Waiting Times
The length of time people wait for treatment on the NHS can have a significant impact on their life, particularly for those living in lower socioeconomic areas. Long waits can also affect patients’ mental health, causing them to experience stress and anxiety while they are waiting for treatment.
Private healthcare can help reduce NHS waiting times and free up capacity for those who need it. However, it is not a silver bullet and does not tackle wider issues such as NHS backlog, workforce shortages and general underfunding.
Access
While most UK residents rely on the NHS for healthcare, some choose to supplement their national insurance with private medical cover. This type of insurance pays for treatment at private hospitals and clinics. It can offer greater flexibility in how and when you are treated as well as a wider choice of consultants and locations.
Costs
In the UK, private healthcare is expensive, but it also offers patients peace of mind. The cost of treatment will vary depending on several factors, including the hospital and your location. Private health insurance providers take these costs into account when calculating rates. In addition, patients may have to pay an excess for some procedures.
According to YouGov, many patients are opting for private treatment in order to bypass NHS waiting lists. This is a growing trend among people of all ages and incomes.
Coverage
Most UK residents get access to free healthcare through the NHS, but some choose to take out private insurance for quicker access to medical consultations and tests. This is known as private health insurance, or PMI.
The cost of PMI can vary widely, and it’s important to understand your individual needs before deciding whether or not it’s right for you. Depending on your reason for buying it, you may want to opt for a comprehensive policy that covers diagnosis and treatment or something more affordable such as a policy that only pays out for MRI scans.