Private health insurance in the UK?

Question

Given how poor the treatment available on the NHS can be, should more families be able to access private treatment in the UK?

I would happily take out a private insurance policy although as we are on a low income, with all the other things we have to pay (including extortionate council tax, income tax etc) we just couldn't afford it.

But the care I need - fertility investigation - is virtually impossible to access on the NHS. And I get so frustrated with being asked to wait months and months for an appointment when all I want is to be able to see someone for some blood tests . . .

Answer 1

I am sorry to learn you are having trouble getting the treatment you need on the NHS.

Having had the opportunity to have private medical healthcare for the last twenty or so years, it never fails to amaze me how the NHS cannot be equaly as good. Probably the contributions I pay to private health are lower than the NHS, as it is I pay both.

The NHS is probably its own worst enemy and could learn from the private sector.

The cultures and work ethos are so different, in the NHS there is little enthusiasm displayed for the job in hand, delays and waiting are a compulsory part of any function, even if avoidable. Staff look demotivated, un groomed, worn out, disinterested, process driven, unloved and obliged to behave accordingly.

Hospitals are basic, spartan, grubby and depressing.

The private sector is by no means perfect but staff are smart, smile, purposeful, confident, in control, organised and enthusiastic. Hospitals clean, well decorated and furnished, uplifting and queues non existant. In terms of value for money they probably deliver more, for less cost, on time just through attitude and culture.

Good luck in finding the therapy!

Answer 2

I am not going to  say I am one hundred percent sure about the answer.Besides it really depends on the personal feelings.SO it would better for you to find yourself.Here is a good resource.http://health-insurance.expert-tip.info/...

Answer 3

private health care costs - like someone said costs £40 or more a month - depending what type of cover you choose to buy.

health insurers have different type of policy you can buy for example a cheap cover that will cover, your specialist vists, lab tests, xray and when your in hospital for any reasons.

others covers can vary in costs as you can buy a cover that will cover the costs of your pre-existing condition for example diabetes. that would usually be underwritten because you have that condition already before you joined. but because your paying extra money, your pre-exisiting condition will be covered. (i used diabets as an example)

i very agree with you. i get so annoyed with nhs,. the gp doesnt want to do anything. they just give bit of advice which you have already read on the internet and thats it. for a blood tests you have to wait ages. waiting list are so long.

it makes me angry as we tax payers who contribute so much get so little from the goverment.

look at the people for are on ebenfit - they get free medications, free college fees, free dentists arrgghh makes me angry.

if you really do get frustrated, its worth looking for health insurance. the treatment you get is just so nice and relaxed and stress free (guess you pay for what you get)

and healthy providers are so nice and reassure you in everything.

am not sure if many health insurers will pay for treatment, however Bupa will pay for tests, dr/specialist visits etc till you have been diagnosed with infertility and the cause of infertility. but downside is you have to member of bupa for 2 years till they can cover the costs fo infertilty

its worth doing your research, and look for the cheapest insurance as possible.

i heard axa are failry cheap.

good luck. i hope it works out well.

Answer 4

typical NHS. instead of gov investing money on giving people say free or low price private insurance, id rather them invest in getting NHS up to standard. im lucky that my company provide me with private health care.

Answer 5

You may find it difficult to get fertility investigations and treatment on private insurance because the choice is driven by you rather than external events. In any case, if you already know that you need treatment for certain conditions then the insurance companies will exclude them from your policy.So it would be pointless.

Private insurance for someone who is about 30 would be around £50 to £100 per month. Anything less than that is not worth it and you will end up paying more on premiums than you would get back.