The Benefits of Private Medical Insurance
Avoid NHS Waiting Lists with Private Health Insurance
Mar 10, 2009
Private medical insurance (PMI), also known as private health insurance, offers both a supplementary and alternative to NHS treatment. With so much controversy regarding NHS waiting lists, the cleanliness of hospitals and super bugs, more people are turning to private health insurance. The Association of British Insurers claimed that 7,140,000 people had private health insurance in April 2008.
What is Private Medical Insurance (PMI)?
Private medical insurance (PMI) offers the insured the opportunity to avoid long NHS waiting lists. Provided that a pre-existing medical condition isn't an issue, people receive urgent medical treatment. PMI is not intended to be a replacement for NHS treatment. It supplements basic medical provision, providing the insured with quicker access to urgent healthcare at a pre-approved private hospital.
Choice of Private Health Insurance Policies
There are a range of private health insurance policies available designed to fit around the requirements and budgetary limitations of customers. There are also PMI brokers that are able to trawl the market for the best deals relative to the customer's requirements.
No More NHS Waiting Lists
Official NHS figures produced in April 2008 showed that a total of 97,974 people had spent more than three months on NHS waiting lists. Receive diagnostic tests and scans early so that, in the event of a life-threatening illness, treatment can be provided before the condition has the chance to deteriorate.
Access to Private Hospitals
After enduring a three month NHS waiting list, spending time in a public NHS ward isn't desirable when ill. Private medical insurance (PMI) ensures that people get access to a pre-approved private hospital. This regularly means a private room, TV and radio access. It also means cleanliness and no hospital super bugs.
Choice of Private Consultants
Having private health insurance means that the insured is able to choose their consultant. This may be because the consultant has a better understanding of the patient's medical condition or they make them feel more comfortable. Private medical insurance ensures greater continuity of care.
Individuals that can afford the additional monthly premiums are likely to find that private medical insurance provides genuine peace-of-mind. Avoiding NHS waiting lists for important diagnostic tests could be potentially life-saving. Should treatment be necessary, the patient will be able to have surgery in a pre-approved private hospital.
Those that found this article useful may also be interested in taking out critical illness insurance or life insurance to protect their families. Taking out pet insurance can, in certain instances, help save families thousands of pounds in veterinary bills.
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