Providing expert mortgage advice for over 28 years.
Providing expert mortgage advice for over 28 years.
Private health insurance, or private medical insurance (PMI), helps you pay for private healthcare. You can use it alongside or to complement the services from the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK or on its own.
Private health insurance allows you to access medical treatment from private healthcare providers. Typically, your insurance company will pay for your treatment directly. However, in some cases, you may need to pay upfront and claim reimbursement later.
There are many advantages:
The cost can change for several reasons:
You need to share your complete medical history when you apply. This can help you get lower premiums. But, some health conditions that you had before might not be covered.
Is a type of underwriting where the insurer doesn’t require a full medical history upfront. This can make the application process quicker and easier. However, it also means that the insurer may not be aware of any recent health problems you’ve had.
By combining protection cover and health insurance, you can create a robust financial plan that safeguards your future and your loved ones’ well-being. You can combine any other policies that you may have, like:
We will send you a renewal notice at the end of each policy year. Please think about any changes in your life or health that might affect your cover needs.
Many companies offer apps to help you manage your policy. They also let you keep an eye on your health daily. You can also earn rewards by using these apps. For example:
Some health conditions might not be covered if you already have them. Always read the details of the policy closely. Some common exclusions include:
It is designed to support the NHS, not take its place. It can offer:
Before making a decision, consider the following:
In the UK, private health insurance treats pre-existing conditions in a different way than the NHS. Each insurance company has its own set of rules. Some policies may not cover treatment for a pre-existing condition for some time.
Other plans might pay only if you have been symptom-free for a specific period. It is important to read the details of your policy and understand what is included or excluded regarding pre-existing conditions.
The need for a medical checkup before getting health insurance in the UK can vary. Many policies do not need a full medical exam. Some may only ask for a health questionnaire or a statement. However, certain detailed policies or those for older applicants might ask for a medical checkup.
Many plans now include support for mental health, like counselling, therapy, or hospital treatment. The amount of cover you get varies by provider and policy type. Some providers even offer digital mental health services or apps within their plans.
Age limits for each provider can be different. Many companies provide cover for older people. Some plans might have a joining age limit, such as 65 or 70 years old. Usually, premiums go up as you age. A few companies also have special plans for older adults.
The pandemic has changed private health insurance. Since COVID-19 there is more focus on digital health services and telemedicine. Many providers have looked at their policies to improve cover after the pandemic.
Always store these documents in a safe place. Be sure you can access them easily.
Many plans help cover physiotherapy. This type of treatment can help you heal from injuries or manage health issues. Some plans allow a certain number of physiotherapy sessions each policy year. Others may offer unlimited sessions if there is a medical need.
There are many benefits to taking out cover. By looking at your current health, any potential health problems in the future, your budget, and the details of each plan it can help you decide if it is right for you. Remember, private healthcare is meant to support the NHS, not take its place.
Contact us today. Our Specialist Healthcare advisors can help find the best choice for you:
