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UNDERSTANDING COVER

Pre-existing conditions: what to ask

Why your medical history matters before taking out a policy.

Previous symptoms can matter

New health insurance commonly excludes pre-existing conditions. A condition may matter even if it has not yet received a diagnosis. The exact definition and decision depend on the policy and underwriting.

Ask a specific question

Instead of asking only “am I covered?”, ask whether consultations, scans, treatment and complications related to a particular condition would be covered. Do not send personal medical information to this website.

Get the exclusion in writing

Request the precise terms and ask how related conditions are treated. If an exclusion can be reconsidered, ask what evidence and timescale would be required. Do not assume cover starts automatically after a set time.

Existing cover needs care

If you already have insurance, speak to the proposed provider about continuity and underwriting before cancelling. A cheaper premium can be poor value if an important part of your cover is lost.

Sources & further reading

Checked 26 September 2026. Policy terms and source ratings can change.

Prepared from the linked sources. Not a personal recommendation or a claims-tested review. Confirm current terms with an insurer or authorised broker.

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