Guide
A guide to switching health insurance providers
Thinking about switching your health insurance to a new provider? It’s a fairly straightforward process, but there are several important things to consider. In this guide we take you through how switching works and what to watch out for.
What does switching health insurance mean?
Switching your health insurance means that you want to change who you have your policy with. You’re literally switching from one provider to another. Your new health insurance policy replaces your old one. And from the switch date onwards, you’ll have new policy terms and conditions.
Why would you consider switching health insurance?
There are several key reasons you may want to switch health insurance.
Cheaper premiums
You may be looking to reduce the cost of your health insurance premiums. A good way to do that is to shop around for a cheaper provider. However, if you still want the same level of cover, be sure to check you're not compromising quality for cost.
Changes in health needs
Different providers offer different levels of cover and access to treatments. Switching provider could open up treatments that your current insurer doesn't offer.
Access to different cover options
You may want options that aren’t available with your current plan. Such as the option to choose your hospital and consultant. Or additional mental health support. Changing provider can give you a more tailored approach to your healthcare.
Access to rewards
At Vitality you can be rewarded if you commit to a healthy lifestyle. The Vitality Programme includes discounts for gym and fitness memberships. Plus, discounts on fitness trackers and cash back on healthy food.
Changes to your personal circumstances
Life events such as getting married or having a baby are powerful motivators for thinking about your long-term health. As is taking on a mortgage, getting promoted or starting your own business. You’ll want to make sure you’re fully protected during the next phase of your life.
No employee cover
When you change employer your new role may not offer health insurance. At this point you can switch to a personal plan. This way, you and your family get continuity of cover and the reassurance that brings.
Poor service from your current provider
Sadly, some customers will have a bad experience with their health insurance provider. So, when it comes to renewal, they’re looking for a change.
When can you switch health insurance providers?
As policies run for a year, it makes sense to review your cover each time you renew your policy. If you decide it’s no longer right for you, you can choose to switch at your renewal date.
If for any reason you want to switch mid-year, you may need to pay an administration fee. Some life events, such as getting married, giving birth or adopting a baby, or moving home may be exempt from the fee. Check with your provider before you opt to switch.
You may find it difficult to switch if you’re currently undergoing treatment. It’s unlikely that your chosen new provider will take you on mid-treatment. The best option is to finish your claim with your current provider and then switch. If you’ve finished treatment in the past few years, you’ll probably be asked to complete a medical declaration about your treatment. And it’s possible that the condition will be excluded from your new cover.
How does switching health insurance work?
Switching is a fairly straightforward process. It can be a bit more complicated if you’ve made a claim in the last few years. But let’s go through the process step by step.
Review your current policy
Check the level of cover you currently have. If it’s no longer meeting your needs, see if you can upgrade your cover within your budget. If your current policy’s still not suitable, it’s time to look for a new provider.
Assess your healthcare needs
Think about what you want from your new health insurance. Perhaps your personal circumstances have changed, and you need that reflected in your new cover.
Research potential new providers
Comparison sites are a useful tool for researching potential providers. However, it can be confusing to know whether you’re comparing like with like. There are also specialist advisers who can take you through the switching process and recommend the right plan for you.
Compare plans and quotes
Make sure you get several quotes for comparison. This way you can see the range of cover and options offered by your chosen contenders. Take time to really understand each policy's terms and see how it differs from your current cover.
During the quote process, you’ll be asked a few questions about your recent health. If you’ve had symptoms or treatment in the past three years, you may need to provide more details to get an accurate quote.
Apply for the new policy
You can apply directly to your chosen provider, or through an adviser. Once you receive approval from your new provider, you can go ahead and cancel your previous policy.
Switching health insurance – things to consider
You’ll have your own reasons for wanting to switch health insurance provider, but it’s a good idea to take stock before you do. These are some important things to consider before you make the change.
Don’t focus solely on price
Although price is a key factor in choosing a new provider, value for money is just as important. Be very clear about what level of cover you’re getting with your new plan. A cheaper premium may mean reduced cover. Remember there are other ways to reduce your premium without compromising on cover. For example, opting for a bigger excess.
Understand your cover
It can be tricky to compare cover between providers. Some put a limit on how much you can claim for certain treatments. Others include services in their core cover that are optional extras with some providers. If you’re unsure about any terms and conditions, speak to the insurance company or a specialist adviser.
Renewal pricing
Making a claim affects the price of your cover in the future. So, if you don't make a claim from one year to the next, your renewal premium will be lower compared to a customer who has claimed. Some insurers apply these renewal changes via a no claims discount.
At Vitality, we look at renewal pricing differently. We adopt our ABC formula which makes our renewal prices clear and easy to understand. And when you look after your health, we think it’s right to reward you. So, the higher your Vitality status, the lower your renewal price increase, whether you make a claim or not.
Learn more: How we work out your health insurance renewal premium
Underwriting terms
Many providers allow you to switch on the same underwriting terms that you had with your previous insurer. Your quote will make it clear what your underwriting terms are. It’s important to understand these terms so you know what you can claim for.
Learn more: The different types of medical underwriting explained
Continuity of cover
To make sure there’s no break in your cover, don’t cancel your existing plan until you’ve been accepted by your new provider. If you decide the new plan isn’t suitable after all, you get 14 days to change your mind.
Switching health insurance with pre-existing conditions
If you’ve made a claim on your existing health insurance and therefore have a pre-existing condition, you can still switch providers. This is also true if you had a health condition before you took out your current plan.
There are two main ways that providers deal with pre-existing conditions when you switch. Continued Moratorium underwriting (CMORI) and Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME).
Continued Moratorium underwriting
If you already have health insurance on a Moratorium basis, you can usually switch providers on the same basis. You’ll then be subject to the terms and conditions of your new insurance plan.
With Moratorium underwriting, you don’t need to tell the insurance company about your full medical history when you take out the cover. The insurance company will tell you whether you’re covered at the time you make a claim.
Continued Personal Medical Exclusions
This is available to those who’ve been through full medical underwriting. Your new insurance company will transfer over your health insurance to them with any medical exclusions still in place. You’ll need to complete a medical declaration when you switch, so it’s possible your new insurer may exclude additional conditions at this stage.
Learn more: Health insurance and pre-existing conditions explained
Why choose Vitality private health insurance?
Want to know more about health insurance or thinking about taking out a policy? Here are some of the benefits of taking out health insurance with Vitality:
- See a private GP within 48 hours
- Avoid lengthy hospital waiting lists
- Get specialist drugs and treatments
- See a consultant fast
- Refer yourself for physiotherapy
- Get mental support fast and without a GP referral
- Get menopause support
- Discounts from top brands. And rewards for getting healthy.
FAQ Leader - Switching health insurance FAQ
Can I switch health insurance providers?
You can switch your health insurance provider at any time. As all policies run for a year, it makes sense to switch at your renewal date. If you have a claim in place, you probably won’t be able to switch until the claim and your treatment is complete.
Is it hard to switch your health insurance policy?
No, switching is fairly straightforward. You’ll be asked a few health questions by your new provider, and they’ll give you a price for your new cover.
What happens to health insurance when you switch jobs?
If your new employer provides health insurance, you can usually transfer to their policy. If your new employer doesn’t provide health insurance, you’ll need to take out your own cover to stay insured.
Will I lose my current cover during the switch?
To make sure you have continuity of cover, don't cancel your current insurance until your new cover is up and running.
What if I have ongoing treatment when I switch?
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