance or not.

To get cover, you must share a comprehensive medical history with your insurer. This involves answering health-related questions about your health granting permission for accessing your medical records and contacting your GP.

This information will help insurers to:

  • Determine if they can offer you an insurance policy.
  • Calculate the cost of health insurance
  • Specify the treatments and illnesses covered.
  • Identify any medical exclusions for certain conditions.
  • Decide whether they will cover pre-existing conditions.

Medical History Disregarded

Medical History Disregarded is an insurance option where your past medical history is not taken into account when you apply for an insurance policy. It means you don’t have to provide detailed health information during the application process. However, this convenience may come with a higher premium, as the insurer is assuming more risk by not considering your medical background. Despite the higher cost, it can be beneficial for individuals with any existing conditions who want comprehensive coverage without the hassle of disclosing their entire medical history.

Acute and Cronic Conditions

Acute pre-existing conditions

An acute pre-existing condition is a medical issue that someone already had before seeking treatment. It’s a health problem that comes on suddenly or lasts for a short time. If you have such a condition, it could influence your medical care and insurance coverage. Examples are:

  • Acute urinary tract infection
  • Sudden kidney stones
  • Acute gastroenteritis
  • Acute migraine attacks
  • Acute sinusitis
  • Sudden appendicitis
  • Acute pneumonia
  • Short-term injuries

Chronic pre-existing conditions

A chronic condition is a medical condition that lasts for a prolonged period, usually three months or more. It may persist throughout a person’s life or require ongoing management and medical attention. Unlike acute conditions that come on suddenly and last for a short time, chronic conditions often require long-term treatment and lifestyle adjustments to improve the patient’s quality of life and prevent complications.

Chronic conditions examples are:

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Chronic asthma
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Chronic migraines
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Chronic heart failure

Best private health insurance for pre-existing conditions in The UK

When choosing private health insurance for pre existing health conditions, several nuances need to be carefully considered to ensure you get the best coverage tailored to your specific needs. Here are some essential factors to pay attention to:

  • Coverage for Pre-existing Conditions
  • Waiting Periods
  • Premiums and Excess
  • Network of Hospitals and Specialists
  • Exclusions and Limitations

Here are examples of insurance plans from four reputable companies in the UK, known for their coverage:

bupa

Comprahensive Health Insurance

  • Bupa offers comprehensive coverage from the start.
  • They have an extensive network of hospitals and specialists across the UK.
  • Waiting periods for pre-existing conditions can vary, so it’s essential to inquire about your specific condition.
  • Bupa’s health insurance policies are generally renewable, providing continuous coverage.
Axa health

Personal Health Insurance

  • AXA PPP offers coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, subject to how they will underwrite the policy
  • They provide a wide range of plans with varying levels of private healthcare and premiums.
  • AXA PPP has a 24/7 health information helpline for policyholders.
  • They have a network of approved specialists and hospitals, ensuring prompt and quality car
aviva

Healthier Solution

  • Aviva offers Healthier Solutions plans with coverage
  • Depending on the policy, they may impose a waiting period for pre-existing conditions.
  • Aviva provides flexible options to tailor the plan to your needs, allowing you to choose your hospital list and level of coverage.
  • 24/7 Digital GP
Vitality (large logo)

Health Insurance

  • Vitality offers health insurance with coverage for existing conditions.
  • They focus on promoting healthy living and offer rewards for engaging in wellness activities.
  • Vitality has a network of private hospitals and specialists for policyholders to access.
  • Waiting periods and coverage options may vary based on the chosen plan.
  • 24/7 Unlimited Digital GP

Even if your provider may not be able to cover your condition they may provide advice on your medical conditions through online GP or app services. These digital platforms offer convenient access to healthcare guidance, making it easier for policyholders to manage their health conditions.

For example, Exeter’s “Health Wise” is a new app or service that offers support for mental health issues and advice on physiotherapy, it could be a valuable resource for individuals seeking guidance on managing their health conditions.

Always check the terms and conditions with your insurer to understand the coverage and other policy details.

General & Medical Health Insurance policy

You have the option to add pre-existing medical condition coverage to your insurance policy by paying an extra premium. You can select up to two pre-defined conditions from the list provided below for this added coverage.

  • Acne
  • Arthritis
  • Asthma
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Diabetes
  • Eczema
  • Gastro-Oesophageal Disease
  • Glaucoma
  • Hypertension
  • Psoriasis
  • Ulcerative Colitis
  • Varicose Veins
  • Fibrocystic Breast Disease

The coverage for the above-mentioned conditions has an annual limit of £1,000. Loyal customers will benefit as their annual limit will increase by £1,000 each year, up to a maximum of £10,000 after 10 years. Note: This increase is applicable if the cover remains continuous, and there are no claims related to the pre-existing condition during this period.

Cost of private health insurance with pre-existing conditions

According to Premier PMI health insurance advisors, the average cost of health insurance with such conditions is around £50-£55 per month, but this can vary depending on the level of coverage and your specific needs. Below is the price comparison from the UK leading insurance providers:

These Prices Are Based On 30 Years Old Individual

InsurerInsurer
Aviva Health£47
AXA Health£51
Bupa Health£63
Vitality£45
with HA1 postcode, mid-range policy cover and £100 excess

How to get health insurance with a pre-existing condition

In the UK, getting health insurance for a pre-existing condition may involve researching providers that offer coverage for such conditions. Compare health insurance policies, benefits, and premiums. Be honest about your health history during the application process and be prepared for possible medical underwriting. Look for policies with waiting periods for these conditions and ensure the coverage meets your specific needs. Seek advice from our health insurance broker to find the optimal insurance quotes for your situation.

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Health insurance for pre-exisitng conditions FAQs

Insurance providers are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and cannot deny coverage or charge higher premiums solely based on your condition. This regulation ensures equal access to health insurance services for all individuals regardless of their health status. 
The difference between chronic and acute pre-existing conditions lies in their duration and nature. A chronic condition refers to a long-lasting health issue that persists for an extended period, usually lasting three months or more. In contrast, an acute condition is a medical problem with a sudden onset and short duration, typically requiring immediate or short-term medical attention.
No, when taking out health insurance, providers cannot charge higher premiums or deny coverage based on your conditions due to regulations that prevent discrimination based on health status.
Yes, it is essential to inform insurers of any conditions in the UK when applying for health insurance policies to ensure accurate coverage and prevent potential issues with claims in the future.

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