Generally speaking, health insurance covers short-term, acute illnesses. Acute means its a curable condition that isnt long-term. Chronic long-term, possibly incurable conditions wont be covered.

Insurance companies retain the right to review and re-classify an acute condition from time to time. This means that if you initially claim for treatment of something that starts off as acute, but subsequentally deteriorates and becomes incurable, your insurance provider can turn round and say youre no longer covered.

Also check exactly how long treatment cover is under the policy since periods differ by provider. There have been instances where a treatment is required for 12 months, yet the policy only provides for10 months. If this happens, you would then have to foot the bill yourself for the remaining 2 months.

On the subject of pre-existing conditions, some insurers may state that the knee you injured playing rugby ten years ago that now needs treatment classifies as a pre-existing condition, and therefore wont be covered. Other insurers require you to be free from symptoms of a certain condition for a minimum of two years or so before theyll cover it. This is a grey area and youre best checking the small print on your policy.

So with all these traps, why get health insurance at all?

With the MRSA bug becoming more of a risk factor in NHS hospitals, private health insurance can offer you the peace of mind that a clean, germ-free environment should. It also enables you to jump the ever-increasing queues for NHS healthcare, the availability of which can vary depending on your location.

Its more affordable now than ever before, with many companies offering the basic level of cover affordable to most as well as the comprehensive policies enjoyed by the more affluent. Many employers also offer health insurance as part of your job profile its always a good idea to ask about this at an interview.

And then of course, theres the added bonus of recuperation in a room with all the comforts of home such as television, radio, and above all, privacy. Fewer things can hinder recovery than the stress of being in a ward full of others, all awaiting an over-burdened specialist. Instead, you can get access to qualified compassionate staff who have the time to give you the service you and your illness deserve.

If you decide to go ahead and get health insurance, bear in mind that there are certain things that usually wont be covered such as GP fees, dentistry, prescriptions the cost of private scripts vary depending on the drug; antibiotics like amoxicillin are as cheap as 4, anti-malaria drugs can cost up to 80. Many companies will not cover for pregnancy either, so always shop around for the best deal for you, and read all the small print before committing to a policy.

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