There are a number of benefits to be had from private medical insurance. Private cover will typically give you access to increased medical resources, reduced hospital waiting times and a wider range of specialist treatments. And of course the welcome privacy of a private room.
However, there are downsides to consider. The cost can be more than daunting and let’s not forget that UK residents have access to a national health service that is free at the point of use.
Let us help you decide whether the cost is worth it for you and your family.
Pros
Going down the private medical insurance route means that you will have instant, on-demand access to care. Relying on the NHS could mean waiting a very long time for treatment, especially for the rarer illnesses that require specialist expertise.
You will also have access to a wider range of resources. Private hospitals offer a large selection of treatments from the most basic to the more specialised, and can give you ongoing recovery treatments such as physiotherapy, many of which may not be readily available when relying on the state.
In some cases you may be able to get treatment that is not available on the NHS at all because it is too expensive or not approved in state hospitals.
Buying power means more choice and more privacy. You can choose your own hospital, your own doctor, and you get your own private room. All this at a time when you are feeling particularly vulnerable. Check out details here.
Cons
The main downside to private medical insurance is that, inevitably, all the choice and extra resources it affords come at a price.The price you pay will depend on your policy, and whether or not you choose to insure just yourself, or your family members as well.
According to the Money Advice Service, a typical family premium – covering two adults in their 40s and two children under 10 – can vary from £700 to £1,800 per year.
The cost of private cover tends to go up most years, and can go up even further if you make a claim. Location can also affect the cost of treatment, so if you decide to move house, you may see a change in the price of your premium.
It is important to note that private insurance does not cover all conditions. Chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and some incurable cancers will often be excluded from a policy.
With the exception of some prescriptions, eye tests and dental services, NHS treatment is free at the point of use, even if you have a serious disease.
Getting value for money
The key thing to remember when it comes to private medical insurance is that it is not like care insurance, where you can cut the cost of your by switching. As people get older, they are classed as higher risk to insurance companies. If you go to a new insurer, they are less likely to cover any pre-existing conditions.
We highly recommend you shop around – or ask us to help find the best provider for you. We can check out the whole of the market place and find the best policy for tour individual circumstances. What price peace of mind?
