Learn the difference between moratorium and full medical underwriting in Portsmouth; how each handles pre-existing conditions; costs; excess and local hospital access.
Why underwriting matters in Portsmouth
If you live in Southsea; Old Portsmouth; Cosham; Drayton or Eastney, the way your policy is underwritten decides how pre-existing conditions are handled. It influences claims approval; waiting periods and price.
Moratorium underwriting – quick to start; conditions reviewed later
- How it works: No full medical questionnaire upfront. Past conditions are excluded initially; often for 2 years. If you have no symptoms; medication or treatment during that period, cover may resume for that condition.
- Pros: Faster application; good for getting insured quickly; often lower friction.
- Cons: Grey areas around “related conditions”; you may need to evidence a symptom-free period.
Full medical underwriting – clarity from day one
- How it works: You declare your history in detail. The insurer decides exactly what is covered or excluded before the policy begins.
- Pros: Fewer surprises at claim time; exclusions are explicit.
- Cons: Longer application; possible permanent exclusions; sometimes higher price.
Which suits common scenarios
- Stable asthma; controlled with inhalers: Often fine on either route; FMU gives clarity.
- Recent musculoskeletal issues in Drayton runners: Moratorium may delay cover; FMU could exclude the joint but cover everything else now.
- Historic mild anxiety; no treatment for 2+ years: Moratorium can be attractive if symptom-free.
Cost and excess strategies
- Pick an annual excess (£200 – £500) rather than per-claim if you expect multiple outpatient visits.
- Consider a 6 week NHS wait option to reduce premiums – if QA Hospital can treat within 6 weeks you use NHS; otherwise you go private at Spire Portsmouth or other listed hospitals.
- Limit your hospital list to Portsmouth; Havant; Southampton for savings.
Local pathways
- Queen Alexandra Hospital; Cosham – NHS with private options.
- Spire Portsmouth Hospital; Havant Road – strong diagnostics; orthopaedics; ENT.
- Share private reports back to your NHS GP for joined-up care.
FAQ
Will my condition ever be covered on moratorium
If you remain symptom; treatment and medication free for the moratorium period; it can become eligible.
Can I switch from moratorium to FMU later
Yes; at renewal or on a new application; but terms may change.