How to Switch Private Health Insurance Without Losing Cover in the UK (2026)

Switching private health insurance can be complicated. If you do it carefully, you may be able to move to a cheaper or better policy without losing cover for conditions your previous insurer had already accepted. If you do it incorrectly, you could restart a moratorium period for a condition that was close to becoming eligible, or lose a no-claims discount you have built up over several years.

This guide explains what to check, and in what order, before cancelling anything. If you are not familiar with private medical insurance (PMI), our beginner's guide to private health insurance explains the basics before you compare switching options.

The most important rule: do not cancel until the new policy is confirmed in writing

This may sound obvious, but it is a common switching mistake. If you cancel your existing policy and then discover that the new insurer applies more restrictive exclusions than expected, you could have a gap in cover and no guaranteed right to return to your old insurer on the same terms. Make sure the new policy is documented and confirmed—including its specific exclusions—before giving notice on your current policy.

CPME — the term that makes or breaks a switch

Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME) is one arrangement a new insurer may offer when you switch. If accepted, it may carry forward specified exclusions or underwriting terms instead of applying entirely new terms. Acceptance is not automatic. What transfers—including any moratorium start date or progress towards the end of an exclusion—depends on the insurer's decision and written terms.

Practically, this means:

• The new insurer may agree to retain the original moratorium start date or recognise progress already made, but confirm this in writing.
• Conditions and exclusions may be treated differently under the new policy; do not assume accepted cover carries across unchanged.
• A new underwriting decision may add terms, so compare the replacement schedule with your current one.

Not every insurer offers CPME, and those that do may apply it differently. Ask explicitly: "Will you match my existing exclusions under CPME?" and get the answer in writing, not verbally.

No-claims discount transfer

Your no-claims discount (NCD) is typically transferable between insurers. Ask your current insurer for a letter confirming your NCD level, which the new insurer may then honour when you join. As with CPME, check this specifically and do not assume it transfers automatically.

The value of this depends on how many years of NCD you have accumulated. If you have built up several years, the difference between a new insurer honouring it and starting at zero can be 30–40% of the annual premium.

When switching makes most sense — and when to wait

The simplest time to switch is at renewal, especially if your premium has risen significantly despite having made no claims, or if you have built up a strong no-claims discount.

Good times to switch:

• At renewal: insurers apply underwriting adjustments then, rather than mid-term, so switching at the end of your policy year is simplest.
• When you have received a significant renewal increase without a claims history to explain it.
• When you have not made a claim for several years and your NCD is near or at its maximum; at this point, you may have more leverage as a low-risk applicant.

Times to think carefully before switching:

• If you are part-way through a moratorium period for a condition you expect to become eligible soon. The new insurer's terms may restart the period, even under CPME.
• If you have claimed recently. Your NCD may be reduced, and a new insurer applying fresh underwriting may assess your history differently from your current insurer, which may simply renew your policy at a higher post-claim price.
• If you are over 60. A new insurer may treat conditions that were not previously disclosed as pre-existing, making the underwriting process more complex.

The actual switching process, step by step

To switch safely, compare like-for-like cover, confirm the CPME and NCD terms in writing, activate the new policy, and only then cancel the old one.

1. Gather your existing policy documents, especially the exclusions schedule, current excess, outpatient limits and NCD level.
2. Compare like-for-like quotes. Use a comparison tool to find alternatives with matching cover, rather than choosing a lower headline premium that comes with a higher excess or lower outpatient limit.
3. Ask each shortlisted insurer two specific questions: “Will you apply CPME to my existing exclusions?” and “Will you honour my current NCD level?”
4. Get the answers in writing, such as by email, rather than relying on a phone conversation.
5. Request an NCD letter from your current insurer. This is a standard request, and the insurer is obliged to provide one.
6. Confirm that the new policy is active. Make sure you have the policy documents, confirmed exclusions and payment arrangements.
7. Only then give notice to cancel your current policy, setting the cancellation date to match the new policy's start date so there is no gap in cover.

Which insurers are most flexible for switchers

National Friendly My PMI says applicants on its Moratorium basis do not provide medical history on the application. Its policy summary still describes a five-year look-back and a separate post-start test before a condition may be covered. This application process does not guarantee that previous exclusions or moratorium progress will transfer when you switch.

The Exeter has a well-documented approach to underwriting for people with complex medical histories. Brokers who regularly handle switches consider its CPME process straightforward.

Aviva and Bupa both support CPME transfers and NCD matching, with the standard requirements of a no-claims discount letter from the previous insurer.

Should you use a broker to switch?

For a straightforward switch—if you are healthy, have a clean NCD and no complex medical history—using a comparison site may be reasonable. For a more complicated case, such as pre-existing conditions, previous claims, being over 60, or a condition approaching moratorium clearance, a whole-of-market broker may be able to help. They may know which insurer's underwriting team is more likely to apply CPME favourably to your history. Their service is typically free because the insurer pays them.

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