Private Medical Insurance

Should medical treatment be necessary private medical insurance has the following advantages over reliance on the NHS service:

• No Queues.  Although waiting times on the NHS have improved between referral and treatment, around 18 weeks on average currently, you won’t have to wait as long for private treatment.

• Peace of Mind.  If the worst happens, your treatment will be as quick as it can be.

• Clean Hospitals.  Many people are also concerned about the problem of MRSA in NHS hospitals. MRSA, MSSA & (C.diff) affect around 1 in 10 hospital patients a year.  Most of these, but not all, are in NHS hospitals and the risk of acquiring these is much less in independent hospitals.

• Choice.  You can choose your consultant, when you want to be treated and where you want to be treated, with the proviso that some policies restrict treatment to set lists of hospitals.

• ‘Hotel’ benefits.  Private rooms and, depending on your policy, you may have an en-suite bathroom.

• Privacy.  You don’t have to worry about being on a mixed-gender ward and will have unrestricted visiting hours.

• Personal Care.  A stream of medical students won’t accompany your appointment with the consultant, you won’t be kept waiting for hours to see them and you will have more time to discuss your symptoms.

• Continuity of Care.  You are likely to be seen by the same consultant throughout your treatment.

• Worldwide Cover. If this option is selected.