Even if you don’t use your private health insurance coverage every day, having one in place might provide you peace of mind when the unexpected happens. Health insurance can be difficult to comprehend, especially if you are a relatively healthy individual. However, we believe there are four important reasons why you should consider getting it.
Helps You Plan Ahead
Peace of Mind
Unpredictable illnesses and injuries can cause a lot of worry for both you and your family members. As a result of having private health insurance, you no longer need to rely on the public health system and can get the treatment you need quickly and privately. There’s less stress and worry about the future for many people and their families because of this.
Financial Confidence
Access to private healthcare, which may be highly expensive if you pay for each treatment out of pocket, is made more reasonable with private medical insurance. Most or all of your medical expenses are covered if you have a health insurance policy. By paying a low monthly premium, you can avoid paying a copay or deductible for each time you see a private health care provider.
Reduces Waiting Times
Quick Access to Healthcare
It has been increasingly difficult for the NHS to cope with increased demand after the outbreak of Covid-19. In these trying times, having speedy access to diagnosis and treatment in private facilities is critical, and private health insurance gives you that.
It is not meant to replace the NHS, and you may still need to use the NHS services in some situations, such as in emergencies, covid infections or during pregnancy and childbirth..
As a result of their efforts, private health insurance and private hospitals assist the NHS in providing care to a larger population while also relieving some of the burden off the NHS.
Gives You More Control Over Your Healthcare
Flexible Level of Cover
With a wide variety of alternatives to choose from and the ability to ‘pick and choose’ the advantages you wish to pay for, health insurance is a product that is both flexible and affordable.
While most standard policies will cover your inpatient and outpatient care (if you are admitted to the hospital), you can choose choose a more comprehensive coverage that will cover the following additional expenses:
- Alternative therapies such as chiropractor treatment, podiatry or homeopathy
- Cancer
- Diagnostic tests and scans
- Mental health
- Optical appointments
- Outpatient appointments with consultants and specialists
- Physiotherapy
Among the many private health insurance alternatives available, these are just a few of the more common ones. Talking to your broker will help you determine the most important benefits you need and the best health insurance plan for your specific situation.
Additionally, a list of treatments and benefits that are not included in a health insurance coverage will help you understand what you can claim for. Here are some of the most prevalent exclusions from health insurance:
- Cosmetic treatments
- Emergency treatment (A&E)
- Long-term, incurable (chronic) conditions
- Normal pregnancy and childbirth
- Pre-existing medical conditions
Recovery from drug and alcohol abuse
More options for how you’re treated
Using your medical insurance to pay for private treatment also gives you more options when it comes to:
- Choosing your hospital and consultant
- Getting more time to talk to your doctor about your health
- Getting more time to talk to your doctor about your health
- Getting second opinions
- More comfort and convenience
Because private healthcare facilities offer modern and pleasant private rooms with amenities such as en-suite bathrooms and televisions, many people prefer to use these facilities. Families and friends are invited to visit at any reasonable time, which is different from NHS hospitals where they are only allowed to do so within specific hours.
Gives You Access to Services/Treatments Not Always Available Through the NHS
The NHS provides free healthcare to all UK citizens, but there are some treatments that the NHS does not cover or does not cover adequately, and this is where a private health insurance coverage comes in. It may be able to provide you access to the following:
New and Expensive Drugs
In some cases, experimental drugs that aren’t generally available on the NHS are nonetheless available for purchase privately. In order for your health insurance to pay for them, they must first be clinically authorized.
Costly and Alternative Treatments
There are some treatments and tests that are too expensive for the NHS to pay, but you may be able to acquire them through the private healthcare market.
In addition, the NHS does not typically provide complementary and alternative medicine therapy. The following are examples of treatments that may be covered by your insurance: acupuncture, aromatherapy, homeopathy, and chiropractic.
Virtual Services
A growing number of health insurance companies now provide virtual GP services that allow customers to arrange appointments and see a private GP digitally, either by phone or by online video. It is possible to get medical advice, medications and referrals from a virtual GP, and this can be a more convenient option than going to the doctor.
Private Dental Treatment
As a patient, you are responsible for the cost of dental care provided by the NHS Dental care on the NHS is free compared to private practice, however if you have health insurance, you may be able to get reimbursed for some or all of the costs of private dental care, such as:
- Cleaning and scaling
- Dental surgery
- Extractions
- Fillings
- Fixed bridges
- Root canal treatment
- Routine check-ups
- X-rays
Most dental insurance policies offer the option of adding it on as an extra benefit at an additional cost. When it comes to dental insurance, it’s important to realize that most policies have a cap on how much you can claim in a policy year, and you may also be responsible for paying an excess when you do so.