Looking for Health Insurance? Let’s talk pre-existing conditions

Let’s be honest, insurance can often feel a bit overwhelming when going through the fine print! Whether you’re joining a new policy or transferring from an old one, knowing how medical underwriting works can save you time, stress, and surprises.

Understanding how your health cover deals with pre-existing conditions doesn’t have to be complicated.

Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)

• Think of it as being completely upfront with your insurer.

• If you have a pre-existing condition, you need to declare it when you join.

• Any exclusions applied will be shown on your policy schedule.

• Some conditions – especially chronic ones – can’t be removed later.

• FMU ensures your cover is accurate and personalised from day one.

Continued Medical Exclusions (CME)

• Applies if you’re moving from another fully underwritten policy.

• Any condition excluded on your previous policy stays excluded here.

• Your old insurance certificate is needed to make it official.

• A smooth way to transfer coverage without redoing the whole process.

Moratorium (MORI) & Continued Moratorium (CMORI)

• Pre-existing conditions aren’t covered if you had symptoms, treatment, medication, tests, or advice in the five years before joining.

• After a continuous two-year symptom-free period, those conditions may be covered.

• CMORI applies the same rules if you’re transferring from another moratorium policy, keeping cover consistent.

Medical History Disregarded (MHD)

• Known as the “fresh start” option.

• No personal medical exclusions are applied for eligible members.

• Ideal for groups wanting broad coverage.

• If transferring, you may be asked for your old certificate – otherwise, it’s a clean slate.

The Main Takeaway

Different types of medical underwriting exist to balance fair coverage and realistic risk:

• FMU: upfront and personalised

• CME: carries exclusions forward

• MORI/CMORI: use a waiting period

• MHD: fresh start

Always check your policy schedule and provide old certificates if required. It keeps everything simple and clear.

Ready to Get Your Cover Sorted?

Contact us today for friendly, expert advice and make sure your group health insurance works for you – not the other way around.