30/07/2021
It’s one of the most common queries surrounding Health Insurance; why do I really need it? We are lucky to have a National Health Service in the UK and historically, it has not been second nature to insure for our own private healthcare. But with the NHS arguably under greater strain than ever, more people are looking to Private Medical Insurance, for viable and affordable peace of mind. Here at leading Health Insurance intermediary Usay Compare, we have found not only are more people purchasing Health Insurance, but an increase in the percentage new to Health Insurance and interestingly an increase in women as the lead policyholder.
Health Insurance doesn't compete with the NHS though, it complements it, working in harmony to ensure your health is protected. Also known as PMI or Health Insurance, it is an insurance policy, which covers the cost of private healthcare. It does not compete with the NHS; it complements it to achieve reduced waiting times, access to additional breakthrough treatments and medications, and makes the whole process more comfortable, with private en-suite rooms instead of wards. You can choose which hospitals and consultants you receive treatments from and when to schedule appointments.
1. Waiting Times
A record 6.6 million people are on NHS waiting lists and the number forced to wait more than 12 months for treatment has soared to 192,169 in just a year. Avoiding waiting times is one of the biggest draws of Health Insurance for many of our clients. According to The Health Foundation’s NHS performance and Waiting Times report, “Essential parts of the NHS in England are experiencing the worst performance against waiting times targets since the targets were set. . . .This includes the highest proportion of people waiting over 18 weeks for non-urgent (but essential) hospital treatment since 2008”. Having time out from normal life due to an illness is hard enough, imagine waiting so long to even begin treatment.
2. Breakthrough Treatments
If you or your family were seriously ill, you would want the absolute best treatments, medicines, facilities and consultants for them. Private Medical Insurance can offer access to some breakthrough treatments which are not yet available on the NHS, due to cost. This includes breakthrough treatments for cancer. Private Medical Insurance also offers access to the best hospitals and consultants in the country and the flexibility to choose where and when you would like to receive treatment.
3. It’s probably cheaper than you think
Many of our clients are surprised to find that Health Insurance policies are much more affordable than they imagined. Many don’t even consider a policy, based on the assumption they will not be able to afford it. This is normally due to the confusion that sometimes surrounds policies, as there are lots of different options to choose from. Our expert advisers help to find the perfect policy to suit your individual requirements and can find much cheaper premiums for your specific circumstances. You pay absolutely nothing for our advice and quotes are completely free. More on affordable policies here.
4. Extra Benefits
Health Insurance policies often come laden with perks, treats, discounts and extras. Often clients find that they will receive discounts for things they already currently pay for, like gym memberships, groceries, or subscriptions; effectively making policies cheaper still than they imagined. Most extra benefits are intended to encourage healthier habits, more exercise and better eating, so contribute to your health from all angles.
5. Prioritising your health
Many of the day-to-day things we spend our earnings on, would pale to insignificance at the diagnosis of a serious illness or injury for you or your family. If you want to prioritise your health and be proactive about protecting it, Health Insurance is an affordable and accessible way to do it. Whilst we respect and support the NHS and the hard-working individuals who have been so dedicated through the pandemic, the service is stretched and there is a faster, better alternative.
To find out more about an exact Health Insurance policy to suit your own individual requirements, our expert advisers are on hand to offer free, impartial advice. Just fill in the quick form below to begin the process.