Do I have to have a medical exam for private medical insurance?
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In general, the answer is no. Provided you are not aware of any pre-existing conditions, you are best served by waiting to have a medical examination after joining a private medical insurance (PMI) plan.
Medical history declarations are offered by all insurers. These usually require the completion of medical questionnaire.
A moratorium is an option with some insurers. This requires you to complete a form without disclosing any medical history. If you do have any pre-existing conditions, they will not be covered for a stipulated amount of time, which varies from two to five years depending on the insurance provider.
Of course. If the insurance company finds out later that you have a preexisting condition, then they will not pay you anything, and you will lose all the thousands of pounds you may have paid in premiums. Remember, insurance companies are great when it comes to taking money, but will do everything to avoid paying. I suggest that you watch Michael Moore's movie Sicko if you want to know how private medical insurance companies work.