The reason that people take out Private Medical Insurance is to get treated quickly for short-term curable illnesses and medical conditions to avoid lengthy NHS waiting lists where this is the case or to get access to drugs that may not be available on the NHS. This treatment can be in a private hospital, private ward within an NHS hospital or treatment centre.
It is not an alternative to the NHS it really runs in parallel and doesn't necessarily guarantee a better standard of treatment. What it does, is give you a choice, the choice of where and how you are treated. To some people this is a really valuable benefit.
What is normally covered under Private Medical Insurance Policy?
Firstly Private Medical Insurance is not a replacement for Accident and Emergency (A&E) treatment. This is performed by the NHS and its purpose is to get the patient into a stable condition. Nor does it cover long term incurable conditions, such as diabetes and asthma. Certain specific illnesses and conditions will also be excluded such as, drug/alcohol addiction, HIV/AIDS, infertility and cosmetic surgery.
Private Medical Insurance policies are there to give you a better, more immediate medical service when you are suffering from an 'acute condition'. An acute condition is defined as an unexpected disease, illness or injury which will quickly respond to treatment, returning you to your full state of health rapidly afterwards. Before you can use the benefits of a private medical insurance policy you have to visit your own doctor and be referred through to a private specialist.
It does not cover you for pre-existing medical conditions, and most private medical insurers exclude these for 5 years but some are 2 years. When you apply for a private medical insurance policy you will have the choice of full underwriting or what is called 'moratorium' underwriting. With full underwriting you give full details of your medical history and the insurer may write to your doctor to clarify any information you have given on their application form.
With 'moratorium' underwriting you complete a shorter application form with fewer questions about your medical history. Any existing medical conditions will only be covered if you have no symptoms, treatment, medication, tests or doctors advice for that condition for the moratorium period which is usually a minimum of two years, after your policy started.
Before deciding which of the two types of underwriting you need, take note of any existing or previous medical conditions, evaluate your lifestyle, ask around for medical family history, and so on. Based on the information you collect, decide which underwriting you need.
Health Insurance Solutions UK providing
