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What cover does
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From the outset, it’s important to know that medical insurance is not designed to replace the services provided by the National Health Service. Medical insurance covers the treatment of acute health problems and this leaves out accidents and emergency situations.
Most insurers define an acute health problem as a disease, illness, or injury that should respond quickly to treatment. And the medical treatment should be aimed at full recovery or restoring the patient to the state of health they were in immediately before the start of the acute condition.
This implies that some illnesses and some treatment will not be covered by medical insurance and this is common to most policies. The following chart provides more specific information:
| Treatment that is usually covered | Treatment that is sometimes covered | Treatment Not usually covered |
| In-patient tests | Out-patient treatments. Consultations with Specialists | Services from your GP |
| Day patient or in-patient surgery | Medical costs incurred whilst outside the UK | Accident and Emergency admission & treatment |
| Treatment for acute, short term medical conditions | Out-patient diagnostic testing | Treatment for conditions you had prior to taking out your medical insurance. |
| Nursing & hospital accommodation | Some policies will make payments to you if you take NHS treatment rather than claiming on your policy | Treatment for “chronic” illnesses. These are long term illnesses which cannot be cured. |
| In addition the following conditions and treatments will not be usually be covered by your medical insurance: War injuries and injuries resulting from dangerous pursuits, self inflicted injuries, drug abuse, HIV/AIDS, gender realignment (sex changes!), infertility, normal pregnancy, cosmetic surgery, preventative treatments, experimental treatments and drugs, kidney dialysis, organ transplants, mobility aids, out patient dressings and out patient drugs. For complete information, always check your policy summary or “Key Facts”. This document will be sent to you by your medical Insurance Adviser. |

As with any type of insurance, premium costs can vary according to individual circumstances. Health insurance policy premiums can be affected by hereditary family conditions and your general health, so it is vital that you supply any relevant information on your application to ensure your cover is valid. By using the tips shown below, you should be able to find the best policy for your needs.
Shop around – As with any form of insurance, shop around for the best quote. Use the internet to get comparisons and make sure you pick the one that suits your needs best.
Excess options – you can reduce monthly premiums by increasing the excess payment. This means that you take on a share of the risk in the event of a claim on your policy. A “shared care” option, available from some insurers would mean you could have an excess of up to 5000 pounds.
Size matters – The bigger the insurance company, the better deal they could provide. Major insurers can negotiate better deals for private hospital care, and could help you bet a better overall deal than a small company. Bigger companies also have a proven track record and can offer you reliability, and security in a changing marketplace.
Buy cover while you’re young –health insurance costs rise as you get older. The younger you are, the less likely you are to have succumbed to family illness traits or to many of the types of illnesses associated with age, which may be excluded from mainstream policies
Get enough cover – do some research – use the internet to find out how much some health procedures would cost –for example a hip or knee joint replacement and tailor your policy accordingly. . Unfortunately, illness can strike at any time, and although we always mean to save up, it doesn’t always work out that way!
Read the small print – make sure your policy covers you for everything you want it to cover. It’s too late when your claim is refused. Check policy wording, and ask questions before you sign up.
Check medical records – you could end up paying higher premiums as a result of a misdiagnosis or inaccurate notes on your medical file, or worse still, find yourself to be uninsurable. Check your records to make sure they are correct Always ask to see any records your insurer has asked for access to.
Check your employment benefits – you may have a form of cover through your employer called “death in service” benefit, or permanent health insurance described as income protection cover. Check with your employer as to exactly what, if any benefits you have.
Be happy! – Try to maintain a positive view on life. A positive, happy personality can help you have a more positive, happy life- you’ll feel better, and, in turn, it might just help keep your premiums down! Stress or depression may actually increase your premiums.
Cut it out! – Any insurance policy will be cheaper for a non-smoker. Cut out the cigarettes now and your premiums will start to go down. Cutting back on your alcohol intake will have a similar effect. Insurers love slim, healthy eating, non-smoking, non-drinking clients. Aim to tick at least some of these boxes, and your premiums will reflect your efforts!

Please cast your eye over the following and you’ll avoid some pitfalls:
| When you apply you must provide your insurer with all the information they ask for. | If you provide inaccurate information, your insurer may refuse to pay your claims. They could also cancel your policy. |
| So long as you want the insurance to continue, you must pay your premiums on time. | If you do not pay your premium, your insurance will stop. Your insurer will then only pay for medical costs incurred or agreed, up to the date your last premium was received. |
| Your premiums can increase each year when you renew your insurance. | If you make a claim and policy includes a “no-claims discount”, the premium will probably increase at the next annual review. If you do not have a “no-claims discount”, premiums are not affected by the number of claims you make. |
| Sometimes insurance companies make changes to the policy terms. If they wish to make changes they will tell you before you renew your policy. | As long as you accept their policy changes, your cover can continue. |
| If you move your medical insurance to another company, you may not be insured for treatments or conditions covered by your previous policy. Please talk to your Medical Insurance Adviser about this. | Please make sure you understand fully the consequences before you move to a new insurer. |
| You’ll receive Policy Documents relating to your policy. | You need to read through the Policy Documents. Make sure you keep to their Terms and Conditions. |
| You can cancel your policy within the first 14 days without cost. Some insurers allow a cancellation period greater than 14 days. Check it out. | If you cancel your policy within the 14 day cancellation period, you will be entitled to a full refund of any premium you paid - so long as you have not claimed. If you cancel the policy after the cancellation period, you will not get a refund. Please bear this in mind if you consider paying an annual premium. |

Choosing the right health insurance plan can be very helpful to your bank account and essential for good health. Start at InsureLane where you find all your health insurance needs and get free Health Insurance Quotes, quick and easy.
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