Anyone legally residing in the UK can access free healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS).
But many people choose to use private medical insurance. This can be for a number of reasons.
For example, it could help you skip lengthy NHS waiting lists and get treatment at the right time for your condition. Or it could cover you for certain treatments that aren’t covered by the NHS, like specialist surgery.
Cost
If you’re living in the UK, you are free to receive healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS). This is the government-funded healthcare system that covers most British citizens and residents.
A private health insurance policy lets you skip lengthy NHS waiting lists and get treatment when you need it most. It can also provide better facilities and faster access to specialists.
The cost of a private health insurance uk policy depends on your chosen level of cover and the provider you choose. Premiums aren’t fixed and they may rise over time, so it’s a good idea to shop around and compare options.
Most insurance providers offer a variety of policies and tiers. These can include modular, pick-and-mix style policies that let you tailor your cover to suit your needs. Some also have specialist policies, such as cancer or over 55s cover.
Cover
Health insurance uk can cover many of the most common treatments, from routine checkups and immunizations to dental care and specialist maternity services. In addition, it may include some of the more expensive ones, like cancer treatment and MRI and CT scans.
The most popular types of private medical insurance are supplemental VHI and individual and family plans. The cost of healthcare premiums can be a bit steep, especially for older adults or those with pre-existing conditions, but there are ways to reduce your out of pocket expenses without compromising on your coverage.
A good place to start is with a comparison site that offers multiple insurers’ quotes and policies. This way you can compare the best deals for the highest level of coverage. The key is to find the one that suits your budget, needs and preferences. You may even want to speak to a specialist to make sure you have the right coverage for your particular situation.
Hospital lists
Most private health insurance policies come with a hospital list, which outlines the hospitals where you can receive treatment. These lists impact the price of your policy.
Many private health insurers offer a choice between “guided” or “unrestricted consultant” lists. Guided lists limit you to a smaller pool of hospitals and medical specialists in return for lower premiums.
In contrast, Unrestricted consultant lists let you choose your doctors and hospitals – enabling you to select where you want to be treated. This can mean you’ll be able to access more specialist treatments and drugs which aren’t available on the NHS.
Bupa offers three hospital lists – Essential Access, Standard and Extended – all of which include some London hospitals. However, their Extended Choice with Central London list is much more expensive than the other two – so you may wish to consider the Essential Access option instead.
Exclusions
The NHS is the government-funded health service in the UK, and it is free to all citizens (with the exception of certain types of treatment). However, some people choose to pay for private healthcare cover.
Many individuals find that they can access specialist care and services more quickly with private healthcare, avoiding long NHS waiting times. This can be particularly beneficial if you have an urgent illness or injury that needs treatment as soon as possible, and can often mean that treatment is provided in a private environment, such as a dedicated ward, with better facilities.
Pre-existing medical conditions, such as a previous illness or injury, are not generally covered by most private healthcare policies. This is because health insurance is designed to treat unforeseen risks rather than paying out for an ailment that occurred before your policy began.
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