Private Medical Insurance

Private Health care when you and your family need it.

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What is Private Medical Insurance?

Private Medical Insurance (PMI) provides healthcare on your own terms. This means you can choose when and where you get treated, and who treats you. PMI is an annually renewable policy, giving you the flexibility and control over your healthcare decisions.

  • Skip long GP and hospital queues to receive quicker treatment
  • Benefit from private rooms and premium healthcare provided by top UK consultants.

The Difference Between PMI and the NHS

The NHS offers comprehensive healthcare services, but it often involves longer waiting times and limited choices. With PMI, you avoid these delays and restrictions. You can access treatments not readily available on the NHS, ensuring quicker and more personalised healthcare.

"With PMI, you have the power to choose your healthcare path. It’s about getting the best treatment without the delays, tailored to fit your lifestyle and needs."
~ Liam, Cover Direct

How Does PMI Work in the UK?

PMI in the UK is straightforward: you choose a policy that fits your needs, pay monthly or annual premiums, and access care when needed. When you require treatment, you simply contact your provider to arrange it.

To help you along, here are a few key terms you should understand when it comes to purchasing Private Medical insurance:

  • Inpatient: Treatment requiring an overnight stay.
  • Outpatient: Treatment that does not require an overnight stay.
  • Excess: The amount you pay upfront when you claim.
  • Moratorium: A period during which pre-existing conditions may not be covered.

Benefits of PMI in the UK?

One of the main advantages of PMI is faster access to specialists and treatments. You can also choose your private hospitals and consultants, ensuring you get the best possible care.

Private medical insurance often includes private rooms and additional comforts, enhancing your overall healthcare experience. Additionally, PMI covers specialist treatments for illnesses like cancer that may not be available through the NHS.

Making Private Healthcare Accessible

Today’s policies are highly adaptable, allowing for adjustments to suit your needs and budget. You can choose to wait 6 weeks for NHS treatment, adjust your excess from £0 to £5000, select from various hospital options, and add coverage for mental health, dental, audiological services, and therapies. This flexibility enables customisation to fit a wide range of budgets.

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Other PMI Questions

Yes, businesses can offer PMI as part of their employee benefits package. Providing PMI can enhance employee wellbeing, reduce absenteeism, and increase job satisfaction.Business PMI policies can be tailored to cover the specific needs of employees, and often come with additional benefits like wellness programs and mental health support.Take advantage of special offers like Vitality’s two months’ premiums back for new customers, showcasing our commitment to finding cost-effective solutions for you.

The cost of PMI varies depending on factors such as age, health status, level of coverage, and chosen provider. Policies can range from basic to comprehensive plans, with premiums paid monthly or annually.Some plans include an excess, which is the amount you pay towards a claim before the insurer covers the rest.

PMI generally covers a wide range of treatments including consultations with specialists, diagnostic tests, surgeries, and hospital stays.Many policies also cover outpatient treatments, physiotherapy, mental health support, and specialist treatments for serious illnesses like cancer. However, coverage details can vary, so it’s essential to review the terms of your specific policy.

Coverage for pre-existing conditions depends on the type of underwriting used by the insurer. Some policies may exclude pre-existing conditions for a set period (moratorium underwriting), while others may offer coverage after a certain time without symptoms (full medical underwriting). It’s important to discuss your medical history with your provider to understand your coverage options.

PMI can be highly beneficial for families, offering coverage for children and dependents. Family policies often provide access to a wide range of paediatric services, specialist treatments, and hospital facilities.Having PMI ensures that your family receives prompt and high-quality medical care, giving you peace of mind.

Yes, critical illness cover and private medical insurance (PMI) can work together effectively. Critical illness cover provides a lump sum payment upon diagnosis of a covered condition, which can be used for any purpose, such as making necessary home adjustments after a stroke.Meanwhile, PMI offers access to specialist treatments and rehabilitation services, supporting your recovery and complementing the financial support from the critical illness cover.

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