Separate the two contracts
Do not assume that changing basic insurance means replacing supplementary protection too. Review the existing policy and proposed contracts separately. Basic insurance and optional private cover operate under different rules. Ask which part of a quotation requires a health questionnaire and what happens while the application is being assessed.
Complete applications carefully
Answer the insurer’s questions accurately and request clarification if wording is unclear. Keep a copy of your answers and relevant correspondence. Do not rely on a verbal statement that an exclusion will disappear or a treatment will be covered. Obtain the insurer’s actual written decision and policy conditions.
Avoid an unintended gap
Before cancelling existing supplementary cover, check written acceptance, exclusions, commencement date and any waiting period of a replacement. If the proposed contract is refused or restricted, compare the value of keeping what you already have. Saving on the basic premium can be explored without automatically sacrificing useful existing protection.