Private medical insurance
In today’s fast-paced world, when life throws unforeseen challenges your way, obtaining swift diagnosis and treatment along with genuine assistance and support becomes crucial.
Your health and the wellbeing of your family are paramount. Private medical insurance offers a reliable solution, providing peace of mind and control during trying times by granting access to private healthcare for conditions that arise after your policy begins.
Expedited access to healthcare
One of the most significant advantages of private medical insurance is the expedited access to medical care. While the NHS provides essential services, private medical insurance allows you to take charge of when, how and where you receive treatment.
This translates to quicker access to diagnoses, treatments, aftercare and the luxury of a private en-suite room. It’s the care you need without the lengthy waiting periods.
Focus on a faster recovery
With almost immediate diagnosis and treatment, you can alleviate the stress of uncertainty and concentrate on a quicker recovery. As more health professionals anticipate declining patient care and longer waiting times, many individuals opt for private healthcare for the added peace of mind it provides.
If private medical insurance isn’t included in your employee benefits package and you can afford the premiums, it is a worthy investment for increased control over your healthcare journey.
Flexibility in care quality
While most UK residents are entitled to free healthcare from the NHS, many choose private health insurance to bypass extended NHS waiting periods. Health insurance covers all or a portion of your medical expenses if you opt for private treatment, offering flexibility in the quality of care you receive and the timing and delivery of that care. Although private medical insurance is not obligatory, affording private treatment without cover can be challenging, especially for severe conditions.
Private medical insurance may also grant access to the latest medications and treatments approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which are not routinely available through the NHS. However, outpatient medications are excluded.
What does it cover?
Private medical insurance offers a variety of cover options customised to the policy you choose. At its core, basic private medical insurance typically covers in-patient treatments, such as tests and surgeries, as well as daycare surgery procedures.
Some policies may also cover outpatient treatments, including specialist consultations. Additionally, policies might cover mental health issues, depression and sports injuries, although these are not always standard inclusions.
Typical cover features include:
• Hospital admission expenses
• Diagnostic tests like MRI and CT scans
• Surgical procedures
• Consultation fees for specialists
• Accommodation and nursing care during hospital stays
• Access to cancer drugs, including those not available through the NHS
• Additional cover options include outpatient consultations, mental health treatment alternatives, complementary therapies, physiotherapy and chiropody services.
Types of private medical insurance policies
There are primarily two types of private medical insurance policies:
Indemnity policies
These cover short-term private medical treatment costs for acute illnesses or injuries. Benefits may include a private hospital room, fees for surgeons and specialists, outpatient treatments like physiotherapy, and daycare procedures such as surgical and diagnostic procedures.
Cash plan policies
These offer a lump-sum benefit payment under specific circumstances. In exchange for a monthly premium, consumers may receive coverage for up to 100% of treatment costs, including inpatient stays at NHS hospitals or dental and optical treatments not covered by indemnity policies.
Indemnity and cash plan policies can offer various supplementary benefits, such as:
• Inclusion of spouse and/or children in the coverage
• Personalised phone support for individuals with cancer or heart conditions
• Health assessments and assistance hotlines for patients
• Access to alternative therapies and mental health treatments
• Dental and vision care coverage
• At-home treatment options for intravenous therapies like chemotherapy
An alternative option is a six-week plan, providing financial cover for private medical treatments when NHS waiting times exceed six weeks. International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) covers expatriates seeking medical treatment while living abroad.
Key advantages of private medical insurance
• Reduced waiting periods compared to NHS treatment
• Enhanced medical facilities
• Expedited diagnostic procedures
• A variety of private facility options
• Flexibility in scheduling appointments and treatments
In conclusion, while the NHS delivers exceptional care, inevitable wait times may occur for all but the most urgent medical emergencies. Private medical insurance offers a valuable alternative, ensuring timely access to quality healthcare and providing peace of mind and control over your health. By opting for private medical insurance, you’re safeguarding your health and enhancing your quality of life through better, faster and more personalised care.
