Business Details
Your Trusted Insurance Partner in Bristol
Essential Supplementary Medical Insurance has been dedicated to providing accessible insurance solutions for UK residents. Our partnership with Compass Underwriting, a leading independent accident and health underwriting agency since 1986, ensures our customers receive expert support and efficient claims processing. We prioritise transparency in policy terms, offering life cover, critical illness benefits, and income protection tailored to individual needs.Our team focuses on clear communication and customer-centric service, ensuring policyholders understand their coverage and exclusions. While we no longer offer new policies, our commitment to existing customers remains steadfast, with administration transitioning to HIVE Insurance Services to maintain seamless service continuity.
Services
Life Cover
Critical Illness Cover
Sick Pay Insurance
Claims Handling
Policy Administration
Highlights and features
- We partner with Compass Underwriting, operating since 1986, to deliver expert insurance solutions.
- Our claims team resolves 90% of cases within 10 working days.
- Policies feature fixed pricing and transparent moratorium clauses for pre-existing conditions.
- We offer flexible benefit amounts from 25,000 to 100,000 for life cover.
- Our administration transition ensures continued support through HIVE Insurance Services.
Associations and certifications
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
Services
Life Cover
Life cover provides lump sum payouts for UK residents aged 1850, with benefits from 25,000 to 100,000. Policies renew every five years, maintaining fixed prices and allowing family coverage additions. The maximum age for renewal is 68, with exclusions applying for pre-existing conditions within three years of policy start.
Critical Illness Cover
Critical illness cover offers 50% of life cover benefits for eight specified conditions, including cancer and heart attacks. Coverage lasts until age 62, with pre-existing condition exclusions extending to ten years prior. Benefits reduce the remaining life cover amount upon claim, ensuring financial support during recovery.
Sick Pay Insurance
Sick pay insurance replaces up to 1,500 monthly income for UK workers aged 1861, covering absences after 30 days. Policies pay tax-free benefits for up to six months, with exclusions for pre-existing conditions and hazardous activities. Claims require medical certification for psychological or back-related conditions.
Claims Handling
Compass Underwriting manages claims with a 10-working-day response target. The process requires submission of medical documentation and proof of eligibility. Exclusions apply for pre-existing conditions, self-inflicted injuries, and non-medically necessary treatments, ensuring fair and timely resolutions for valid claims.
Policy Administration
Policy administration includes annual renewals until age 69, with fixed pricing for five-year terms. Customers receive detailed policy documents outlining exclusions, moratorium clauses, and renewal terms. Administration transitions to HIVE Insurance Services from November 2025, ensuring continued support for existing policies.
Questions
Does ESMI cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Pre-existing conditions are excluded for three years (life cover) or ten years (critical illness) unless symptom-free for 24 months post-policy start.
How quickly are claims processed?
We aim to resolve 90% of claims within 10 working days after receiving all required documentation from Compass Underwriting.
What exclusions apply to sick pay insurance?
Exclusions include pre-existing conditions, hazardous activities, cosmetic surgery, and claims related to alcohol or drug abuse, as detailed in policy documents.
Can I cancel my policy at any time?
Yes, policies renew annually and can be cancelled without penalty. Contact our team for assistance with cancellation procedures.
