What is Private Health Insurance?
What is Private Health Insurance cover?
Private health cover – also known as private medical insurance – can be a vital tool in protecting you and your family in the event of serious ill health or injury. :
The NHS is groaning under the weight of the UK obesity crisis and newer, more effective medical treatments for a range of illnesses often aren’t available.
Private medical cover makes ‘going private’ much more affordable – giving you access to more treatments, shorter waiting lists, and first-class care.
You’ll pay a monthly premium and decide on the excess you’re able to pay in the event of a claim – much like car or contents policies.
Then, if something happens and you require medical care you’ll have affordable access to private hospitals and medical specialists, as well as a wide range of treatments and drugs not available on the NHS and which may be too expensive to pay from your own pocket.
What Does it Cover
What does Private Medical Insurance actually cover?
Like all insurances, the actual cover you get varies from policy to policy, and can also differ based on which provider you choose. You’ll need to consider questions such as:
- Do I just want to cover the cost of a private hospital, to avoid waiting lists and crowded wards?
- Do I want access to specialist drugs and treatments if required?
- Do I want dental care covered too?
- Do I want long-term outpatient care covered?
Your answers will affect which medical insurance providers are most suitable, and how much the premiums will be. Speaking to a specialist adviser can really help narrow down your options and give you a clear understanding of what policy is best for you.
Best provider
Who is the best health care insurance provider?
There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ answer to this question, although some insurers will give rewards, cash-back and premium reductions if you demonstrate that you make an effort to live well, keep fit, and have a good diet.
NHS Service
Does this mean I’ll never use the NHS again?
You’ll always have access to the NHS. Whether you use public services or go private is often decided by a discussion with your GP and the policy you have in place. Private health care is usually more appropriate for acute medical conditions. For mild, less serious conditions you might choose to use the NHS and not claim on your health insurance policy.
It’s also important to know that for severe accidents and trauma, NHS Accident & Emergency is still the first place to go
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