private health insurance

[julia_atlanta]

When is private health insurance useful? I know there are a lot of things it can't be used for and it will differ between plans, but generally, what do people who have it end up using it for? I'm trying to determine whether I would need to pay for this when I transfer to the London office. They offer it via Cigna.

[balmerhon]

I work for a private health insurance company. I believe the bulk of our claims are orthopedic and cancer. But I've seen a claim for pretty much anything you can imagine! People choose to have private insurance for a variety of reasons. Generally it is because private care involves less of a wait (though this depends on where you live) and because they can choose who they see. We even offer a benefit which will pay you if you end up staying in an NHS hospital (about 100 quid a night).

I'm not familiar with Cigna's policies, but bear in mind that almost all health insurance companies still require you to go thru your NHS doctor (GP) to get a referral first. Our company requires that for the first 3 years you are with us. Then you can go directly to a specialist without your GP's referral if you so choose.

Feel free to ask me more if you want!

[Jules]

Balmerhon,

Can I ask the name of your insurance company? I am currently with BUPA through work and am being made redundant sometime this year and don't want to be without private insurance as a safety net so I want to look into BUPA's private personal rates as well as others. Thanks!

[balmerhon]

www.wpa.org.uk

They aren't the cheapest in the world but have a great customer service reputation. They have a variety of plans. Let me know if I can help more.

(They insure the Royal family!)

[jennredd]

We now pay for AXA since my husband started working for himself.  I wouldn't be without it, it's paid in full for surgery I had in December at a BUPA hospital.  I would have been waiting months for the NHS without it.

[Jules]

www.wpa.org.uk

They aren't the cheapest in the world but have a great customer service reputation. They have a variety of plans. Let me know if I can help more.

(They insure the Royal family!)

Thanks for that! When the time is nearer (I wish I knew my end date, its getting a bit frustrating not knowing) I will compare rates but I have to say the fact that they have great customer service is a good thing and I will take that into consideration.  

[balmerhon]

They've always been top of the tables in surveys for customer service. That said, they introduced a new computer system last year that has been a huge headache so standards have slipped a bit. That said, when they get any complaint, they take it very seriously. I don't work on the phone end though (thank goodness)!

Bear in mind that you won't be covered for any pre-existing conditions (unless you've had a clear number of years without treatment - depends upon the condition and also the insurance companies own policy on this).

[meggles]

i have looked into getting private health insurance for myself (currently with an employer and i have standard life through them... but will be changing jobs in the near future).

something that i would caution about... each & every plan covers slightly different things.  i would think about what's important for you and compare accordingly. 

[balmerhon]

Yes, every plan is different. It can be a big ol' headache figuring out what is available versus what you want or think you need.

Most plans are also going to 'shared responsibility' where you pay X amount of the invoices up to a certain amount per year. Where I work, many of the plans also have add-ons such as optical, dental, and cash plans.

The most bare bones plan is going to be some thing that has no outpatient cover (or only 100 quid a year for it) but will cover anything required in a hospital.

[alisonwyorks]

I'm looking to get PHI and was wondering what sort of maternity benefits tend to be covered.  If, say, I've got a plan with AXA will I be able to go to a private hospital when I'm having a baby?

[balmerhon]

I'm looking to get PHI and was wondering what sort of maternity benefits tend to be covered.  If, say, I've got a plan with AXA will I be able to go to a private hospital when I'm having a baby?

Most likely not. Most PMIs do not cover anything to do with pregnancy, fertility, or sexual issues. Unless you have cover through a really big company with a bespoke policy, I'd be surprised if you can find maternity cover. But I am primarily familiar with the company I work for and am only under the strong impression that BUPA, AXA, etc do the same. If anyone knows differently, please let us know!

[meggles]

i looked at all of these plans.. some give you a cash payout (£100) or so when you have a baby....

the only one that had some maternity care was standard life, primecare gold.  it says it has "Contribution to private maternity care".  but i don't know exactly what this means.

Freedom Healthnet   Diamond Plus with Therapy & Psychiatric Care
Legal & General   Inpatient, Cancer, Full Outpatient, Psychiatric, Therapy
PRU Health   Comprehensive
Standard Life   Primecare Gold
Standard Life   Primecare Plus
Standard Life   Primecare
Standard Life   Primecare Saver
Standard Life   Primecare Super Saver
WPA                Shared Responsibility