Where to start

Definitions, acceptance terms and exclusions can vary. Switching cover can change the picture, so compare actual wording rather than assuming a condition is always covered or always excluded.

Key points

Answer health questions accurately

Application questions and follow-up requests should be answered carefully because the insurer uses them to decide terms.

Wait for underwriting

A final answer often comes after underwriting, not from the application form alone.

Check exclusions

If cover is offered with exclusions or special terms, those details matter more than a general statement about existing conditions.

Keep the policy wording

The decision letter, schedule and wording should stay together so future cover or claim questions can be checked against the agreed terms.

The insurer asks, then decides

Insurance applications can ask about medical history and other matters. The answers may affect the terms offered, exclusions applied or whether cover is offered at all.

The definition matters

A pre-existing condition is not always described in exactly the same way across every policy. The relevant definition, the application questions and the insurer’s decision letter should be read together.

Switching can reopen the question

Moving to a new policy can mean new underwriting, new exclusions or different treatment of health history. Existing terms should be compared with proposed terms before old cover is cancelled.

General comments online are not enough

Policy terms and underwriting decisions can differ. The decision letter and policy wording matter more than broad statements about whether existing conditions are covered or excluded.

What to check next

  • Check who will receive health details, why they are needed and how they will be handled before sharing them.
  • A condition or policy cannot be assessed from general information alone.
  • Disclose accurately and check the insurer decision.

A useful next step

Read what to check before switching

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Sources and dates

Information was checked on 28 September 2026. Open the current official page before relying on a rate, threshold, eligibility setting or process that may have changed.