Private Health Insurance Policy Year: What Resets and When?

A policy year is the period set out in your insurance contract for measuring cover, benefits and limits. It does not necessarily run from 1 January to 31 December. It often follows the policy’s cover or renewal date, but you must check your own documents.

Why the date matters

Some benefits have an annual allowance or limit. Depending on the wording, that amount may renew when a new policy year begins. An excess or other contribution may also be calculated by policy year. If treatment spans a renewal, the rules can affect how benefits are counted or what you may need to pay.

Do not assume that “annual” means calendar year. Bupa’s policy documentation, for example, ties updated policy documents to the customer’s cover start date. Other insurers and employer schemes may set their own dates and rules.

Where to find your policy year

Check your membership certificate, schedule and renewal notice for the start and end dates. Ask the insurer:

• when the policy year begins and ends
• which limits renew at that point
• whether your excess applies per policy year or per claim
• how ongoing treatment across renewal is handled
• whether any approved treatment needs fresh authorisation

For help understanding the document itself, see our guide to reading a policy schedule and benefit limits.

Compare policy limits and excesses: compare UK health insurance.

Sources checked 4 November 2026

• Bupa: Bupa By You policy guide
• PHIN: How to compare private medical insurance