Health Insurance Guides
What are pre-existing conditions?
Key takeaways: What are pre-existing conditions?
Health insurance is designed to cover any new conditions that start after you join, so won’t cover conditions you’re already aware of (pre-existing conditions) – whether you’ve already seen a doctor or not.
But some private medical insurance plans will cover pre-existing conditions if you’re trouble-free for a set number of years. It’s best to check the rules carefully before deciding which health insurance to buy.
Can I get health insurance to cover a pre-existing condition?
Health insurance is designed to cover any new conditions that start after you join. But some health insurance plans will cover pre-existing conditions if you’re trouble-free for a set number of years. Here’s our explainer of how health insurance works with pre-existing conditions with moratorium underwriting.
If you’ve had any signs. symptoms or treatment for a condition in the last few years, health insurance won’t cover this pre-existing condition straight after you join. But if you have a set number of years – often two years – ‘trouble-free’ from the condition after you join, your insurance will usually start to cover the condition. Health insurers define ‘trouble-free’ differently, so it’s worth checking this when looking at options.
With the AXA Health Plan, we consider you ‘trouble free’ when you haven’t seen any medical practitioner, such as a GP or physiotherapist, or had any treatment or advice for your condition for two years. You can’t have taken any medication, including over the counter drugs, or followed a special diet because of your condition.
Many health insurers count symptoms or treatment in the five years before you join as a pre-existing condition. AXA Health only counts symptoms in the last three years for most people joining the AXA Health Plan.
This is the way most health insurance (or private medical insurance) plans work – but check the terms for yours.
*Condition means any disease, illness or injury that you’ve received advice, medication or treatment for; or any signs or symptoms you’ve experienced, even if the condition wasn’t diagnosed.
What about new conditions?
If you weren't aware of a condition, and only started getting signs or symptoms after your plan start date, then your health insurance will usually cover your treatment (so long as it’s a treatment and condition that your plan covers).
If the problem starts soon after you join, your health insurer may ask your GP about your medical history – they may send you a form to give to the surgery.
Can health insurance give me any support with pre-existing conditions?
Yes, with most health insurance you’ll be able to get some support with your pre-existing condition. For example, with AXA Health, you’ll get:
- A 24/7 health support line for any health information you need
- Access to our online GP service – with appointments available around the clock, subject to availability.
Pre-existing conditions explained: what counts as a pre-existing condition?
Health insurance usually won’t cover any problem you’ve had any symptoms or treatment for in a set number of years before you join. For many health insurance plans, this will be the last five years. For AXA Health Plans, it’s three years.
Most health insurers will count any symptoms you’ve had, even if you’ve never seen a doctor or medical professional about it, and even if you haven’t been diagnosed with any condition yet.
This includes:
· If you’ve taken any medicine for the problem – including painkillers or other medicine you bought in a shop.
· If you see your GP after joining, but the problem started before you joined. Health insurers will usually check this in your medical history.
It’s always best to check the rules for your health insurance provider carefully.
What about if I’ve had health insurance before?
The rules about pre-existing conditions may be different.
Take a look at our guide:
Find out more about our AXA Health Plan or start a quote
Reviewed by Dr Corné Hurter
I was appointed Medical Director for Services and Delivery at AXA Health in January 2026. Before then, I spent 10 years working at HCA UK in roles such as Medical Director for Care Transformation and Director of Medical Services.
During my time at HCA UK, I was part of the first cohort of doctors to complete a Medical Management and Leadership Master’s degree.
I’m passionate about patient care and innovation that supports care delivery to patients in a manner which is sustainable and value-driven.
I’m excited to be using my experience to make a real difference to members and the service we provide.