Can I change my health insurance between providers?

Why do people change their health insurance provider?

Some common reasons are: 

The cost of premiums

If cost is the primary reason why you’re thinking of changing, it’s a good idea to talk to your current health insurer to see if there are other ways to reduce your costs. 

Changes in your health needs

People might want to change health insurance providers to access to different cover options, for example they want better mental health cover or access to different hospitals or specialists.

If you’re thinking about changing because you’ve developed symptoms of a new health condition, make sure you understand how the new provider covers pre-existing conditions. They may not cover your new condition if you had signs and symptoms before setting up your plan – even if you haven’t yet seen a doctor. There’s more information about this below.

Change of circumstances

Changes to your circumstances such as having a baby, moving home, getting older or becoming self-employed may mean your current health insurance is no longer the best for your needs.

What should you think about before changing health insurance?

Before changing your health insurer, have a look what various insurers offer and get some quotes. If you’re not sure about anything, especially cover for existing conditions, ask the insurer for more information.

You may find comparison websites helpful, but don’t just compare prices. Look at what’s included and what options there are to personalise your plan. This will ensure you’re getting the cover you need, and not sacrificing quality for the sake of cost.

Some of the things you may want to consider include:

• What are your healthcare needs?
  These are likely to change as you go through different life stages, so make sure your new insurer will let you change your cover options if your circumstances change.
• How does the new insurer cover and exclude conditions?
  Some health insurers may let you keep the same terms when you change, so you may be able to continue covering or excluding conditions in the same way as your previous plan.
• Do you have any existing conditions or symptoms?
  If you have any existing conditions or symptoms, even if you haven’t seen a doctor or medical professional about them, check if they’ll be covered.
  See above for more information.
• Do you have a no claims discount?
  Your current insurer may give you a no claims discount on your renewal price if you haven’t claimed. This could reduce the cost of your premiums.
• What hospitals and specialists can you use?
  Check you’re happy with the hospitals and specialists you can use with your new insurer. These may vary between different insurers.
• Are there any limits on what you can claim?
  There may be limits on things like the number of outpatient consultations or treatments you can have, which hospitals and specialists you can use, or how much you can claim in a year.
  See our guide:
  
  • What does health insurance cover?
• Is there a waiting period before you can claim?
  With some insurers, you may have to wait for a set period after your policy starts before you can claim.
• What else does the new insurer provide?
  Look at what else the new insurer provides as part of your cover.  With AXA Health, you can speak with our nurses and counsellors 24/7, get access to an online GP service, diabetes and cholesterol blood assessments and member offers such as discounts on gym membership*.   
• Is there a cancellation fee?
  If you’re changing mid-way through a membership year, some insurers may charge a cancellation fee.

*Offers do not form part of insured benefits and are subject to change.