Private Health Insurance

FAQs

1. What are the advantages of private medical cover?

Private healthcare insurance can ensure access to high quality medical treatment without NHS waiting lists. It can also offer patients the latest procedures or specialist drugs not always available on the NHS.

Depending on cover, you can choose the most highly recommended consultants for your condition, and the best hospitals for your treatment. Recovery is usually more peaceful and more comfortable than the NHS can provide, as in most cases you’ll be on a private ward or in your own en-suite room.

2. What about pre-existing conditions?

Some providers will cover a pre-existing condition if it meets the right criteria. Our expert medical insurance partners may be able to help you find policies with the cover you need Enquire now.

3. If you switch providers, will they cover a pre-existing condition?

A pre-existing condition doesn’t mean you can’t change provider, especially if you feel your premiums have become unaffordable. As a general rule, if you haven’t seen a medical professional (not including your GP) in the last 12 months, and you have no upcoming specialist or out-patient appointments or hospital stays, you could switch without exclusions Enquire now.

4. Is there a fee when you switch medical insurance provider?

No. Our partners are experts in private healthcare and they will explore every option and offer free advice to help you change your health insurance provider at no cost.

5. What if your current health insurance plan isn’t due for renewal. Do you have to wait before you can switch?

No. You don’t need to wait, you can switch your healthcare cover to another provider if you wish. You could find private medical insurance that’s better suited to you and your family, or you could find a more affordable health insurance quote. You could even improve your level of cover Enquire now.

6. What are the advantages of switching private health insurance provider?

Your life or family circumstances may have changed, and your cover may not be as suitable as it was. You could find a health insurance quote that saves you money, or offers a better service. You may be able to improve the level of cover you get for your money, or even take advantage of a discount or extra ‘perks’ from the provider for switching your insurance. Our expert partners can look at a range of options and policy benefits for you Enquire now.

7. What about healthcare cash plans? Are they the same thing?

A cash plan is different to private medical insurance. Cash plans give you limited cashback on routine healthcare, such as dental treatments, optician appointments or physiotherapy. You pay a monthly premium to your insurer, and pay upfront for your treatment. You then claim back a portion or all of the costs from your insurer, depending on your policy and claim limits.

Our expert partners do not currently offer quotes for healthcare cash plans.

8. What are the most common treatments carried out privately?

Some of the most common private medical care procedures are shown below. The cash sum figures alongside give an approximate idea of costs for treatment without health insurance.**

Knee or hip replacement surgery – £10,000 to £15,000

Hernia repair – £2,500

Pacemaker fitted – £5,000

Wisdom tooth removal – £2,000

Cataract surgery (one eye) – £2,500

Gall bladder removal – £6,000

Cancer treatment (chemotherapy) – £30,000

** www.unbiased.co.uk/discover/insurance/critical-illness-insurance/should-i-get-private-health-insurance