You've worked hard all your life, now you deserve the best medical treatment possible when you need it the most. Heres just a few reasons why private health insurance is so popular for seniors.
Say goodbye to queues
The NHS is under increasing pressure due to an aging population, immigration and budget cuts. Private treatment hasn't suffered in the same way, meaning you’ll have much shorter waiting times for your private operations and treatments.
MRSA
Private hospitals and wards are typically cleaner. Rates of MRSA in NHS hospitals are slowly improving but are still alarmingly high considering over 6% of hospital patients in England still acquire some form of infection during their stay according to the Health Protection Agency (HPA). If we look at some statistics from BMI Healthcare who are one of the biggest private hospital groups in the UK, with a total of 47 hospitals. They’ve had zero patients acquire MRSA in the blood.
Choice
Typically you can choose your consultant or pick from a list of approved experts. You can also choose where you want to be treated as long as its on your chosen hospital list.
Private room
You don't have to worry about being on a mixed-gender ward. Depending on your policy, you may have an ensuite bathroom.
Unrestricted visiting hours
Continuity of care
You will most likely be seen by the same consultant throughout the course of your treatment, helping increase the quality of your care.
Specialist claim team
Your chosen insurer may have a team specifically assembled to treat your illness.
Maximum joining ages and renewal rules vary between insurers and products. Some policies accept older applicants while others impose age limits, so check eligibility and ongoing renewal terms before relying on a quote.
Private health insurance premiums commonly rise with age, while postcode, benefits, excess, claims history and underwriting can also affect the price. That makes it especially important to compare the suitable policies available through a broker's service and check the written terms rather than relying on a headline price.
A broker can make the comparison easier
Some brokers do not charge the customer directly because they receive commission, while others may charge a fee. A broker may have access to terms or pricing that differs from going direct, but this is not guaranteed to be cheaper. Ask what the service costs, how the broker is paid and which insurers it can compare.
Brokers know all the tips and tricks of the health insurance industry
Brokers know their industry extremely well, dont forget its what they spend all day doing, helping people find the health insurance policy that's right for them.
An FCA-authorised broker must communicate fairly and explain the scope of its service, but it may not compare every insurer. Check the broker's permissions, ask whether it gives advice and make sure its recommendation is explained against your stated needs.
Brokers can clearly explain all the jargon
A specialist broker can explain differences such as moratorium and full medical underwriting, along with exclusions, excesses and hospital lists. Confirm whether its service is free to you or whether a fee applies.
Brokers can comment on any product
An insurer can explain its own products. A broker may compare products from the insurers on its panel, but that panel is not necessarily the whole market. Get a free quote to start a search, then ask the receiving broker to explain which insurers it considered and why the suggested options fit your requirements.