Health insurance has been one of the most popular types of policy in recent years. But during uncertain times such as these, many see health cover as a luxury and one they can do without. Few seem to think about the protection a good health insurance policy actually provides for them and their family. Going with could be a dangerous route to take.

In a country which provides free health services and care, those living on a budget tend to fall back on it – the NHS. But many tend to forget that it’s your health and quality of life (and that of your family) which you’re protecting. This is not a decision to take lightly given the many misgivings many people have about the quality of service provided by the NHS. Why risk becoming a victim of the “it won’t happen to me” scenario?

Why is private health insurance better than the NHS?

Private health care tends to out-perform the NHS on nearly every aspect of its service – reduced waiting lists, cleaner treatment environments, lower risks of infection, quality of customer service, private rooms and so on.

• Can you be seen by your local GP almost immediately?
• Do you want to wait for months for a vital operation?
• Are you worried about infections due to poor cleaning standards in hospitals?
• Is there a chance you could come out of hospital more ill than when you went in?
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The worst possible time to find out what your health insurance does and does not cover is when you need to claim against the policy. One of the most important parts of choosing a good health insurance policy for you and your family is to ask the right questions to discover which plan fits your needs and budget best.

The following list of topics can help you compile a list of questions to ask your health insurance provider so that you get the right policy at the right price.

1. Your health insurance policy documents
Ask for a copy of your health plan document so that you can read it through. Even if you are buying your health insurance through a group, such as your employer, you are entitled to have a copy of the complete policy for yourself. Does it explain how to get services and how to appeal coverage decisions with which you do not agree? Does it make clear what your financial responsibilities are? Make a list of questions that arise during your reading so that you can ask them of your health insurance provider.

2. Professional providers and expertise
Many health insurance policies limit you to choosing from a pool of hospitals and professional providers. Are there limitations on the professionals from whom you can seek care? Is there a list of providers that you can reference? Are there provisions for using a health care provider that is not on the approved list?

3. What limitations are on your health care providers?
Be sure that your health insurance provider has not placed contractual obligations on your health care providers that may interfere with or influence treatment decisions. Are your providers allowed to discuss all of your treatment options with you, even if they are not covered on the plan? Do they pay the provider the same amount regardless of the treatment that they prescribe? Does the plan offer rewards to the providers for keeping their costs low?

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Many major UK employers and a number of smaller enlightened ones offer healthcare insurance as a valued employee benefit. They know that keeping your workforce happy and healthy isn’t merely a philanthropic gesture but is also good for business. Ensuring that staff keep on top on any medical problem as it arises means that companies are less likely to suffer staff absence and therefore the business is likely to run more smooth (more…)

Considering the unpredictable times we are living in and the frequency and prevalence of diseases, ailments and other critical illness conditions, it is not rare to find a growing number of people suffering from sort of disorder. Health is a valuable gift which needs to be protected at all times, but when our surrounding is polluted and the food is contaminated it makes sense to stay practical and take adequate measures to save (more…)

One of the options that are important to consider when you leave corporate Europe for the freedom of your own business is affordable health insurance for the self employed. The fact is the options is most often cited for NOT taking the plunge into self-employment is the lack of affordable health insurance options for people who are not employed by a company that can offer more affordable rates on health insurance (more…)

Health insurance in the United Kingdom is available through a variety of mainstream providers. The largest health insurance company in the UK is closely followed by BUPA AXA PPP. Other providers in the UK are Aviva, Standard Life, Health On Line, Groupama & BCWA.

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