Private Medical Insurance

8. Will my cover be affected if I am disabled?

Insurance companies will not refuse to cover you because you are disabled.

As with other pre-existing conditions, your insurance company may exclude cover for treatment arising directly from your disability. However, it must be reasonable and fair for them to do this.

If you sign a 'medical history declaration', you must reveal all relevant information about your disability. If your policy automatically does not cover pre-existing conditions, then an existing medical condition causing disability, or arising from it, will not be covered.

If you would like more information, call the Association of British Insurers on 020 7600 3333 and ask for the information sheet, 'Insurance for disabled people'.

Private Medical Insurance Guide:

1. About this guide
2. What is private medical insurance?
3. How do I buy private medical insurance?
4. How do I choose the right cover?
5. What am I covered for? What does my cover not include?
6. What will affect my premiums?
7. Will I need to provide details of my health?
8. Will my cover be affected if I am disabled?
9. How do I make a claim?
10. How is private medical insurance controlled?
11. What if I want to change to a new insurance company?
12. Your private medical insurance checklist
13. Useful addresses