Millions of people across the UK are currently on NHS waiting lists – In N. Ireland it is 465,000 people and over 5.6 million in England are queuing for treatment.
The pandemic has increased waiting times by 50% leaving some patients suffering without reason. The latest data available is from April 2020 to July 2021 and includes knee and hip replacements, cataract surgery and other common procedures.
What is Health Insurance?
Health insurance gives you access to private healthcare in the UK and helps cover the cost. This can be anything from private GP appointments to cancer treatment.
Health insurance is also called medical insurance, private medical insurance or private health insurance. They're all the same thing.
There are a number of different health insurance providers, depending on your lifestyle, requirements and expectations we can match you with the correct one. For example, if you live a healthy life, Vitality Health Insurance will reward you with lower premiums, discounts and freebies the more active you are.
The benefits of health insurance:
- Faster access to health care meaning a quicker diagnosis and treatment.
- Access to specialist drugs and treatments not covered by the NHS.
- Choice on where you are treated and by whom.
How does health insurance work?
You pay monthly health insurance premiums. When your GP refers you to a specialist, you make a claim with your insurer. You'll be able to choose who treats you, and at which hospital.
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Choose your medical insurance plan
- Choose your insurer and your excess amount. This is the amount you agree to pay towards your treatment if you make a claim. The higher your excess, the lower your premiums.
- Pay your premium
- This is the cost of your medical insurance plan. It’s usually taken as a monthly Direct Debit.
- See a GP when you're unwell
- This can either be your NHS GP or a private GP (Via physical or virtual GP). If you need to see a specialist or get treatment, they'll refer you.
- Contact your insurer and make a claim
- When you contact your insurer, they can find a consultant for you. They will ask about your symptoms and when they started.
They will assess your claim. When it’s approved, you can receive treatment. - Your private healthcare bill is paid
- Once you've received your treatment, the hospital will send your insurer the invoice. In some circumstances you may need to pay your excess. For example, if your treatment cost £1,000 and your excess is £250, the insurer will cover £750, and you’ll pay £250.
What does health insurance cost in the UK?
Monthly premiums vary from person to person. Premiums are calculated based on many factors, like your:
- Age
- Current health
- Lifestyle factors (for example whether you smoke or not)
- What your chosen excess is – the higher your excess, the lower your premium will be.
Premiums begin from £1 a day but vary depending on the above factors.
What does health insurance cover?
Private medical insurance helps cover the cost of private medical treatment. This includes hospital stays, medicines, and surgical procedures.
Health insurance in the UK doesn't usually cover long-term conditions like diabetes or any you had before you bought your plan.
What's covered?
- Acute conditions
- These are conditions where symptoms develop quickly and treatment is short-term. Examples include hernias and joint injuries.
- Private hospital stays
- Specialist consultations
- Diagnostic tests
- Cancer treatment
- Oral surgery
- Weight loss surgery
- Corrective surgeries
- Mental health support
- Menopause support.
What’s not covered?
- Long term, chronic conditions
- Conditions where symptoms appear slowly and can worsen over time. For example, diabetes.
- Pre-existing conditions
- Pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions
- Cosmetic treatment
- Organ transplants
- Any treatments or practices that are experimental, unproven or unregistered
- Any treatment for learning and behavioural problems, or dementia.
Is it worth getting private health insurance in the UK?
This depends on your individual circumstances. It’s worth considering private health insurance if you:
- Can afford to pay monthly premiums (Premiums begin at £1 a day)
- Want quick access to healthcare
- Want to ensure you are protected from any sudden, large private medical bills.
Do I need to have a medical before I take out health insurance?
No. If you don't have any pre-existing medical conditions, you just need to:
- Give the insurer your personal details
- Pick your level of cover
- Answer some basic questions.
If you do have a pre-existing condition, the insurer may need additional information from your GP.
Can I add people to my health insurance plan?
Yes, you can add your husband, wife or partner, and your children to your health insurance plan.
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