Private Medical Insurance
This is insurance that pays the hospital or Doctor for your treatment. It can include treatment in a private ward, or being seen earlier in an NHS ward. Some plans also allow you to claim if you are not able to be seen by the NHS within a set period. Other plans may charge a little more and don’t have any link to NHS waiting times.
Covering the cost of private healthcare
You are either medically checked and underwritten at outset (so you know what you’re covered for and what you won’t be), or have no medical checking at outset (but conditions that occurred two years before taking out the cover are not covered, and often there is no cover for a reoccurrence within five years after taking out the plan). Premiums are usually reviewable annually.
The plan will have no cash in value at any time and will cease at the end of the term. If premiums are not maintained, then cover will lapse.
Frequently asked questions
- Why would I choose Private Medical Insurance?
If you don’t want to rely on the NHS or wish to gain access to drugs and treatments not available on the NHS then this could be useful. Always check that the treatment is covered by the policy before you apply.
- Do I need Private Medical Insurance?
This type of insurance is more of a personal preference than a necessity.
- What is the cost of Private Medical Insurance?
The cost depends on the level of cover, your age and your current state of health.
