With the NHS close to bursting under immense pressure, it’s more vital than ever to consider taking out Private Medical Insurance (PMI). This type of scheme will fast-track your treatment to a medical specialist so you can avoid waiting lists. But, do you know what questions to ask when it comes to taking out a policy? The more prepared you are before you talk to your broker or insurer, the more relevant your PMI scheme will be to your lifestyle. Did you know that some PMI schemes will even reward you for staying in good health?
One of the things we find when talking to our customers is the fact there are many things you should consider before you pick up the phone to discuss your insurance. To help you choose the right Private Medical Insurance for you and your family, we’ve provided a handy checklist below:
- Do you need cover to see a GP privately or are you happy to start treatment through your own GP? Some Private Medical Insurance plans include the ability to see a private GP, which can be especially useful if you find it hard to get an appointment at your local GP surgery.
- Would you like to choose your consultant or are you happy for the insurer to make this choice for you in return for lower premiums? When it comes to seeing a specialist, Private Medical Insurance premiums will vary depending on the level of choice you require – it’s a good idea to consider how important it is that you see a consultant of your choosing.
- How much, if anything, are you prepared to contribute towards the cost of a claim? The larger the excess you choose, the cheaper the premium – however, you will have to pay more in the event of a claim. Decide on the amount of excess you are willing to pay before you choose your PMI scheme.
- Would you be prepared to travel further for treatment for a lower premium? By restricting your choice of hospitals, you may be able to reduce your PMI premium. Decide how far you are willing to travel to access medical treatment before you take out your policy.
- Does your insurer apply the excess per claim or per policy year? Insurers will either require the excess to be paid per claim or per policy year – make sure you are 100% clear on the terms and conditions.
- Does your policy operate a No Claims Discount? If your policy plan has a No Claims Discount, check the cost of the likely increase in premium if you make one or two claims over a policy year. Always check this with your broker.
- Do you have any existing health issues that an insurer would need to know about? Some health concerns, such as chronic illnesses or injuries relating to dangerous sports, may not be covered under standard Private Medical Insurance.
- Would you like your policy to cover the cost of dental treatment? A lot of insurers provide dental cover in a standard PMI plan. If you think this is something you will need, make sure you check dental cover when you take out the policy.
- Would you be prepared to adopt a healthier lifestyle if it could potentially save you money on your premiums? There are policies that reward you for staying in good health and this can include discounts on gyms and health clubs too. The healthier you are, the less you may have to pay – this can prove to be a very positive incentive for you and your family.
- Some insurers offer discounts to non-smokers or people with a body mass index (BMI) within the recommended range – would you qualify? Following on from our last point about staying in good health, if you are reasonably fit and you do not smoke, you could benefit from a policy that rewards your healthy lifestyle. Check with your broker to see what policies are available.
As well as providing a fast-track route to treatment and seeing a medical specialist of your choice, Private Medical Insurance can offer you and your family a vast range of benefits. Why not avoid NHS waiting lists and choose the way you seek your medical treatment?
To find out more about Private Medical Insurance, please get in touch or call 0116 366 6861 to speak to one of our advisers.