Private Health Insurance Renewal Checklist for UK Customers

Renewal is a chance to check that your policy still suits your needs—not just to accept the new premium. Read the renewal notice alongside your current policy guide, certificate and any updated terms.

Check these six points

1. Premium: Compare the renewal amount with your current premium and ask the insurer to explain any increase.
2. Cover: Confirm which inpatient, outpatient, diagnostic, cancer and mental health benefits remain included.
3. Limits: Check annual allowances, sub-limits and whether any have changed.
4. Excess and co-payment: Confirm how much you may pay and when it applies.
5. Provider access: Review the hospital network, recognised consultants and any guided-care rules.
6. Policy changes: Read notices about new or revised exclusions, services or claims procedures.

Your health needs may also have changed. Ask the insurer how a change in cover would affect underwriting, exclusions and continuity of cover before you amend the policy or switch provider.

Before you renew or switch

Ask for any important explanation in writing. If you compare another policy, compare the same benefit assumptions and verify the new insurer’s terms before cancelling existing cover. Do not assume that a lower premium means equivalent cover.

Our related guides cover premium changes after a claim, switching health insurance and cancelling a policy.

Compare policy options before renewal: compare UK health insurance.

Sources checked 4 November 2026

• ABI: What to think about when your insurance policy comes up for renewal
• Bupa: Standard and Premium policy changes for renewals from 2026
• PHIN: How to compare private medical insurance