A Guide To Private Health Insurance

Why Get Private Health Insurance?

You might be wondering why we’re talking Private Health Insurance, well it’s quite simple really – it’s important. Now more than ever, the NHS is under stress and capacity is stretched. Many are facing longer waiting times for treatments and putting off essential consultations with health professionals.

Designed to work alongside the NHS to treat acute conditions, many are turning to PMI (Private Medical Insurance) for a solution. Increased numbers of mortgage applicants are bundling their mortgage applications with life and income protection and private healthcare. After what has been a turbulent 2020 for many, insurances and cover are increasingly a priority.

Coronavirus

It’s no surprise that coronavirus has pushed national health services to their limits with many planned operations including knee and hip replacements being cancelled and rescheduled.

For many, these often “non-essential” procedures have a huge impact on day-to-day life, particularly where seasonal suffering can make joints especially susceptible to pain or discomfort. An increased number of people are looking at private health services to help them find ways to counterbalance these delays, and it’s often much more affordable than people think – especially when you consider that a knee replacement operation can cost upwards of £10,000 if paid for privately without any insurances.

What’s The Difference Between Critical Illness Cover and Private Medical Insurance?

Private Medical Insurance

Private health or medical insurance covers the cost of medical treatment for acute conditions which are likely to respond to treatment.

Many standard private medical plans will cover in-patient treatments (tests and surgery) with basic outpatient care. Others may have options for more in-depth outpatient cover including specialists care from dieticians or physiotherapists.

It potentially won’t cover for things like cosmetic surgery, normal pregnancy or childbirth costs, pre-existing medical conditions, organ transplants or injuries sustained from dangerous hobbies (such as skydiving or climbing). Chronic conditions considered incurable are usually covered by the NHS and therefore not covered by insurers.

Critical Illness

Critical illness, in essence, pays out a tax-free lump sum to help offset any loss in income due to serious illness. This can include things like brain injuries or paralysis, sudden loss of major senses, Alzheimer’s or dementia or things like cardiac arrest.