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What is Health Insurance?

Health insurance, which is sometimes known as Private Medical Insurance, Is designed to cover the costs of private treatment for acute conditions. Acute conditions are known as an illness, disease or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and can be described as anything from a broken bone to an asthma attack.

As a private patient you can often obtain certain benefits:-

• Choosing when you have your treatment (At a time that suits you)
• Which hospital you are treated in.
• Who it is that treats you.
• You can even choose some other home comforts such as a private en-suite room with television for your privacy.

People often have this type of insurance for the peace of mind that if they are injured or become ill that they will been seen to, and treated promptly. It is not however a replacement for all NHS services such as accident and emergency.

When purchasing this type of cover it is important to have an idea of what you want cover for as there are differing categories:

Day Patient Treatment – This will mean you are covered for treatment for which you have to attend hospital or a day patient unit but are not required to stay overnight.

In Patient Treatment – This is when for medical reasons you require treatment which requires an overnight stay or longer.

Out Patient Treatment – This is for treatment given in a hospital consulting room or in an out patient clinic.

• No queues: although the waiting times on the NHS have improved you won't have to wait this long for private treatment.
• Peace of mind: if the worst happens, you know that your treatment will be as quick as possible.
• Cleanliness: Many people are concerned about the problems associated with MRSA within NHS hospitals.
• Unrestricted visiting hours.

Advantages of Health Insurance:

Disadvantages of Health Insurance:

• You get what you pay for: the more cover you want, potentially the higher your premium will be.
• Difficulty of knowing which Private Medical Insurance policy suits you: with so many companies offering Private Medical Insurance, it's worth talking to one of our team members as we can help you understand the differences between the policies available.
• Not all conditions are covered: it depends on your policy please see below a list of potential exclusions that may apply.

The majority of policies on offer will usually cover you for Day Patient and In Patient but only a handful will offer Out Patient Treatment.

With your health insurance you will be covered for factors such as:

• Cover for whilst your overseas
• Out patient diagnostic testing
• Out patient consultations with specialists
• Even cash payments for treatment received from the NHS as an in-patient.

Whilst there are a number of benefits available with this cover there are also some treatments and conditions that will not normally be covered which you should make yourself aware of:

• War Risks
• Drug abuse
• Self Inflicted Injuries
• HIV/AIDS
• Cosmetic Surgery
• Infertility
• Gender re-assignment (also known as a sex change)
• Normal Pregnancy
• Out patient drugs/dressings
• Kidney dialysis
• Mobility aids
• Experimental treatment, drugs.
• Organ Transplant
• Injuries arising from dangerous hobbies/pursuits

Other factors or conditions that may be excluded are things such as:

• Attending Accident & Emergency
• Conditions you already had prior to taking the cover (known as a pre existing medical condition) However this may differ dependant upon the provider.
• Cover for illness that cannot be cured (known as chronic conditions).

Factors that are likely to affect your premiums are as follows:-

• Paying for part of your treatment yourself may lower the cost
• Choosing a specified hospital or excluding the London hospitals
• Paying an excess (this means paying the first part of the claim yourself)
• Choosing a different grade hospital
• Where available opting to choose NHS treatment
• Existing no claims discounts on offer.
• Payment method chosen. Sometimes if you choose to pay monthly there may be an additional admin fee. It is always best to check if there are any discounts on offer for paying by direct debit or even annually. Never use a credit card as there will be an extra charge typically something like 1.5%.

Due to the fact there are so many differing options and ranges of Health Insurance, it is important that you should seek advice and guidance before implementing or switching your existing cover to another provider. This should ensure that the policy will fully meet your needs and requirements.

Switching your existing policy to a new provider for cheaper premiums may provide you with reduced cost, but it may offer much less comprehensive cover. This may prove detrimental to you when most needed, especially in the event of a claim, by which time it is too late.

By contacting one of our friendly advisors you will benefit from

• Hands on specialist advice
• No jargon
• No pressure

You we will be able to ask the relevant questions to ensure that any cover implemented, will provide you with the benefits that you require thus giving you peace of mind. Due to the complexity of this type of cover please contact us on:

01745 850653 (Office)

01745 850653 (Fax)

Or

Alternatively please complete the enquiry form below:

To make an enquiry please complete this form :-

Commodore Finance Limited is an Appointed Representative of Personal Touch Financial Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority