How to find private health insurance

private medical insurance

The good news is people now are reaching a ripe old age, and there are more older people in the world today than there were, say, a decade ago.

But the bad news is people are succumbing to hereto unknown diseases and newer strains than ever before. In such a scenario, private health insurance just cannot be ignored.

Private health insurance

Going in for a private health insurance service like Healthcare Clarity, ensures you get healthcare treatment whenever you fall ill or sustain an injury. In the UK, even though most people enjoy free healthcare through NHS (National Health Service), many people still opt for private medical insurance, since it ensures faster treatment and many other benefits. Although such insurance comes at a price, it still works out cheaper than paying for the treatment upfront.

In addition to getting faster treatment than what NHS provides, a private health insurance policy also helps in procuring treatments and drugs that are not available with the NHS. Furthermore, depending upon the health insurance policy you have bought, you get to choose your hospital, room and even your doctor.

Types of health insurance

There are four types of health insurance plans to choose from. These are:

  • Individual health insurance:This covers the individual medical needs of one person.
  • Family health insurance:This covers the whole family, that is, you, your partner, and your children.
  • Joint health insurance:This is meant for two people, usually you and your partner.
  • Children health insurance:You may opt for this for your children in the absence of family health insurance.

Also, people over 50 years of age can choose a private medical insurance policy for their age group.

Private health insurance coverage

Your private health insurance policy will generally cover consultations, diagnosis, and treatment as an outpatient, overnight stay in a hospital bed as an outpatient, say before surgery, and for hospitalization and treatment as an inpatient.

In case you want to add more diseases and conditions, the cost of the insurance proportionately rises. Certain serious types of illnesses, such as cancer, may cost even more. You will also need to pay more premium, if you are suffering from any existing ailment, such as asthma, etc.

Private health insurance is usually meant for short-term conditions that are severe and curable. Most don’t cover emergencies and long-term conditions. Also, not included are the treatment for drug abuse, pregnancy care, or getting treatment abroad.

Health insurance policy implementation

Like any other insurance policy, private health insurance policy too requires monthly or yearly premiums. You are at liberty to make a claim, whenever you need to. In such an event, your policy will cover some or all of your diagnosis, treatment, and hospitalization.

Depending upon the kind of private health insurance plan you have taken, it may have a limit on individual claims per year and also a limit on the types of conditions and types of treatments covered. However, the best part is that even if you have private health insurance, you can still get treated through NHS.

Finding Private Health Insurance in the UK

In the UK, the most preferred private health insurance is comprehensive insurance since it covers a broader range of conditions and treatments. Consequently, its premium is higher. To lower this premium, some private health insurance companies allow you to pick and choose what you want to be covered.

The way to find the best private health insurance company is to compare what it covers and what it charges. The cost of such a policy will depend upon various factors, such as age, medical history, family medical history, lifestyle, and what you want to be covered. However, don’t just go in for the cheapest quotes, but also find out what all it covers and what are the limits and excess, and if there is a delay between taking up the policy and making your first claim.

Conclusion

If you think private health insurance is expensive, consider the amount of money you will be paying in the unfortunate event of even a minor emergency, like a broken bone. And an emergency or a severe disease can also ruin you financially. With the rising cost of healthcare, it is always advisable to buy private health insurance that suits you best.