A pre-existing condition is a medical condition you have, or are suffering from prior to the start of a Private Medical scheme. It is not unusual for people to expect premiums to be loaded – increased – due to a pre-existing condition prior to the start of a scheme similar to life policies. With Private Medical Insurance this is not the case. The premium is not loaded but the condition will be excluded for a minimum of two years depending upon your underwriting and the company you choose.
Our healthcare specialists will advise on the best course of action since some pre-existing conditions will never be covered with some providers, whist we can guarantee this condition to be covered after two years with other providers. Even cancer!
If you already have Private Medical Insurance and would like to lower premiums you will need to consider if any pre-existing conditions already covered by your present scheme would be lost.
In the vast majority of cases we will be able to find a better alternative on what’s called a ‘No Worst Terms Switch’ which transfers your present underwriting onto a new scheme with no need for new underwriting and with the pre-existing condition still covered. This is always reviewed on a case by case basis to establish the best options available.
When starting a Private Medical Insurance scheme any condition in the last 5 years is not cover until you have been two years free of the condition. In some circumstances the condition can be ongoing, for example cancer treatment, and with most providers you will not be able to obtain cover for this or any related condition.
During one of our telephone consultations we will be able to discuss the finer details involved with pre-existing conditions to ensure you have the correct advice and in all cases we will be able to cover acute conditions after a two year period. Including Cancer!
