Why Switch Health Insurance Providers?
Most people review car or home insurance every year but, in the absence of big increases, health insurance is often left untouched for far longer. Yet the same principles apply: policies change, premiums rise, and competitors may offer better value.
Common reasons to switch include:
- Rising premiums: Year-on-year increases can make your existing policy unaffordable.
- Better value elsewhere: Other insurers may offer comparable cover at a lower cost.
- Changes in benefits: Some providers add or remove benefits that could impact your needs.
- Customer service issues: Slow claims handling or poor communication can be frustrating.
- Life changes: Marriage, children, or a growing business may mean your current policy no longer fits.
Can You Switch Without Losing Cover?
The biggest worry people have when switching is: Will I lose cover for conditions I’ve already claimed for?
The good news is that insurers have a mechanism called “continuation of underwriting” (also known as switch underwriting). This allows you to move from one provider to another while keeping the same terms, including cover for eligible pre-existing conditions.
However, this isn’t automatic. The new insurer will usually:
- Review your existing policy and claims history
- Ask questions about your health
- Offer to continue cover on similar terms (sometimes with conditions attached)
This is why it’s crucial to compare carefully and get expert advice before switching.
The Role of Underwriting When Switching
When you first take out health insurance, you’ll usually be offered one of two types of underwriting:
- Moratorium Underwriting – Conditions you’ve had in the last 5 years are excluded at the start, but may be covered again if you go symptom- and treatment-free for 2 continuous years.
- Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) – You declare your full medical history upfront, and exclusions are confirmed in writing (often permanent).
When switching providers, you can often carry these terms across to your new insurer, so you don’t lose the progress you’ve made under a moratorium, or clarity you had under FMU.
Step-by-Step: How to Switch Safely
Here’s the process we typically recommend:
1. Review Your Current Policy
Check what cover you currently have: inpatient, outpatient, mental health, cancer care, dental, etc. Knowing what’s included (and excluded) will help you compare fairly.
2. Look at Renewal Premiums
Premiums almost always rise at renewal. Compare the increase against the market—it may be justified, or it may mean it’s time to shop around.
3. Compare Like-for-Like
Don’t be tempted to focus only on price. A cheaper premium could mean reduced cover. Instead, compare insurers on:
- Cover for cancer and mental health
- Hospital networks
- Outpatient limits
- Digital GP and support services
- Customer service reputation
4. Use Switch Underwriting
Ask if the new provider can continue your existing underwriting terms. This is the key to avoiding new exclusions.
5. Factor in Added Value
Some providers, like Vitality, offer lifestyle rewards. Others, like Bupa or AXA, focus on fast access and premium hospital networks. Decide which extras matter most to you.
6. Get Expert Help
An independent broker can negotiate on your behalf, explain the fine print, and make sure you don’t lose cover when switching. They’ll also support you at renewal—so you don’t have to repeat the whole process next year.
Common Myths About Switching
“I’ll lose cover if I’ve claimed.”
Not always true. With switch underwriting, many insurers will continue covering ongoing conditions. If you have specific concerns about an ongoing claim, we will always suggest talking to a broker.
“Switching is too much hassle.”
In reality, much of the admin can be handled by a broker. The process is simpler than most people think.
“It’s only about price.”
While cost matters, differences in service, hospital access, and digital tools can be just as important.
Switching as a Business
If you’re a business owner with a company health plan, switching providers can deliver significant savings. Insurers compete aggressively for SME and corporate business, and you may find you can improve benefits while reducing costs.
Key considerations for businesses:
- Employee engagement (wellness perks, digital GP services)
- Impact on recruitment and retention
- Continuity of cover for staff with pre-existing conditions
- Clear renewal terms to avoid sharp premium rises in future
A broker can run a full re-market exercise, comparing all major UK providers, and negotiate on your behalf.
Why Work With a Broker?
Switching health insurance is one of those areas where professional advice can pay for itself many times over. A broker will:
- Compare across all major UK insurers
- Highlight where you can save money without losing cover
- Handle the paperwork and admin
- Support you at claim stage if needed
- Provide ongoing advice at renewal—at no cost to you
At Lifepoint Healthcare, this is exactly what we do. Whether you’re an individual, a family, or a business, we’ll help you switch safely and confidently.
Final Thoughts
Switching health insurance providers doesn’t have to mean losing cover. With the right approach—and the right advice—you can often secure a better deal, access improved services, and maintain continuity of cover for pre-existing conditions.
The key is understanding your current policy, comparing carefully, and using switch underwriting to your advantage.
If you’re thinking about switching, speak to one of our advisers today. We’ll review your existing policy, compare it against the market, and guide you through the process—so you can make the move with confidence.
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