The NHS is one of the largest and most-respected publically funded health services in the world but while it’s appreciated and used by many UK residents, sometimes it’s beneficial to have private medical insurance. Why? Well, here are five benefits to consider:
1. Access to top-quality equipment
If you have an accident or fall unwell, you’re sure to want the very best healthcare equipment to aid your recovery – both at hospital and at home. While the NHS will do their best to give you what’s available, private health insurance will often give you access to top-quality wheelchairs, care beds and such like with first-class fittings from the likes of wheel and castor experts Tente UK.
2. Reduced waiting times
NHS waiting times vary, but it can take a long time for a patient to see a professional medic. This isn’t convenient or practical if you have an illness that needs urgent attention, but private medical insurance will ensure you’re seen promptly – especially if your NHS waiting time is over six weeks. This will eliminate the worry that comes with waiting for a diagnosis and will get you on the path to recovery quicker.
3. Access to private rooms
Can’t stand the thought of being on an open ward with many other sick people? Then a private room might be just what you need. Unfortunately, this isn’t guaranteed if you go through the NHS but you can use your medical insurance to ensure you get the privacy you require. When you’re feeling unwell this can boost morale and make you feel more relaxed, so it’s well-worth considering – particularly if you’re due to be admitted to a ward for a long period of time.
4. Specialist drugs and treatment
Believe it or not, some specialist drugs and treatments are not available on the NHS because they might either be too costly or not approved by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence in England and Wales (NICE) or the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC). This can be a real bugbear – particularly if you’re struggling with a rare illness – but private medical insurance might give you access to specialist treatments.
5. Access to more scans
While many people are placed on long waiting lists for NHS scans, others are refused them completely depending on whether medical staff view them necessary or not. Doctors will always try to act in your best interests but private medical insurance will allow you to pick and choose what scans you have and give you access to scans that might not be available on the NHS – such as 3D baby monitoring, for instance.
Taking out a private medical insurance policy might seem like too much hard work with the NHS so readily available, but it’s worth doing if you require specialist treatment or simply want to be seen quickly in an environment that’s less chaotic than a regular hospital ward.