If you have decided to invest in private medical insurance, you will probably already know what you want to be covered for. Whether you are looking to avoid the NHS waiting lists, get access to drugs not covered by your local NHS trust or be treated in a luxury private room, there is a private medical insurance policy that will suit your needs and budget.
What many customers are not aware of are the added 'extras' which you can benefit from when taking out private medical insurance. These can range from sensible add-ons like dental and optical cover to little luxuries like 2 for 1 cinema tickets. Here, we list out top 10 private medical insurance benefits to look out for when you compare health insurance quotes online.
10) Parent accommodation
Parent accommodation will cover the cost of an overnight stay in hospital whilst your child is being treated. If the hospital is situated a distance from your home this will save you booking a hotel, and it will also give you peace of mind that you are close to your child.
9) Dental and Optical cover
Whilst private medical insurance is not really designed to cover dental and optical treatment (there are cash plans for this exact reason), some policies do offer dental and optical cover as an added extra. This is usually capped at a particular amount per year- for example, a 瞿300 limit per year for routine dental treatment and a 瞿200 limit per year for optical treatment. Although it may not be your main priority, having dental and optical cover thrown in could be the deciding factor when you compare health insurance quotes.
8) Maternity Cash Benefit
Maternity cash benefit is a cash benefit payable on the birth of a child, and is not the same thing as having maternity cover. A maternity cash benefit will usually offer 瞿100 per baby born or adopted by a member subject to a qualifying period, which can be handy if you are planning to start a family.
Pregnancy and maternity cover is a bit different. Since pregnancy is not considered a medical condition, it will not be covered for by private medical insurance. However, some insurers offer cover for certain complications of pregnancy and birth after a certain qualifying period.
7) NHS cash benefit
An NHS cash benefit is offered by many private medical insurance policies. With this benefit, you will be paid a cash sum when you stay as an inpatient or a day patient in an NHS hospital, up to a certain limit. For example, you may be offered 瞿250 per night spent as an inpatient in an NHS hospital up to a maximum of 瞿2,000 per year, or 瞿125 for day patient treatment in the NHS up to a maximum of 瞿500 per year.
6) Complementary therapies
Cover for a complementary therapy and alternative therapy is always offered on a comprehensive private medical insurance policy, but it can also be available on a standard policy with certain limits. Cover varies widely from insurer to insurer, so it is worth using a health insurance comparison website to narrow down your quotes. It can include cover for chiropractors, osteopathy, chiropody, podiatry, acupuncture, homeopathy, dietary services, physiotherapy and speech and language therapy. There may be a monetary or time limit on these treatments.
5) Discounted gym membership
If you are looking for private medical insurance, it is a safe bet that you are keen to look after your health. Exercise is a great way to take care of yourself, but gym memberships can be pricy. Luckily, some health insurers offer discounted gym membership as an added bonus for taking out a private medical insurance policy. Look out for these deals when you compare health insurance policies online.
4) Stop-smoking sessions
Along with discount gym memberships, some health insurers will save you money on 'stop smoking' sessions to help you quit cigarettes. You may be rewarded with lower premiums by attending these stop smoking sessions.
3) Discounted health screenings
Many of the big private medical insurance companies offer discounted health screens. Health screenings may include tests for BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol, urinalysis, resting ECG, bloods, rectal examination, cervical smear, a health and lifestyle consultation and a written report. These health screenings are useful for spotting potential issues before they become problems, and give you peace of mind about your health.
2) Rewards for healthy eating
Eating well is an important part of staying healthy. Numerous studies have indicated that eating 5 portions of fruit a day will reduce your risk of cancer and other serious illnesses. Some insurers offer reward schemes for private medical insurance customers who buy healthy food from selected supermarkets. Rewards could mean a reduction in your health insurance premiums or collecting special points. Check with a private medical insurance broker for more information on which insurers offer this.
1) Deals on cinema tickets, travel and even theme parks
When looking for a private medical insurance, 'fluffy extras' like 2 for 1 cinema tickets, discounted travel and money off theme parks should not influence your choice in policy. Whilst we are not recommending that you base your decision on these little luxuries, it is worth taking advantage of them if they are offered on your policy of choice. After all, living a fun-filled stress free life is key to a healthy future.
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