In this guide, we’ll cover:
You might hear the term ‘pre-existing condition’ a lot when looking at health insurance. It’s important to know what it means before you buy a policy or make a claim.
A pre-existing condition is any illness, injury or health problem you had before your health insurance started. This includes anything you have:
Health insurance helps with new health problems that arise after your policy starts. It doesn’t usually cover issues you had before you took out the policy. Pre-existing conditions and related conditions from the last three years may not be covered.
If you don’t have any symptoms or treatments for a pre-existing condition in the first two years of your policy, your insurer might start to cover it after that.
You may not be covered for pre-existing diseases when you buy a policy. There are some exceptions, which you can read about below.
Health insurance usually only covers ‘acute’ health conditions. Providers rarely offer cover for ‘chronic’ health issues.
Acute conditions appear suddenly and quickly. They are typically short-term and can be cured with treatment.
Hip replacement or cataract removal are examples of operations people regularly claim for through their private medical insurance. Treatment is aimed at getting you back to your normal as soon as possible without you needing any further input in the future.
Chronic conditions develop slowly and can last for months and sometimes throughout a person’s life.
Health insurance covers conditions that arise after you’ve taken out a policy, much like your car insurance. You can’t claim for treatment for a knee injury you sustained in the past, in the same way you wouldn’t be able to claim for a car accident that happened before your policy started.
Explore what conditions health insurance covers in our guide.
Pre-existing conditions don’t usually stop you from getting private health insurance. You should still be able to get a policy, but any conditions you had before the start date might not be covered.
Some providers offer health insurance for pre-existing conditions at an extra cost.
Private health insurance can help if you’re diagnosed with cancer. Many plans include cancer cover, and treatment can continue for longer periods.
Depending on your plan, you may be covered for:
Some plans offer extended cover. This can include:
Health insurance providers offer two or three different underwriting methods.
This underwriting method automatically excludes pre-existing conditions.
Full medical underwriting means your insurer looks at your health history before your policy starts. This helps them decide what you’re covered for from the beginning.
This underwriting method lets you switch to a new insurer while keeping the same terms of your current health insurance policy. The new insurer applies your current medical exclusions to your new plan, so you keep the same level of cover.
If you have pre-existing conditions that aren’t covered, private medical insurance can still be a good way to invest in your future health. There are many different health plans to choose from.
With Saga Health Insurance, you get fast diagnosis and treatment for new and unexpected medical problems. You also have 24/7 access to the Saga GP Service for confidential health advice.
Saga can cover pre-existing high blood pressure (hypertension) and related conditions if:
Saga Health Insurance is a unique product designed by us specifically for our customers and it is only available through us. Together with our underwriter, Bupa Insurance Limited, we are committed to providing high levels of quality, service and choice. That's why we offer a range of policies that can be tailored to suit your needs and budget.
Get quicker diagnosis and treatment with nationwide private hospital options. There’s no upper age limit and you won’t need a medical.
There's plenty to explore and learn about our health insurance cover.
We explain the basics about getting health insurance so you could go private for medical treatment.
We offer a choice of four health plans, each providing cover for diagnosis and prompt hospital treatment.
Tailor and improve your Saga Health Insurance policy so you can have the cover that's right for you.
Want to know more? Here are the answers to the questions we're asked most often about our health insurance.
From Norwich to Glasgow, Saga uncovers the UK’s most cycle-friendly cities, and the perspectives of different generations on cycling, all the way from Gen Z to those over 50 years old.
Saga HealthPlans, Super, Secure and Saver Plus all provide the peace of mind that you have access to good, all-round cover for cancer every step of the way.
If you already have Saga Health Insurance and need to check your documents, make a claim or change your details, visit our existing customers page.
Our glossary of health insurance terms explains the most commonly used words and phrases to make things as clear as possible.
How can we rejuvenate our mental health and wellbeing as we get older? Our research suggests hobbies – and the natural world – hold the key.
Visit our membership handbook page for useful information on making a claim, including how and when to contact us.
The Saga GP Service offers unlimited access to telephone GP appointments – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
It's easy to switch your health insurance to Saga or set up a policy after a company scheme has ended.
Learn more about the three different underwriting methods in a Saga HealthPlan including Moratorium and Full Medical Underwriting.
Health insurance gives you quick access to private healthcare for early diagnosis and prompt treatment.
One of the main benefits of Saga Health Insurance is choosing where you're treated, from a range of private hospitals.
Benefits of health insurance cover for joint replacement surgery.
If you work for yourself, it really pays to stay healthy. See how health insurance could give you a speedy route to recovery if illness gets in the way of business.
Looking for private health insurance? Read our handy guide before choosing your health plan.