Private Medical Insurance
Private medical insurance is designed to cover the cost of private medical treatment for acute conditions, illnesses, injuries, and diseases that are likely to respond quickly to treatment and restore a person to full health.
Why Private Medical Insurance?
The NHS has undeniably played a crucial role in providing healthcare to it’s UK citizens. It’s important to acknowledge the challenges it faces as more and more people depends on it.
According to Cancer Research,
“1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime”.
Currently, there is a backlog of undiagnosed conditions including cancer patients that could take the NHS up to 2033 to clear. There are discussions about how the NHS will be funded in the future, so this could be an ideal time to explore Private health care.
NHS -or- Private Health Cover
As a national institution, the NHS is rated as one of the best health care service in the world, and we are ever thankful for their efforts.
The NHS has undeniably played a crucial role in providing healthcare services in The UK. It’s important to acknowledge the challenges it faces as more and more people depend on it.
The NHS has become a victim of its own success!
Budget constraints within the NHS can impact the quality of care, leading to long waiting lists for treatments and varying standards of care across different regions.
Private Health Care compliments The NHS by filling the gaps where it falls short.
Paradox 1
The NHS has worked! …
People are healthier and living longer – this means that more people will require healthcare, further straining the NHS service.
This is evident from the fact that, in November 2018, the number of people waiting for surgery and clinical care had risen to 4.2 million.
As a result of COVID-19, 6 million fewer people completed their elective treatment pathways
Fast Admission & Prompt Referral
Speed & convenience is the heart of why most people want Private medical cover.
If you don’t want to wait too long for treatment, Private Health Care provides quicker access to leading consultants should you need further treatment & diagnostics.
Staff numbers are going up but they’re under greater pressure.
NHS has a Target of,
“62 day Standard from urgent referral for suspected cancer to treatment”
Pre COVID-19 (November 2018) only 38% of the trusts met this standard.
Under your private health care plan, you’ll have a choice of which hospital you would like to be treated and by which consultant.
This gives you a more relaxed, quieter, and private environment to be treated, including single occupancy rooms and ensuites.
Paradox 3:
People are grateful for the NHS, but most are worried about the future due to increasing strain.
Access to the latest Drugs & treatment
Many health insurers provide access to drugs & treatment that’s NOT available to NHS patients due to the high costs. Funding levels with NHS will always be of concern, some treatments such as those with cancer could cost £100,000’s which the NHS simply cannot afford. With private Health Care, you’re more likely to get the drugs and treatment you require when you need it.
Summary
2018 marked the 70th anniversary of NHS.
Over this period, modern medicine & the NHS has revolutionized the UK and transformed Lives.
NHS has its challenges in the diagnostics & treatment stages that could directly impact you and your health care.
NHS is a victim of its own success!
It’s important to note that although the NHS is the best service when it comes to medical emergencies, Private Health Care is not meant to replace it, but rather complement it during the diagnosis and treatment stage of your health care.
Who can be covered?
Anyone between the ages of 18-79 can opt for private medical insurance. You can take out an option where you, your partner and children are all protected against the cost of private medical treatment for acute conditions and injury.
Please read your terms and conditions to know what you’re covered for.
How much does Private Medical Insurance Cost?
There are a couple of factors that will impact the premiums of private medical insurance. Our consultants will be able to tailor a cover to your budget.
- Hospital choice: Depending on which hospital list you wish to receive treatment from will impact the price. The main difference between the hospitals tends to be the quality of comfort and privacy you’ll receive whilst receiving treatment.
- Excess: Most plans have an excess which varies from £0-£1000. The General rule of thumb is the higher the excess the less the monthly premiums will be.
- Diagnostic Cover: Specifies the limit on how much will go towards finding the cause of your condition, this includes the cost of scans, tests and investigations required. None of us has a crystal ball to see the future, it may be worthwhile covering you for full diagnostics, as you never know how many tests you may require.
- Out-patient cover: This covers the cost of consultant’s fees.
- Postcode: Your location plays a role in the price as this tells the insurer which medical specialists are closer to you. If you’re based in London the medical specialist fees may be a little bit more costly than outside of London which reflects in your monthly premiums. If you move address, the premiums will usually change upon renewal of the policy.