Will my cover be affected if I am disabled?
With the many references to pre-existing conditions that the patient may have been suffering from, or receiving treatment for, ahead of taking out a private medical insurance policy, it could be easy to assume that you will be refused cover if you are disabled. However, this is not the case and insurance companies will not refuse to provide you with cover just because you have a disability.
A disability does count as a pre-existing condition, so an insurance provider can refuse to cover treatments that are required for your pre-existing disability, or anything arising as a direct result. However it is not a clear cut case and there must be a fair and reasonable rationale behind this. So you should not count yourself out of private medical insurance simply because you are suffering from a disability – instead you should make that sure you are aware of your options.
When you apply for private medical insurance you can sometimes be asked to disclose your medical history. In such cases, as detailed in another section, you must provide all of the information that is relevant as your insurer may question any future claims you make if they feel that you were untruthful on your application (indeed, they will check the details your provide with your GP). Some policies will automatically refuse cover for pre-existing conditions and in such a case a disability that arises from a previous condition (or ones directly arising from it) will not be covered by policy.
But you are not alone and more information is out there thanks to the Association of British Insurers, whose website can be found at www.abi.org.uk (with phone numbers should you wish to contact them).