Hot Topics

What Are The Different Levels Of Cover Available To Me?: Different insurance companies word their types of cover in different ways, however here we should be able to give you a good idea of the basics.
What Is a ‘moratorium' Cover?: Moratorium cover means to take a private medical insurance policy without providing any medical history.
What Happens If I Want To Move To Another Insurer?: If you have a current private medical insurance plan but wish to change to another insurer then it is possible to ensure that you receive a plan on "no worse terms.” This is known in the trade as a CPME plan.
Can I Get Private Medical Insurance If I Am Disabled?: You can still get private medical insurance if you are disabled. Insurance companies are not allowed to refuse you on this basis.
Is Private Medical Insurance Regulated?: Yes. The Financial Services Authority (FSA) now regulates the sale of Private Medical Insurance.

I Have a Pre-existing Medical Condition - How Does This Affect My Insurance?

Private medical insurance does not normally cover a pre-existing medical condition.

This is defined as a medical condition which has been diagnosed, has required medical treatment or for which you have sought medical advice before signing up for the insurance plan.

This area of PMI is not always clear cut, but your insurance policy should clearly stipulate the time period in which pre-existing medical conditions are exempt from the policy, for example it may be that if you sought medical advice over two years ago for the complaint then your insurance will cover you.

Some insurance policies will allow a pre-existing medical condition in exchange for higher premiums - as long as full details are provided from the outset.

The rules about pre-existing medical conditions can make it difficult for people to change insurers - especially as they get older and have suffered from more medical complaints.