what is private medical insurance?
The simple definition of private medical insurance (also known as private healthcare) is medical treatment paid for privately rather than supplied by the NHS. Private medical insurance includes policies such as dental care and cash plans (see a quick comparison of private medical insurance plans offered by SecureHealth).
Private medical insurance usually covers the costs of treating acute conditions (a disease, illness or injury that is likely to respond to treatment). In general, it will not cover the treatment of long-term and incurable illnesses.
why is private medical insurance so popular?
As a nation, we are living longer and becoming more affluent, so increasingly many of us expect to have greater control over our lives. Private medical insurance (private healthcare) offers us a real alternative to the NHS and many people choose to go private to avoid the long waiting lists associated with some NHS treatments.
The NHS is working hard to reduce waiting times but as such a huge organisation it is always under intense pressure. At the end of June 2006 there were just over 194,000 people who had been waiting more than three months for in-patient treatment*. This excludes the number of people waiting for specialist consultations and diagnosis.
why choose private medical insurance?
The main advantage is greater choice. With private medical insurance you can usually choose when treatment will take place, the specialist who treats you and the hospital you receive treatment at. Normally you'll also have the privacy of an ensuite room with high levels of comfort and cleanliness.
what are cash plan schemes?
These can cover both general health and dental care and involve paying a regular premium so that you can claim a cash sum when you need medical or dental treatment.
are cash plan schemes classed as private healthcare?
The cashback schemes offered by SecureHealth are designed to supplement private medical insurance rather than offer an alternative.
with private medical insurance, do I still need the NHS?
Yes. You will always get treatment for an emergency or an accident at an NHS hospital. The NHS also has facilities for treating some serious conditions too, for example many types of cancer. And most treatment on the NHS is free.
can I use the NHS to reduce my premium?
If you would be happy to wait as long as 6 weeks for treatment then you may wish to consider our Six-week option as part of your plan. This helps to reduce your premium and means that if the NHS waiting list for treatment is less than 6 weeks, they will carry out your treatment. But if the wait is longer than six weeks you are eligible for private treatment straight away.
See a quick comparison of private medical insurance plans offered by SecureHealth
