Pre-existing conditions
Understanding what a pre-existing condition is will help you choose the
right cover and know what you’re covered for.
Edited by:
Laura Hall,
health insurance expert at Bupa
Last updated 1 November 2024
2 minute read
Which pre-existing conditions are not covered?
Health insurance doesn't usually cover conditions you had before your policy started.
Any condition you had before your policy started is a pre-existing condition.
Some common pre-existing conditions
- Asthma
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Sporting injuries
- Depression
- Hearing problems
- Epilepsy
This is just a list of common conditions. Any symptoms or illness you had before you took out a policy, will not be covered.
You may still be able to get private healthcare for a condition even if it isn’t covered on your policy. Some private healthcare providers have pay as you go options. So, you can just pay for what you need, when you need it.
What's the difference between pre-existing and chronic conditions?
A pre-existing condition is any condition you had before your policy started.
A chronic condition is something that is on-going and that has no known cure. Asthma, arthritis and diabetes are examples of chronic conditions.
Most health insurance doesn't cover pre-existing or chronic conditions.
For example, asthma is a chronic condition. But if you had asthma before your policy started, it is also a pre-existing condition.
Not all pre-existing conditions are chronic.
This area of health insurance can be confusing. But it’s important to understand a policy before you buy it. Speak to your insurer if you’re not sure if a condition will be covered.
How do conditions you already have work with full medical underwriting?
For full medical underwriting, insurers will ask questions about your medical history.
This tells them if you have any pre-existing conditions. They can then confirm what you’re covered for, and what you’re not.
There are also other health insurance exclusions. These include chronic conditions, cosmetic surgery, and pregnancy.
How do conditions you already have work with moratorium underwriting?
With moratorium underwriting, you don't have to tell your insurer about any conditions before your cover starts. Instead, they'll only ask when you make a claim.
The insurer will check if the condition existed before joining the policy and decide whether they will cover the condition.
Some insurers may go on to cover the condition after being symptom and treatment free for 2 years.

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Bupa health insurance is provided by Bupa Insurance Limited. Registered in England and Wales with registration number 3956433. Bupa Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Arranged and administered by Bupa Insurance Services Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales with registration number 3829851. Registered office: 1 Angel Court, London, EC2R 7HJ.