Private Healthcare – The Choice Is Yours
Good health is vital to living an enjoyable life. Although we can keep active and eat well, there are occasions where we need treatment from healthcare professionals
Since 1948, the National Health Service has been performing a sterling job of providing the nation with care, free at the point of treatment. Every citizen can depend on the NHS to provide its services and it always there when needed with emergency and life-threatening treatment classed as a priority. But depending on your health requirements, the NHS may not always be able to provide specific new drugs, specialist surgeries or short waiting times. There is, however, an alternative.
The private health industry has been growing in recent years with an increase in private treatments paid for by both self-funded means and from private health insurance. As some NHS GP surgeries have become increasingly under pressure, many patients are finding that they are having to wait longer than they expect to see a doctor for non-emergency conditions. It is also becoming increasingly difficult to find an NHS dentist – which have set treatment ‘band’ pricing unless you are eligible for free treatment – without being placed on a waiting list. Some treatments are not even available through an NHS dental practice and complex treatment plans can take longer to complete.
Using private health services provides more freedom of choice and reduced waiting times. A private GP appointment, for example, can be up to a 30 minute slot in many cases and the surgery can offer a full range of extra services plus a guarantee to be seen by a doctor quickly.
Private hospital care provides reduced waiting times for treatment, faster access to consultant-led treatment, the ability to choose a consultant and often a choice of hospital with a well-equipped private room should a stay be required. Many private hospitals are more like hotels with food menus and ensuite rooms. Private hospitals, like NHS hospitals, are inspected and regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) so the rating can be found for each setting.
Private dental services can include state-of-the-art equipment and treatments including cosmetic dentistry and orthodontic treatments. Patients will be able to choose their dentist who they can visit for each appointment where they usually have more time to spend discussing treatment. A bonus is that, unlike NHS dental services, there are no funding restrictions.
Private healthcare need not break the bank. Many private services offer a range of memberships which include a number of extra benefits. Some services also offer 0% finance options. Private health insurance premiums vary on level of cover, age and other considerations.
So if you have a health issue that needs attention, you may want to consider all the options available to you and you may find that choosing private treatment provides all your requirements.
