Health Insurance

Despite the health coverage provided by the National Health Service (NHS), many people in the UK are looking for other health care options. After all, if you wait for outpatient treatment with a provider through the NHS, you may find yourself waiting seven weeks in order to get the care you need. When you have health insurance, on the other hand, you can receive treatment from a private provider and you can avoid the long wait.

Working Together with the National Health Service

It should be noted that health insurance isn’t necessarily a replacement for the services provided through the NHS. Rather, it can be used to compliment the health services provided to UK residents. For example, if you need to receive prompt treatment and you don’t have time to wait, you can utilize the coverage you receive from your health insurance. For routine procedures, check-ups and treatments, on the other hand, it may be better for you to obtain services through the NHS.

Exploring Your Health Insurance Options

You may be surprised to learn that there are actually several different types of health insurance coverage that you can obtain. These include:

Private Medical Insurance
Critical Illness
Income Protection
The Health Trust Fund
Cash Plans
Ex-pat Insurance

Private Medical Insurance provides you with coverage for medical consultation, tests, and operations. With this insurance coverage, you can receive the comfort of having a private room and you can bypass waiting lists for treatment. You also have the flexibility of choosing where you want to be treated and when you want to be seen. These plans are generally taken out in the form of annual contracts and offer a variety of different payment options. The premium you pay for this insurance will increase as you grow older.

With critical illness insurance, you will receive coverage if you are suddenly diagnosed with a severe illness. If this occurs, you will receive a tax-free lump payment that you can use for anything you desire, whether it is to pay for medical expenses, debt repayment, or simply a little fun and relaxation.

Income Protection coverage provide you with payments of up to 65% of your gross income if you become unable to work. While you will receive £60.20 per week from the government, this likely won’t be enough to pay for your expenses you will incur while unable to work. Since your benefit amount depends upon how much you make, your premium payment will also be determined based upon your income.

The Health Trust Fund coverage is a form of insurance that works hand-in-hand with the UK’s trust fund laws. With this form of coverage, you can enjoy comprehensive access to a variety of medical facilities and you don’t have to worry about your premium increasing as you age. Cash Plans, on the other hand, provide you with cash to help you pay for medical expenses. These expenses can include optical, dental, and nursing needs.

Finally, Ex-pat insurance is a form of health insurance coverage that protects you if you are living or working abroad. Usually, you have to pay for this insurance ahead of time and you have to pay for it on an annual basis.