Private Health Insurance

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Daz_31
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Posts: 19
Joined: Thu 25 Jul 2013 12:52 pm
Keratoconus: Yes, I have KC
Vision: Graft(s) and good vision

Private Health Insurance

Postby Daz_31 » Wed 31 Jul 2013 8:35 pm

Hello everyone
Sine I remember I don't care about things like that, I thought nothing can stop me and nothing can happened.
But now I start understand that health is most important
Money cant stop health problems, but can help fight with it.
Can somebody tell me bit about how it works in UK. What should Looking for? Maybe You have some recommendation?
Is not about KC (that already ongoing problem), but generally health. You never know future.
I heard about Private Health Insurance. I want to insure me and wife. Any helps and advice welcome.
Thank You and if You cant write here, please send me email.

longhoc
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Joined: Sun 26 Dec 2010 11:13 am
Keratoconus: Yes, I have KC
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Re: Private Health Insurance

Postby longhoc » Thu 01 Aug 2013 8:44 am

Hi Daz

I'll do my best to give you an overview here -- this is a big subject.

First off, if you and your family are EU citizens, you're entitled to free at the point of delivery healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS). So it could well be that you don't need to be concerned too much about making any other arrangement. If you aren't EU citizens, though, you aren't entitled to this and you will definitely need some form of health insurance. If you are eligible for NHS care by reason of your EU citizenship, register with a "GP" in your local GP practice (Primary Care) -- this is the gateway to other NHS services such as referrals to a specialist consultant. Ask people in your area for details, if you've not already done this.

Even if you are EU citizens, the NHS can sometimes have long-ish lead times for routine appointments with specialists and even some procedures which you might need. Private Medical Insurance (PMI) can give quicker access to treatment and referrals -- and the surroundings will almost certainly be a lot smarter than your typical NHS facility. This insurance will cost you though, £50+ per month for a comprehensive family policy is typical.

The main drawback (apart from the cost of the policy !) for PMI is that "pre existing" conditions -- like Keratoconus -- might be excluded. You will -- if you purchase a PMI policy -- absolutely have to disclose to the insurer all such pre-existing conditions. If you don't not only will treatment claims for that condition be rejected but you will probably have voided your entire policy as you're obligated to tell the insurer all material facts as a condition of receiving cover.

An independent (well, fairly independent as it is produced by an industry association) guide to PMI is available in this link: https://www.abi.org.uk/Insurance-and-sa ... A607F.ashx -- it is well worth a read if this is a product you're considering.

As for which companies which offer PMI you might consider, we can't really give recommendations. The big players are Aviva, BUPA and Axa PPP -- they have a big share of the market. There are also smaller companies such as Simply Health and WPA. Best to investigate as many companies as you have time to research and pick the one you think offers the best balance of price and service.

Hope that all helps !

Best wishes

Chris

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Daz_31
Contributor
Contributor
Posts: 19
Joined: Thu 25 Jul 2013 12:52 pm
Keratoconus: Yes, I have KC
Vision: Graft(s) and good vision

Re: Private Health Insurance

Postby Daz_31 » Thu 01 Aug 2013 6:39 pm

thank You very much Chris
really helpfull advise, thanks again for that
I try sort it by end of August


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