Medical History Disregarded (MHD) Underwriting
The most comprehensive form of group health insurance underwriting. Cover eligible pre-existing conditions from day one for your employees.
DISCUSS MHD FOR YOUR BUSINESSWhat is MHD Underwriting?
Medical History Disregarded (MHD) is the most comprehensive type of underwriting available for group private health insurance. As the name suggests, the insurer disregards individual medical histories, meaning eligible pre-existing conditions are covered from day one.
Unlike other underwriting methods, there are no individual health declarations required. Designed for larger groups (typically 15+ employees), MHD provides total equality and clarity for all staff members, ensuring everyone receives the same high standard of cover regardless of their past medical history.
Underwriting at a Glance
See how Medical History Disregarded compares to the other two main underwriting methods available for business health insurance.
Moratorium (MORI)
Medical History Required?
No initial forms.
When Is It Assessed?
At the point of claim.
Pre-Existing Conditions
Excluded for the first 2 years (typically).
Clarity of Cover
Low upfront certainty.
Application Process
Simple.
Best For
Small, generally healthy groups.
Full Medical Underwriting
Medical History Required?
Yes, full health questionnaire per employee.
When Is It Assessed?
Before the policy starts.
Pre-Existing Conditions
Explicitly excluded in writing.
Clarity of Cover
High upfront certainty.
Application Process
Some administration to complete.
Best For
Groups wanting absolute clarity on exclusions.
Medical History Disregarded
Medical History Required?
No individual forms.
When Is It Assessed?
Group risk filter only.
Pre-Existing Conditions
Covered from Day 1 (subject to risk filter).
Clarity of Cover
Total clarity and equality.
Application Process
Seamless.
Best For
15+ employees wanting comprehensive, inclusive cover.
What counts as a Pre-Existing Condition?
In health insurance terms, a pre-existing condition is broadly defined as any illness, injury, or health concern where you have received treatment, sought advice, experienced symptoms, or been taking medication prior to the start date of your policy.
Under standard policies (like Moratorium or FMU), treatment relating to these conditions is strictly excluded. This can cause frustration for employees who discover they cannot claim for a recurring joint issue or a previously diagnosed condition.
MHD changes the rules. By disregarding medical history, those previous diagnoses and historical injuries become eligible for private treatment, provided they meet the insurer's standard criteria for acute conditions (and pass the initial risk filter).
Minimum Group Sizes for MHD
Because MHD absorbs more risk, insurers require a minimum number of employees to spread that risk across the group. Here are the thresholds for leading UK providers.
AXA Health
Strong corporate proposition with excellent mental health pathways.
Aviva
Highly competitive MHD rates with strong digital wellbeing integration.
Vitality
Rewards-based MHD schemes that encourage a healthier workforce.
WPA
Premium not-for-profit provider requiring larger groups for disregarded history.
Note: Group sizes reflect minimum total employees enrolled, not necessarily the entire company headcount.
What Is and Isn't Covered?
Even with MHD, private health insurance is designed for acute (curable) conditions, not lifelong maintenance.
What Is Covered
- New illnesses and injuries
- Eligible pre-existing conditions (excluding risk filter exclusions)
- Specialist consultations and tests
- Diagnostic scans (MRI, CT, PET)
- Private surgery and hospital stays
- Cancer cover (if not previously diagnosed/treated)
What Is Not Covered
- Routine pregnancy and normal childbirth
- Cosmetic or aesthetic surgery
- Treatment for drug or alcohol addiction
- Unproven or experimental treatments
- Long-term chronic conditions requiring lifelong management (e.g. diabetes maintenance)
- Accident and Emergency care (always NHS)
Key Benefits of MHD
Inclusive Cover
No employee is left behind. Everyone receives the same high standard of healthcare regardless of past illnesses.
Attract & Retain Talent
MHD is the 'gold standard' of health insurance. Offering it gives you a major advantage in recruitment.
Protects Confidentiality
HR doesn't need to distribute or collect detailed medical questionnaires from staff.
Faster Claims
Because medical history isn't assessed at the point of claim, approvals are incredibly fast and frictionless.
Business Continuity
Get key personnel treated for ongoing or recurring issues immediately, reducing long-term sickness absence.
Workforce Equality
Avoids a two-tier system where healthy staff get full cover and older/unwell staff face exclusions.
Potential Drawbacks
We believe in giving you the full picture. MHD isn't the perfect fit for every single business.
Higher Premiums
Because the insurer takes on significantly more risk by covering pre-existing conditions, MHD premiums are typically 35% and upwards higher than standard Moratorium policies.
Minimum Size Rules
You generally need at least 15 to 25 employees to qualify. Smaller businesses and micro-SMEs will have to utilise Moratorium or FMU underwriting instead.
Complexity When Switching
If you want to move an existing MHD scheme to a new insurer, different providers have varying rules on accepting a 'switch' depending on past claims history.
Is MHD Right for Your Business?
MHD is ideal if you:
- Have 15 or more eligible employees
- Want truly inclusive benefits with total equality
- Wish to avoid pre-existing condition disputes
- Value employee medical privacy and reduced admin
It may be less suitable if:
- You have fewer than 15 employees (not permitted)
- You are on a very strict, restrictive budget
- You have a very young, exceptionally healthy workforce
Why Choose Elective Health?
Navigating corporate health insurance and negotiating MHD terms with insurers requires expertise. We take the time to understand your workforce and goals before recommending the right solution.
- Whole-of-market comparison across every major UK insurer
- Specialist expertise in corporate and MHD underwriting
- Free advice. No cost, no obligation
- Ongoing support through renewals and scheme changes
- Deal directly with Kingsley and Louis. No call centres
- 5.0 stars on Google from independent business reviews
What Our Clients Say
Don't just take our word for it. Here's what our clients have to say about their experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
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