Age limits are a definite consideration when you compare health insurance.

If you are over the age of 50, you may have a more difficult time finding health insurance, though there are private medical insurance (PMI) products available specifically for people aged 50+.

Other age limits you may come up against with private health insurance concern children covered under your policy. Insurers vary as to what age children they will cover. Usually there isn’t a lower age limit, but there may be an upper age limit, depending on whether the child is a student or working.

With some insurers, you have to sign up by a certain age, but once you’re enrolled, you can have coverage regardless of your age, as long as you continue to pay the premiums.

The cost of private medical treatment has gone up at a rate higher than inflation in recent years, and these costs are passed along from insurers to policyholders, putting it out of reach of some individuals. As one example, a man aged 50 would pay about £100 per month for a policy from Bupa, with a £100 excess on claims. But some firms, like National Friendly, offer fixed-rate premium policies for older people.

It’s not easy for people over 70 to find good premium rates on their PMI, but it can be done by careful comparison and shopping around.