Private Medical Insurance
- to be treated quickly at a time convenient to you
- to be treated by a consultant
- to have a choice of advanced treatment options
Things to consider
If you want to buy private medical insurance:
- how much you want to spend and what do you want covered?
- do you want to buy insurance for you or your family?
- does your employer already offer this to their employees?
- can you afford to pay for private medical treatment, if you do not use the NHS?
What private medical insurance covers
You can choose the type and level of cover that suits you and your budget. Private medical insurance usually covers:
- inpatient tests
- surgery as an inpatient or day patient
- hospital accommodation and nursing care
- some outpatient tests, consultations, treatment, and therapy
Private medical insurance does not usually cover:
- treatment of long-term conditions
- cosmetic surgery
- deliberately self-inflicted injuries or drug misuse
- organ transplant
- gender reassignment
How it works
When you buy insurance:
- you will be asked to complete an application, and may be asked for information about your health
- once your application has been accepted your insurer will tell you when your cover will start
Your application, or any declaration you make to your insurer, is very important. It forms the basis of your contract with your insurer. You must take reasonable care to answer the insurer’s questions fully and accurately as you can. If you are unsure whether something is important, you should disclose it. If you do not, your insurer may refuse to pay your claim or could cancel your policy.