T
he NHS is one of the UK's most loved institutions. It gives us free health care and access to medical treatment. However, long waiting lists, a lack of resources and unhappiness with treatments often leads people to consider private health insurance. So what are the pros and cons of going private?
Pros
The best thing about private health insurance is there are no waiting lists. You'll have immediate access to treatment and that can be very beneficial if you have a rare disease.
There are also more resources on offer and private facilities often have specialised treatments and can manage conditions on a long-term basis. Some treatments are too expensive for the NHS so you might need to go private to access one of them.
If you've been in hospital before, then you'll know how awkward sharing a room can be. Private insurance enables you to a private room and a wider choice when it comes to doctors.
Cons
The most obvious disadvantage of private health insurance is the cost, which depends on how many people are included in the policy. On average, a family of four can expect to pay between £700 to £1000 a year. This is the basic cost, but remember it will rise if you make a claim.
Private insurance doesn't include some conditions. Incurable cancers, diabetes, and heart disease are likely to not be included in your policy.
Things to Consider
The NHS is a free service and treatment is there if you need it. You must ask yourself "Do I really need private health insurance?". As you get older, your premiums will increase and you won't be able to switch insurers.
There are many providers out there, so it's important to do some research and choose which is best for you. Some of the most popular private health insurance providers are Bupa, Aviva, Saga, and Vitality. Each has varying premiums depending on the cover needed.
