Advisers must emphasise need to disclose: ISO

Karen Stevens said too many consumers were not aware of the risks of changing to a new health insurance provider.

“The focus needs to be on the fact that if they decide to change health insurers, they most likely will not be covered for any conditions that they’ve had since they took out the first policy. If they fail to disclose, they will more than likely have issues at a later date.”

She said consumers could be disappointed if they found the policy they had had for 20 years would have covered them for an operation that their new one won’t.

“It’s not a case of stopping them getting a new policy but they need to be aware. You might get a cheaper premium but you may not get the same cover.”