Is Private Medical Insurance Worth It, Do You Think This Is A Better Idea Instead…

[Raidergal2022]

Private medical insurance seems to be a bit wish washy anyway with the reluctance to cover existing conditions and often there is vagueness as to whether a new condition is pre-existing if it is similar to a past condition in some way.

I wondered do you think it is better to just put a small amount aside each month into a savings account as opposed to paying for insurance, then just use this for pay as you go private medical care when eating ti avoid waiting times with If NHS? This way if you don’t ever need treatment well the money/savings are yours.

In emergency situations the NHS can be used

[Sqad]

Private medical care in the UK is essential.

Good idea to put money away each month, but in practice it rarely works.

[barry1010]

I've paid for private consultations in the past and where necessary the consultant has got in for NHS treatment very quickly. Seems to be a cheat, really.

On one occasion I was admitted to hospital the day after the private consult, whereas the NHS waiting list at the time was in excess of six months.

[Redhelen72]

I have had 2 operations privately in the last 6 years, 1 I funded entirely myself and 1 was with a small private insurance that I had through work.
As of last month I have gone full private insurance for £100 a month the man slave and myself get everything from GP upwards.
I also have a dental insurance that pay 100% of NHS costs.

[naomi24]

A few consultations and minor procedures will quickly wipe out a savings pot. You’re better off paying for insurance if you can afford it.

RH, that seems very reasonable indeed. Who are you insured with, and what does it exclude?

[barry1010]

The most recent consult cost £120, very reasonable I thought

[naomi24]

Fine if it isn’t on-going, Barry. That’s when the problems kick in:

[barry1010]

My health problem is on-going but is treated by the NHS; the consultant fast tracked me in to NHS treatment

[naomi24]

That happens a lot, Barry.

[Redhelen72]

Vitality and it excludes dental and optical I have that with another insurance.
Also for example I had my hernia op 4 years ago they won’t cover me for another hernia for 2 years

[naomi24]

Sounds good.