UK Medical Insurance

By: EconomyWatch   Date: 26 May 2010

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UK medical insurance provides healthcare cover to an individual in the event of an accident, disease or illness. Medical insurance UK helps to secure financial losses when an individual suffers health problems.

The UK medical insurance sector is largely governed by the public healthcare system with noticeable services from private insurers. The public healthcare system in the UK is known as the National Health Service.

UK Healthcare Insurance: National Health Service

National Health Service refers to the consolidated healthcare system in the UK, established in 1948. However, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have set up different regulations in relation to the public healthcare system. Unlike other nations, the public healthcare system in the UK offers comprehensive medical coverage and is mostly free of charge. All regions in the UK have some common medical facilities covered under the National Health Service. These services include:

  • General practitioners' services to cure illness and to refer for specialized services.
  • Free of cost medical treatment at public healthcare centers and clinics in local areas.
  • 24 hours medical advisory services on the telephone.
  • Ambulance services for emergency situations.
  • Dental services at private clinics.

    • However, different regions have varying regulations in relation to prescription drugs and polyclinic tests.


    UK Medical Insurance: Private Healthcare

    Private health insurance UK forms an extended cover over the wide ranging National Health Service. It excludes general treatment facilities covered under the National Health Service. Private UK medical insurance is availed by employers to protect their employees from medical expenses. Private medical policies allow the insured person to secure a private hospital, private ward and private medical practitioners for exclusive treatment. Basic private medical insurance UK covers:

  • Hospitalization expenses
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Preliminary and specialized diagnosis tests
  • Ambulance services
  • Surgery and major operations

    • An individual is required to provide a detailed personal and family medical history before buying a policy. Basic private UK medical insurance will not cover pre-existing medical conditions and incurable diseases. However, one can buy specialized and custom-made insurance policies, such as cancer insurance. The scope of health cover and facilities availed decides the premium of a private UK medical insurance policy.


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