What Happens to Workplace Health Insurance When You Leave a Job?

Employer-provided health insurance is usually arranged under a group policy. What happens when you leave depends on the scheme rules and your employer’s agreement with the insurer. Do not assume cover continues until the end of the tax year or transfers automatically to a personal policy.

Ask before your final working day

Confirm the date your cover ends, how claims already authorised will be handled and whether you can continue under the group scheme or apply for individual cover. Ask whether new underwriting applies and whether existing exclusions or waiting periods carry over.

If you are joining another employer

Check the new benefits enrolment window and whether dependants are included. Compare the new policy wording with your previous cover; similar benefit names can have different limits.

Can I complain about a claim under a workplace policy?

The Financial Ombudsman says a beneficiary can complain about a claim under a group policy, while some complaints about the sale of the group policy need to come from the employer.

See our guide to switching health insurance.

Sources checked 18 October 2026: Financial Ombudsman: Private medical and dental insurance · PHIN: Paying for treatment with private medical insurance