How Do I Find Health Insurance That Covers Pre-Existing Conditions?

Compare Quotes using comparison tools, consult an insurance broker for personalised advice, check specialised insurers, and review policy details including exclusions, waiting periods, and coverage limits.

Guide · 11 min read

Can I Get Private Health Insurance if I Have a Pre-Existing Condition?

Yes, you can still get private health insurance in the UK even if you have pre-existing conditions, so it shouldn't be a reason to avoid taking out health insurance. However, what's covered will depend on the insurance company and the rules they use to decide your coverage. Most private healthcare plans either exclude pre-existing health conditions or have waiting periods before they start covering them.

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Written by Patrick Baxter, Founder & Health Insurance Broker

Fact-checked by Sadie Sansford, Business Development Director

Updated March 2026

11 min read

What This Guide Covers

What is health insurance & levels of cover

Underwriting: Moratorium, FMU & MHD

Pre-existing, acute & chronic conditions

How your conditions will be treated

How to get a quote with pre-existing conditions

FAQs: Bupa, cancer, mental health & more

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Yes, You Can

Pre-existing conditions don't stop you getting cover — the type of underwriting determines what's included.

3 Underwriting Types

Moratorium, Full Medical Underwriting, and Medical History Disregarded — each works differently.

Acute vs Chronic

PMI covers short-term treatable conditions. Chronic conditions have different rules.

Expert Guidance

A broker can navigate the complexities and find the best cover for your medical history.

What Is PMI?Underwriting Pre-Existing Conditions Acute & Chronic Underwriting Detail Can I Still Get Cover?Get a Quote FAQs

Understanding Cover

What is health insurance?

private medical insurance offers medical services and treatments outside of the National Health Service (NHS). It lets you choose when and where you get treated, often with shorter waiting times and access to private hospitals and specialists.

It is meant to work alongside the NHS and provide extra coverage for acute conditions—medical issues that come on suddenly and need quick treatment. With PMI, you can get faster access to treatments and consultations, often in more comfortable settings, while also having extra coverage that the NHS might not provide.

Private health care gives you more control over your medical treatment and can be a good choice if you want more personalised care and flexibility.

The level of cover you choose in your plan determines how much and what type of care you can access. Basic plans might cover essential treatments like hospital stays, while more comprehensive plans include extras like specialist consultations, outpatient care, and advanced treatments. The level of cover affects both what is included in your policy and the cost, so it's important to choose one that fits your health needs and budget.

Cover Options

Underwriting Options

Insurance companies can provide cover for conditions that come on suddenly, known as acute conditions. However, they are less likely to offer cover for long-term or ongoing medical problems, also known as chronic conditions. When looking for cover, you typically have two cover options for how your coverage is determined: Moratorium Underwriting and Full Medical Underwriting.

Full Medical Underwriting

You provide detailed information via a questionnaire about your health and medical records. The insurer may choose not to cover certain conditions based on your health history.

Moratorium Underwriting

This method excludes conditions you've had treatment for in the last five years. But if you don't have any symptoms for a set time, usually two years, the insurance might cover those conditions later.

Pre-Existing Conditions

Health Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions

How It Works

Getting health insurance cover in the UK when you have pre-existing conditions means understanding how insurers decide what to cover. They use different methods, called underwriting, to figure out what they will and won't cover. Knowing these methods helps you find the right policy that gives you the coverage you need.

What are Pre-Existing Conditions?

Pre-existing conditions are medical issues that were diagnosed or treated before your new health insurance policy begins. These can include long-term illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and asthma, as well as recent surgeries or injuries.

Condition Types

Acute and Chronic Conditions

Acute Conditions

Acute conditions are short-term health problems that usually get better with treatment, like an infection, a broken bone, or surgery. Health insurance may cover these conditions after a waiting period.

Chronic Medical Conditions

Chronic medical conditions are long-lasting health problems like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease. Health insurance might not cover these conditions right away, or you may have to wait longer for coverage.

What is a Chronic Condition?

Long Duration: The condition lasts a long time, usually more than three months.

Persistent: The condition doesn't go away quickly or completely.

Ongoing Treatment: Needs regular medical care or medication to control symptoms.

Management Instead of Cure: Focus is on managing symptoms, not curing the condition.

Recurring Episodes: The condition may have times when symptoms improve and then come back.

Examples of Chronic Medical Conditions

Diabetes, Asthma, Heart Disease, Arthritis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Multiple Sclerosis, Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), Chronic Kidney Disease, Epilepsy, Crohn's disease

Underwriting Explained

Understanding Underwriting

Underwriting is how insurance companies decide if they should give you health insurance, especially if you have existing health problems. They use different methods to do this.

What is Full Medical Underwriting?

Full medical underwriting is when the insurance company checks your full medical history. You share details about your past health issues, treatments, and medications. Based on this, the company might not cover some conditions, make you wait for coverage, or change your insurance cost.

What is a Moratorium underwriting?

Moratorium underwriting doesn't need your full medical history right away. It doesn't cover health problems you had in the five years before your insurance started. These problems might be covered later if you have no symptoms and don't get treatment for them for a set time, usually two years.

What is Medical History Disregarded?

Medical history disregarded is a type of insurance where the company doesn't look at your past health problems. This is often used in group health plans. It means pre-existing conditions are covered right away, with no exclusions or waiting times. This is helpful for people with serious health issues.

Your Options

Can I Still Get Private Health Insurance if I Have Pre-Existing Conditions?

Yes, you can still get PMI if you have pre-existing conditions. Here are your options:

Full Medical Underwriting: Some conditions might not be covered, or you may have to pay more.

Moratorium Underwriting: Conditions could be covered after a period with no symptoms.

Medical History Disregarded: Usually through work, this covers all conditions right away.

How Will My Pre-Existing Conditions Be Treated?

How your pre-existing conditions are handled depends on the type of insurance and the policy rules:

Exclusions: Some conditions might not be covered at all.

Waiting Periods: There may be a time when the condition isn't covered.

Coverage Limits: Some policies cover pre-existing conditions but with limits on treatment.

Understanding these factors helps you find the right insurance. If you need help, talking to a PMI broker can be useful.

Watch Exclusions

Some conditions may not be covered at all under your policy.

Wait Waiting Periods

There may be a set time before certain conditions become covered.

Limit Coverage Limits

Some policies cover pre-existing conditions but with treatment caps.

Have pre-existing conditions? We can help you find the right cover.

Call 0203 859 1822

Get Started

how to get a health insurance quote

Answer a Few Simple Questions

When you apply, you'll need to answer a few basic questions about your health. This helps the insurance provider decide how much coverage you need and how much you'll pay.

Quotes From Leading Insurers

It's important to get quotes from several top insurers to compare prices and coverage. Each insurer might handle pre-existing conditions differently, so looking at multiple options can help you find the best deal.

Our Partners

Working with insurance brokers or partners who specialise in medical insurance can provide additional support and access to tailored policies that suit your specific needs. They can help you navigate the complexities of underwriting and ensure you get the best possible coverage for your pre-existing conditions

Answer Questions

Basic health questions help your insurer determine coverage and cost.

Compare Insurers

Each handles pre-existing conditions differently — compare multiple options.

Work with Partners

Specialist brokers provide tailored access to the right policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About Pre-Existing Conditions

Bupa, a well-known UK insurer, usually doesn't cover pre-existing conditions at the start of a new policy. However, they might cover the condition after a waiting period if there are no symptoms. It's best to check the policy details and talk to Bupa directly for more information.

The cost in the UK depends on things like your age, where you live, the type of coverage, and how the insurance provider checks your health. On average, you might pay between £30 and over £100 per month, depending on the coverage and the provider.

Yes, many health insurance policies in the UK cover cancer treatment. This can include consultations, chemotherapy, surgery, and aftercare. However, the amount of coverage can differ, and some policies may require you to pay more for full cancer care.

If you've had cancer before, getting coverage can be tough. Most insurers won't cover cancer as a pre-existing condition, especially if it was recent. But if you've been cancer-free for a long time (usually five years), some insurers might offer coverage, though it could cost more or have certain limits.

If you have a mental health condition that started before your policy, getting coverage can be difficult. Many insurance provider won't cover these conditions right away or may require a waiting period before they do. Some plans might offer coverage after a certain time without symptoms or treatment. It's important to read the policy details carefully and consider talking to an insurance expert to find the best plan for your needs.

Whether your application is approved depends on the insurer's review of your medical history, current health, and the type of underwriting. Insurers are more likely to approve if your pre-existing conditions are stable or have been symptom-free for a while. Talking to an insurance expert can help increase your chances of approval.

Most plans won't cover pre-existing conditions right away. However, some insurers may offer special plans that cover certain conditions immediately, but these usually cost more. It's important to carefully check the policy details and talk to an insurance broker to find these plans.

It's uncommon, but some plans do cover pre-existing conditions right away. These plans usually cost more and have special terms. They are more likely to be offered by specialised insurers or through employer group health plans.

Compare Quotes: Use comparison tools and websites to check different insurers and their plans.

Consult an Insurance Broker: A broker can give you personalised advice and help you find the best options.

Check Specialised Insurers: Some insurers focus on covering pre-existing conditions and may offer better terms.

Review Policy Details: Make sure you understand the exclusions, waiting periods, and coverage limits of any plan you consider.

Still have questions? Talk to an adviser — it's free.

Call 0203 859 1822

How This Site Works

This site is run by My Health Protected, an FCA-authorised broker. Our guides compare UK private health insurance providers and are reviewed regularly against current insurer wording.

We aim to give you a clear, honest read on each insurer and plan: what is covered, what is not, where the trade-offs sit and where there might be gaps, including how pre-existing conditions are treated. Always read your own policy documents and check details directly with your insurer or a broker before you buy or switch.

If you would like a quote, or a second opinion on a plan you already hold, contact us. The advice is free, independent and without obligation.

Disclaimer

The information on this site is for general guidance only and not professional advice. For tailored advice or a personalised quote, contact us directly.