Health insurance gives you quick access to diagnosis and treatment in a private hospital. Find out how it works and how to get started.
Private medical insurance (PMI), also known as health insurance, is a policy that helps cover the cost of private healthcare, giving you faster access to medical treatment when you need it most. It allows you to bypass what can sometimes be long NHS waiting times, so that you get timely and personalised care.
With health insurance, you have the flexibility to choose your preferred hospital, specialist, and when you’re treated, so you can get back on your feet sooner. Whether you’re looking for peace of mind or a higher standard of care, private medical insurance is designed to support your health and wellbeing.
Clear Living can help you to choose the right health insurance provider and policy. Just take a minute to fill in our short form, and we’ll connect you with a range of free quotes that are tailored for you.
How Does Private Medical Insurance Work?
For private medical insurance, you pay a set monthly or annual fee. Exactly what’s covered will depend on your policy. It’s always a good idea to consult your provider before scheduling any treatment. Some policies will only provide treatment after a GP referral, while others may offer direct access to a specialist, or direct access for certain conditions (such as musculoskeletal).
Before signing up for PMI, it can be helpful to ask yourself these questions about the type of insurance you’re looking for:
- Do you want a policy that covers dental treatment?
- Does the policy need to cover cancer?
- Do you want a policy that covers you abroad?
- Is there outpatient coverage in the policy?
- Do you want to cover family members on the policy?
- Do you want a policy that covers mental health?
- Does the insurance cover A&E?
- Does the policy cover nursing at home following a hospital stay?
- Do you want the insurance to include private GP access?
- Would you prefer a policy that includes private ambulance transport if needed?
- What treatment and care is covered?
Benefits of Private Medical Insurance
- Quick access to treatment: One of the biggest benefits of PMI is that it gives you faster access to consultations, diagnosis, and treatment, helping you avoid long waiting lists and get the care you need promptly. This can be particularly important if you’re self-employed and need prompt treatment so that you can get back to work.
- Choose your preferred specialist and hospital: With PMI, you have the freedom to choose your healthcare providers (usually from an extensive list), ensuring you receive care from a specialist or hospital you feel happy with. This can be particularly valuable if you’re dealing with a specific condition or want to stay close to home.
- Comprehensive coverage: Many plans cover a wide range of treatments and services, including consultations, surgeries, diagnostic tests, and even mental health support.
- Comfort and convenience: Private hospitals often provide a higher standard of comfort and convenience, such as private rooms and more flexible visiting hours, and car parking is generally free.
- Preventative care and wellness benefits: Some providers go beyond just covering treatment – they offer wellness programs, gym memberships, and health checks that help you stay healthy and catch potential issues early.
How to Get Started with Private Medical Insurance
Getting private medical insurance is straightforward. Here’s how to get started:
- Compare plans and providers: First decide what you want the cover to include, as outlined above. Then when you look at specific policies you can consider factors like the range of coverage, the choice of hospitals and specialists, and any additional benefits, such as wellness programs or preventative care. Clear Living can help you to choose the right provider and policy. Just take a minute to fill in our short form, and we’ll connect you with a range of free quotes that are tailored for you.
- Get a free quote: Once you’ve identified a few options, request a free quote through Clear Living to understand how much your monthly premiums will be based on your age, medical history, and the level of coverage you want.
- Customise your plan: Speak with an advisor to customise your plan. You can choose the coverage that best fits your needs – whether that’s a more affordable basic plan or a comprehensive one with added extras.
