If you've searched the web for private medical insurance that covers escherichia coli (e. coli) o157 then you are most likely for looking for established UK based health insurance companies that will cover escherichia coli (e. coli) o157.
Our advice when looking for private medical cover that covers escherichia coli (e. coli) o157 is to speak to a insurance broker. Health insurance is extremely complicated and if you want complete certainty that escherichia coli (e. coli) o157 is covered by your policy you should consult with a medical insurance broker who can explain which policy providers will cover this medical condition and which will not.
There are many advantages to using a insurance broker but the biggest by far is that you're using their industry experience at no cost. They are paid by the insurer (Aviva or Bupa etc) rather than by you so it costs you no extra to use their brokering services.
- Do you live in many different areas? Some will give you a cheaper premium than offers. A broker will be able to advise whats best.
- Do you have a hobby that may invalidate your insurance claim? A broker will know this vital information.
- If you are a couple and one of you has claimed on your insurance policy this year would it be cheaper to separate you both onto two different insurance policies?
- You've lean't you're at risk of developing a certain condition and want to know which insurer offers the biggest amount of cover for it. A broker will know this instantly saving you so much time and effort.
You can call around every medical insurance provider on the market and ask if they cover escherichia coli (e. coli) o157, however this will be a very time consuming process. Each insurer will ask for your medical history because its not normally a simple yes or not if a medical condition is covered or not.
Its far far quicker to speak to one medical insurance broker which will know which providers on the market cover escherichia coli (e. coli) o157 and under what terms they do or don't cover it.
Escherichia Coli (E. Coli) O157 Information
Escherichia coli O157, sometimes called VTEC, is a bacterial infection that can cause severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhoea and kidney failure.
E. coli O157 is found in the gut and faeces of many animals, particularly cattle. It is an uncommon cause of gastroenteritis but can be caught by:
Symptoms include diarrhoea, stomach cramps and occasionally fever. About half of people with the infection will have bloody diarrhoea.
People usually notice symptoms three to four days after they have been infected, but symptoms can start any time between one and 14 days afterwards.
These symptoms can last up to two weeks.
A small number of people with E. coli O157 infection go on to develop a serious condition called haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). This can sometimes lead to kidney failure and death, although this is rare. The risk of HUS is highest in children aged under five years.
Some people become infected but don't develop symptoms.
Find out more about gastroenteritis.
There is no specific treatment for E. coli O157 infection. People who are infected can usually be cared for at home and most will get better without medical treatment.
It is important to drink plenty of fluids, as diarrhoea can lead to dehydration.
You should contact your GP or call NHS 111 as soon as possible if you or your child has bloody diarrhoea.
Antibiotics are not recommended, and may increase the risk of complications.
Anti-diarrhoea drugs such as loperamide (Imodium) are also not recommended as they may prolong your exposure to the toxin.
Find out more about caring for a child with gastroenteritis and caring for an adult with gastroenteritis.
Strict hygiene measures are essential to stop others getting infected.