WPA no claims discount: smaller claims update for October 2026
By Patrick Baxter, Founder & Health Insurance Broker Published · 3 min read
WPA’s reported Complete Health update is scheduled for 1 October 2026. Total counted claims of £250.01–£500 would reduce a member’s no claims discount (NCD) by one level instead of two. The change is reported to apply to new and renewing customers.
Other claims bands are unchanged under the reported update. Check your renewal documents for the rules that apply to your policy. Keeping more discount does not guarantee a lower renewal price.
What changes to WPA’s no claims discount in October?
For total counted claims of £250.01–£500, the reported change would reduce the drop in your discount from two levels to one. The other claims bands would stay the same.
Smaller claims could mean keeping more of your discount.
Here’s an example. WPA counts £450 in claims for one person, whose current discount is 64%.
Total counted claims
£450
Starting discount
64%
Existing rules58%discount at renewal
Reported new rules61%discount at renewal
Your discount would fall less after the same claims.
Counted claims are the total WPA includes in its assessment period, excluding your excess and benefits that do not affect the discount. A higher discount does not guarantee a lower renewal price. Illustration of the reported October update.
See all claim bands and discount levels
How much would your discount move?
WPA Complete Health claims bands under the reported October 2026 update
Total counted claims
Reported outcome
No claims
Up 1 discount level
£0.01–£250
Stay at the same level
£250.01–£500Reported change
Down 1 levelExisting rule: down 2
£500.01–£750
Down 2 levels
Over £750
Down 3 levels
Each person has their own discount. Moving up means a bigger discount; moving down means a smaller one. The scale runs from level 0 (no discount) to level 15 (73%).
The full discount scale
WPA Complete Health discount levels, verified against WPA’s brochure on 17 September 2026
Level
Discount
Our example
15
73%
Maximum discount
14
70%
13
67%
12
64%
Example starting point
11
61%
Example: reported new rule
10
58%
Example: existing rule
9
54%
8
50%
7
45%
6
40%
5
35%
4
28%
3
21%
2
15%
1
6%
0
0%
No discount
In this example, the existing rule moves the person from level 12 to 10. The reported new rule would move them from level 12 to 11. The percentage difference depends on the starting level.
WPA uses the total relevant claims approved for payment during an assessment period. The £500 threshold is not a separate allowance for each invoice, and each insured person has their own NCD.
For the first renewal, WPA assesses claims approved for payment within the first nine months of cover. Later assessment periods typically combine the final three months of the previous policy year with the first nine months of the current year. Amounts you pay as an excess are excluded.
Some benefits are also excluded from the calculation. Check your policy documents or ask WPA to identify the claims that count on your own membership.
Will this make WPA renewal prices cheaper?
Not necessarily. A no claims discount is one part of the price calculation. A smaller reduction in that discount does not tell you what the underlying premium will be next year.
Our view: compare the actual renewal price and benefits, rather than treating a discount level as a saving in pounds. Two policies with different discounts can still have very different final prices.
If you are considering a move, check medical underwriting, exclusions, benefit limits and hospital access alongside cost. Do not cancel existing cover before replacement terms and a start date are confirmed.
What should you ask at renewal?
Which rules apply? Ask which NCD rules apply to your product and renewal date.
What has been counted? Request the relevant claims total and assessment dates.
Where will your discount land? Ask for your current and proposed levels, alongside the final premium.
Keep treatment decisions separate from assumptions about a future discount. Confirm cover and obtain any required authorisation before treatment.
Talk through your WPA renewal
Send My Health Protected your renewal details and we can help you understand the cover, price and options available.
Sources checked, 17 September 2026:WPA’s Complete Health page and its policy brochure, page 20, confirm the existing rules and discount scale. The October change is based on published announcement reporting, rather than updated policy wording on WPA’s public site. Your renewal documents confirm which terms apply to you.
Patrick Baxter is the founder of My Health Protected, an FCA-authorised independent health insurance broker based in London. He has helped individuals, families and businesses compare UK health insurance providers including Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, WPA and The Exeter. This article explains the renewal questions raised by a reported change to WPA’s no claims discount.
We provide unbiased, independent comparisons of UK health insurance providers. For personalised advice, get in touch — our advice is free and we’re FCA-authorised.
Disclaimer
This article is for information only. It does not constitute financial advice. Policy features, pricing, hospital lists and underwriting terms can change. Always check the latest policy documents before buying. For personalised advice, contact us directly.
Regulatory Information
My Health Protected is registered in England and Wales and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under FCA number: 785132. Our registered office is located at 79a High Street, Wimbledon, London, SW19 5EG.
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