How Much Is Private Medical Insurance?
Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is designed to provide faster access to medical investigations, specialist consultations, and treatments for non-emergency conditions that may face long waiting times on the NHS. While not a replacement for NHS services, PMI is invaluable for those seeking quicker, more efficient care, especially for conditions that may not be deemed urgent by public healthcare standards.
Benefits of Private Medical Insurance
The primary advantage of PMI is the ability to get seen by specialists more quickly, especially for conditions that can have long wait times. Here are some examples of conditions that PMI can cover:
Joint Pain and Injuries
- Quick access to orthopaedic specialists and treatments can help you get back on track without extended waiting periods.
Endometriosis
- Women suffering from this often-debilitating condition can see a specialist promptly, helping reduce the impact on daily life.
Mental Health
- Conditions such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD can be addressed quickly with access to specialised therapists and treatment programs.
With PMI, individuals gain the opportunity to be seen, diagnosed, and treated without waiting months for an appointment.
What Does PMI Cover?
PMI aims to address specific, treatable issues quickly rather than providing ongoing management of long-term health conditions.
It’s important to view PMI as a complement to NHS services, not a substitute for comprehensive healthcare.
What doesn’t PMI cover?
While PMI provides faster diagnostics and treatments, it has limitations:
Pre-existing Conditions
- PMI will not cover medical conditions diagnosed before the policy start date. For example, if you’ve already been diagnosed with endometriosis, the policy won’t cover it. However, any conditions diagnosed after the policy is live will be supported.
Emergency Care
- PMI is not a replacement for NHS emergency services. Instead, it focuses on specialist care for non-urgent conditions.
The Insurance Surgery has access to a provider offering PMI that can cover individuals with chronic conditions like Diabetes, Crohn’s disease, and Colitis. This is a significant benefit, as most PMI policies typically exclude pre-existing conditions, making this cover accessible to a broader range of clients.
How Much is Private Medical Insurance?
So, how much is private medical insurance? Well, the cost of PMI can vary significantly based on factors such as location, age, and chosen add-ons, such as:
Dental Care and Mental Health Cover
- In-patient treatment or mental health consultations are available as add-ons to basic policies, often at an additional cost.
Hospital and Age
- Due to the expense of hospital treatments and the increased likelihood of health issues as people age, the cost of PMI tends to rise with age.
Most monthly premiums range between £40 and £150. Some providers also include counselling as part of their cover, with several offering up to six free sessions per year, adding value to policies, especially for those focused on mental health support.
Why PMI is Worth Considering?
PMI can offer peace of mind by providing faster access to medical services when needed most, ensuring timely intervention for conditions that may otherwise disrupt daily life. While it’s not a substitute for emergency care or chronic condition management, PMI can complement NHS services and help individuals maintain their health without excessive delays.
To explore your options and find a PMI policy that suits your needs, visit The Insurance Surgery, a reputable broker for health insurance guidance. You can enjoy a free consultation with one of our experts today to get a quote!