Can You Get Health Insurance with Pre-Conditions?

Worried that your health condition might stop you from getting insurance? You’re not alone. The good news is, there are health insurance plans made for people with pre-existing conditions. We’re here to help you understand how it works and what to expect.

Yes, you can get health insurance with pre-existing conditions in the UK. Many insurers offer cover, though terms, waiting periods, and premiums may vary. Some private policies exclude treatment for certain conditions, while NHS access remains free for all.

Want to know how insurers treat different health conditions? Or how to find the best deal even with a medical history? We’ve got everything you need to know in one place. Keep reading for helpful tips and trusted advice.

Don’t let pre-existing conditions hold you back. Tap here to find tailored health insurance that works for you.

Can You Get Health Insurance with Pre-Conditions?

Yes, it’s possible to get health insurance even if you have pre-existing health problems. A pre-existing condition is any illness or injury you’ve had in the past, such as asthma, diabetes, cancer, or high blood pressure. Insurance companies will want to know about these conditions before they offer cover. But don’t worry—there are still good options for many people.

In the UK, the NHS gives free healthcare to all residents, no matter their health history. But private health insurance can help you skip long NHS waiting times and get faster treatment. Having a pre-condition doesn’t stop you from buying this kind of cover. However, the insurer may decide not to pay for treatment related to your condition, or they may charge a higher monthly cost (premium).

There are different ways health insurers handle pre-conditions. Some policies might cover your condition after a waiting period if you’ve been symptom-free for a set time. Others may cover everything except anything linked to your health history. The key is knowing how each provider works and asking the right questions.

Health Insurance with Pre-Conditions

How Health Insurers View Pre-Existing Conditions

Private health insurance companies in the UK typically use two types of underwriting:

Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)

With FMU, you must give a full history of your health when you apply. The insurer will check all your conditions and decide what they can cover. They may:

  • Include your condition straight away
  • Exclude it from the policy
  • Offer cover after a no-claims period

Moratorium Underwriting

This option skips medical questions at first. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes conditions you’ve had in the last five years. But if you go two years without symptoms or treatment, the condition may become covered later.

Example:
If you had asthma three years ago and haven’t needed treatment for two years, a moratorium plan may later cover asthma if there are no symptoms in the meantime.

Common Pre-Existing Conditions That Affect Insurance

Here are some of the most common health conditions that insurers check:

Condition Likely Outcome
Asthma May be excluded at first but reviewed after 2 years symptom-free
Diabetes Usually excluded, especially Type 1
High Blood Pressure Often covered but may raise premiums
Cancer Likely excluded if diagnosed in the past 5 years
Depression May be excluded but considered case-by-case

What Are Your Options if You Have a Pre-Existing Condition?

If you have a health condition, here’s what you can do to get the best private health insurance:

  1. Shop Around – Different insurers have different rules. Use comparison sites or speak to a broker who understands the market.
  2. Look for Specialist Insurers – Some insurers focus on cover for people with chronic conditions.
  3. Be Honest – Always tell the truth on your application. Hiding conditions may lead to rejected claims later.
  4. Use the NHS Too – Some people use the NHS for ongoing conditions and private insurance for new problems or quick treatment.
  5. Ask About Waiting Periods – If your insurer offers to include a condition after a waiting period, find out the exact terms.

Health Insurance with Pre-Conditions

Will It Cost More?

Yes, having a pre-existing condition can increase the cost of your insurance. Insurers see more risk when covering someone with a medical history. That means:

  • Higher Premiums
  • More Exclusions
  • Possible Medical Reports

However, prices still vary a lot depending on your age, condition, and provider. Some insurers might not charge more if the condition is minor or under control.

What If You Get a New Condition After Buying Insurance?

Good news! If you get a health problem after your insurance starts, the insurer usually must cover it (as long as you didn’t know about it before buying the plan). This includes things like:

  • Broken bones
  • New cancers
  • Sudden illnesses
  • Operations you didn’t plan for

But read the small print. Some plans don’t cover mental health or pregnancy unless you ask for extra cover.

Health Insurance with Pre-Conditions

Can You Get Health Insurance with Mental Health Conditions?

Yes, though it can be more complex. Some insurers are more open to covering mental health support like:

  • Counselling
  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
  • Psychiatric care

But if you’ve had depression or anxiety in the past, the insurer may exclude it or limit what they’ll pay. If mental health support is important to you, look for plans that include it as standard.

Tips for Applying Successfully

Here are a few top tips to help you apply for health insurance with a pre-existing condition:

✅ Keep your medical records handy
✅ Always answer questions truthfully
✅ Ask about exclusions and how long they last
✅ Find a broker or adviser who knows the market
✅ Compare quotes from multiple insurers

How to Save Money on Health Insurance

Even with a condition, you can save money by:

  • Choosing a higher excess (you pay more before the insurer pays)
  • Limiting your hospital list
  • Getting family cover or joint policies
  • Paying yearly instead of monthly
  • Staying healthy to reduce future claims

Health Insurance with Pre-Conditions

Real Life Example: Sarah’s Story

Sarah, 38, had a thyroid condition. She thought no insurer would cover her. But with moratorium underwriting, she found a plan that excluded the thyroid issue at first. After two years without treatment, it was added to the cover—without higher premiums.

Need help finding the right cover for your health history? Click here to compare trusted health insurance plans designed for people with pre-existing conditions. Get quotes today and take control of your health care.

FAQ

What is a pre-existing condition?

A health issue you had before applying for insurance, like asthma or cancer.

Will my condition always be excluded?

Not always. Some conditions may be covered after a waiting period with no symptoms.

Can I use private insurance and the NHS together?

Yes. Many people use the NHS for ongoing care and private cover for fast treatment or extra services.

Will I pay more if I have a pre-condition?

Possibly, depending on the condition and provider. Comparing plans helps find the best price.

Can I get cover if I’ve had mental health problems?

Yes, but it depends on the insurer and your history. Some plans include mental health as standard.

Final Thoughts

Having a health condition doesn’t mean you can’t get insurance. You just need the right plan and clear advice. Be honest, compare your options, and choose a policy that fits your needs. Health is important, and good cover gives peace of mind.

Looking for Health Insurance with Pre-Conditions? Click here to Compare Trusted Providers.