Private Medical Insurance FAQs
Everything you want to know about private medical insurance to give you peace of mind.
- Which hospitals may I use for my treatment?
- What is a 'moratorium' cover?
- What is a 'medical history declaration' cover?
- I have pre-existing medical conditions, how does this affect my insurance?
- What is the difference between a standard and a comprehensive medical plan?
- What is in-patient coverage?
- What is day-patient coverage?
- What is out-patient coverage?
-
Which hospitals may I use for my treatment?
In the UK, hospitals are graded A, B or C, with A being the best and most expensive. Some insurance companies may have their own or preferred hospitals which may not suit you. It is essential to think about the reputation and range of hospitals offered by your potential PMI insurance company.
-
What is a 'moratorium' cover?
If you apply for moratorium cover, you will not be required to provide any medical history. However, the insurance company may not cover any medical condition which has existed in the last 2-5 years. These conditions will only become eligible for cover if you do not have symptoms, or receive treatment, tests, medication, or advice from your GP for that condition for a period of (usually) two years, after your policy has been made effective.
-
What is a 'medical history declaration' cover?
Your insurance provider will require you to give full details of your medical history, possibly with medical reports. It is vital that you provide all the information required to avoid any rejection of future claims. If in doubt, declare it. If you have a medical condition that may recur, the insurance company may cover you, but they will exclude that condition, reviewing the possibility for inclusion into the plan in later years.
-
I have pre-existing medical conditions, how does this affect my insurance?
A pre-existing condition is a medical condition which has been diagnosed and has required medical treatment, or for which you have sought medical advice, or symptoms have occurred before you have applied for the plan. Most health plans will not pay for the treatment of pre-existing conditions.
-
What is the difference between a standard and a comprehensive medical plan?
A standard (or basic) scheme will usually cover in-patient or day care treatment, nursing at home, post hospital treatment, emergency dental and complications of pregnancy. It will not cover out-patient, routine maternity or dental costs.
A comprehensive scheme will cover everything listed in the basic scheme, plus out-patient care and specialists, and occasionally routine dental care and complementary care. Comprehensive plans also often have higher budget limits than a Standard plan.
-
What is in-patient coverage?
In-patient coverage includes any expenses incurred when you go into hospital for private treatment or investigations and stay for one or more nights.
-
What is day-patient coverage?
This is also called Day-care or Day-case, and includes expenses incurred when you go into hospital for private treatment or investigations, but do not need to stay in the hospital overnight.
-
What is out-patient coverage?
Out-patient coverage includes expenses incurred when you receive treatments from a doctor or investigations or consultations that do not require you stay in hospital, either as an in-patient or out-patient.
