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How Do I Buy Private Medical Insurance?: You can buy private medical insurance from a variety of sources, there are now at least thirty four Insurance companies and many more brokers who specialise in Private Medical Insurance.
How does private medical insurance work?: Private Medical Insurance is exactly like car insurance or home insurance. It is only there in case you need it. Once you have chosen your policy, you will pay your premiums on a yearly, quarterly or monthly basis, whichever suits you best.
Where Would I Get Treatment?: There are a number of private hospitals in the UK – in your area there will probably be at least two hospitals at a convenient distance, depending on whether you live near a town or city.
Do Insurers Have a Money-Back Guarantee?: If you decide that you don't want to take out your private medical insurance policy, most insurers offer a money-back guarantee.
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.

What Is a 'moratorium' Cover?

Moratorium cover means to take a private medical insurance policy without providing any medical history.

This is the most common and cost effective way of obtaining PMI, especially if you (and your family) are fit and well, and have no pre-existing conditions.

If you do have pre-existing conditions - they will not be covered for a stipulated period. This could be 2-5 years depending on the insurer.

After the stipulated period the Moratorium will be allowed to include the pre-existing condition, as long as you have not had medical treatment or advice relating to the complaint during the stipulated period.

The advantage to a Moratorium plan is that they are very quick and easy to set up - however you need to carefully consider what medical treatment you have had in the last 2-5 years and whether or not such conditions may re-occur.

Make sure before you take out your policy that you are clear on the terms of the Moratorium, and how far back your insurer considers pre-existing conditions.