To Pay Or… Not To Pay?
Private healthcare is an option available for anyone who’s in a position to pay for their medical treatment. It means that you won’t have to go through the usual waiting lists that can be common with the NHS and you could have access to consultants and procedures that may not be available to you on the National Health Service (NHS). However, if you don’t have health insurance, it can prove to be very costly, writes Abbie Laughton-Coles
Before we explore the benefits of private healthcare we need to remember that not all treatments available on the NHS will be offered by private healthcare companies, and as we have seen throughout the pandemic the NHS is a truly fabulous organisation that we are very fortunate to have in this country.
If you’re looking into private healthcare, you usually need to be referred by your GP. This is a quick and straightforward process and you should be seen by a private healthcare consultant within a couple of weeks.
Private medical insurance or health insurance can make private healthcare more affordable. You’ll pay a monthly premium and how much this will cost is determined by a number of different factors, including the optional extras you want to be included.
The terms and conditions of each policy will detail exactly what you’ll be covered for and what’s excluded. You can also tailor the policy to fit in with your needs, choosing from options such as mental health cover and comprehensive cancer cover.
As with other types of insurance, you can decide on the level of excess cover you need. Although a higher excess can result in lower monthly premiums, you have to be sure that you’d be able to pay up if you need to make a claim.
Although the NHS can make healthcare more affordable for those living in the UK, there are some instances in which you may want to consider opting for private healthcare. This could include if you’re currently on a long waiting list for treatment or the medical procedure you need isn’t available on the NHS (for example cosmetic surgery).
If you’re a stickler for privacy, you’ll be happy to know that you get your own room if you need to stay and there’ll be a selection of food, so you can peruse the menu to see what tickles your fancy.
The NHS will offer options catering to dietary needs, whether they’re religious or medical requirements, but it’s unlikely to be the gastronomic smorgasbord you can expect in private healthcare.
