Insurance terms explained

Health insurance glossary

Short, plain-English definitions of the terms you'll meet when comparing private health insurance.

Popular searches:
PolicyExcessAcute conditionChronic condition
Written and checked by our UK insurance experts

Every term, A to Z

Choose a term to read the full explanation.

Acute medical condition
Illness or injury likely to respond to treatment
Chronic medical condition
Long-term, needs ongoing care or has no cure
Diagnostic test
Tests used to identify and diagnose a condition
Excess
The amount you pay towards a claim
Hospital list
The hospitals your policy covers
Inpatient
Admitted to hospital with an overnight stay
Outpatient
Seen at a hospital or clinic, no overnight stay
Policy
Your contract with an insurance company

Explained in more depth

Our full guides go further than a definition.

Inpatient vs outpatient care
Outpatient limit in health insurance
What is a pre-existing medical condition?
Moratorium vs full medical underwriting
See all health insurance guides

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