PMI Explained: underwriting

Health insurance covers new conditions which begin after you’ve taken out your policy. You usually won’t be covered for conditions you had before your policy started.

Read More About Whats Usually Covered Here

Tip: It’s a good idea to compare cover to find the benefits that are right for you. Compare private medical insurance

Covered by most health insurance policies

• Physiotherapy
• Mental health
• Cancer treatment
• Acute conditions (illness or injury you can recover from)

Not covered by most health insurance policies

• Pre-existing conditions (ones you had before your policy started)
• Ongoing conditions with no known cure (e.g. arthritis, diabetes)
• Cosmetic treatments
• Emergency treatment
• Allergies and food intolerances
• Life events like pregnancy, menopause or ageing

Check any policy before you buy. Make sure you fully understand what’s covered and what’s excluded.

Every health insurer has their own process. Most ask you to visit your GP first to get a referral. Then they’ll help you find the private treatment you need.

Some providers offer online GP appointments, so you can get a referral faster. Some allow you to access specialists without a referral via online triage.

You’ll usually need authorisation from your provider before you visit a specialist. Your insurer will then pay the provider directly. If you have an excess or cover limits, you may pay part of the cost yourself.

Private Medical Insurance Explained

Yes — most insurers allow you to add family members. Rules vary, for example some cover children up to 21 in full-time education. Some require everyone to live at the same address.

Tip: Ask about family or couples’ discounts for joint policies.

Yes — most policies renew every 12 months. Your provider will contact you to confirm any changes to your circumstances or premiums.

Some insurers let you continue cover with a personal policy when your employer scheme ends, so treatment can carry on uninterrupted. You usually have a limited window to switch, so check with your provider or HR as soon as possible.