Key takeaways
- You can usually switch on a “continued cover” basis that preserves conditions already covered with WPA.
- Time your switch around your renewal date so there’s no gap and no double-paying.
- Never cancel your WPA policy until the new one is confirmed on the right underwriting basis.
WPA is a well-regarded, not-for-profit health insurer known for flexible, modular cover. But being with a good insurer doesn’t mean you’re on the right plan — or paying the right price. If your WPA premium has crept up at renewal, or your cover no longer fits your life, switching is usually simpler and safer than people fear. Here’s how to do it without losing what matters.
What you can keep
The biggest worry about leaving WPA is losing cover for conditions you’ve already claimed for or declared. In practice, most people can move on a continued personal medical exclusions (CPME) basis — sometimes called “switch” underwriting — where the new insurer broadly mirrors your existing terms, so conditions covered with WPA generally stay covered.
What you might lose
- WPA-specific extras and service features (though other insurers have their own equivalents).
- Any no-claims discount tied specifically to your WPA policy.
- Continuity, if you switch on the wrong underwriting basis — which is exactly why advice matters.
How to switch the right way
- Start a few weeks before your renewal date — so there’s never a gap in cover.
- Compare a wide panel of insurers, not just one or two alternatives.
- Get the underwriting basis confirmed in writing before you commit.
- Only cancel WPA once the new policy is live on the terms you were promised.
Switching well comes down to the underwriting basis and the timing — get those two right and the rest is straightforward.
Let us handle the moving parts
ComparePMI compares WPA alongside the other insurers on our panel so you can see the options side by side. If you’d like advice, or decide to switch, we introduce you to an FCA-authorised firm who confirms exactly what you’d keep and handles the switch. If staying put suits you best, that’s fine too. It’s free and there’s no obligation.
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This article is general information, not personal advice. Cover, terms and availability vary by insurer and individual circumstances. ComparePMI is the trading style of ComparePMI Limited (company no. 16755241), an independent comparison and introduction service, not tied to any insurer. We do not provide advice or arrange cover ourselves and are not FCA-regulated; we introduce you to FCA-authorised and regulated firms who provide the advice and arrange your cover.