Private Health Insurance
What does Private Health Insurance cover?

What does private health insurance cover is a question that can only be answered in the context of the National Health Service (NHS). In the UK we are rightly proud of the NHS. It provides urgent and critical ‘frontline’ medical services on a free basis to all.

The NHS also provides medical services for treatments where the underlying problem is not critical or life threatening. Unfortunately though, it is in this area where sometimes a patient may encounter delays in getting to see the appropriate specialist or consultant and then possibly yet further delays in obtaining treatment.

This is where private health insurance (sometimes called PMI which stands for private medical insurance) can step in to help.

PMI can meet the cost of certain forms of medical diagnosis and treatment. What it provides and how, will of course vary depending upon the policy you have. Some health insurance cover is provided through employers who have purchased a block ‘company cover’ type policy. In other cases, policies are purchased directly by individuals, couples or families.

In most cases, if you’re asking the question “what does private health insurance cover”, you should find that it will typically provide:

• rapid access to specialists and consultants for diagnosis and treatment at a time convenient you;
• treatment in private hospitals, wards or clinics of your choice (including surgery and any related theatre costs);
• private rooms.

This form of insurance protection is something that may be seen as being supplemental to the NHS rather than an alternative. It typically provides you with faster access to services and a greater degree of choice for medical treatment, hopefully bring about a faster recovery and peace of mind.

However, it may be advisable to remember that the protection provided by private health insurance cover is not unlimited. As with all insurance, private medical insurance will contain terms and conditions and the policy should have its details examined carefully to see exactly what it will and will not cover.

Typically PMI will not cover treatment for:

• normal pregnancy;
• accident and emergency treatment;
• illness related to drug or alcohol abuse;
• purely cosmetic surgery;
• HIV/AIDS
• injuries caused by a hazardous pursuit.

When you’re asking the question “what does private health insurance cover” then a little research may yield benefits. Looking at the offerings of various providers to compare costs, benefits and, of course, the exclusions, should quickly help you identify the deal that’s right for you.