Private medical insurance is being increasingly viewed as a necessity for providing financial security and access to quality medical care. Many employees are now demanding that firms offer medical insurance as job benefits, whilst comparing policies from a number of insurers to make sure they are getting the most comprehensive level of cover available for their money. If you’re thinking of taking out private medical insurance to cover yourself and other family members in a range of circumstances, there’s more to compare than just prices, emphasis should be on how far your premiums go. The cheapest medical insurance policies do not offer the same level of cover as higher end plans, which could mean you’re uninsured in certain situations and will need to pay your own unexpected medical bills. Looking into precisely what’s covered by medical insurance plans is the most important part of comparing policies, especially if you have special requirements for pre-existing medical conditions. Some policies cover regular health care costs such as prescriptions, visits to opticians and dental work, and many insurance plans now cover mental health care as well as alternative medicine. For full financial security, you should check whether your insurance covers related services such as anesthesia and x-rays, and whether in-patient hospital stays are covered or just out-patient care. When applying for medical insurance, you are required to provide pertinent details to the insurance company, including your age, the state of your health and your medical history, otherwise your insurance could be deemed invalid. It may be the case that you are excluded from certain policies based on some of these factors, but generally the younger and healthier you are, the lower the risk you will be to the insurer and the less you will have to pay. Your insurance provider may also require a health assessment to be carried out on their premises, and may recommend lifestyle changes such as dieting, exercise or quitting smoking to allow you to benefit from lower premiums. You should always provide details of your insurance prior to undergoing medical treatments or buying prescriptions, to check that these services are covered. If your medical treatments are not covered by your current policy, you may have the option of upgrading your insurance before treatments are carried out. If you don’t already receive medical insurance through your employer, you can apply directly to insurers or through brokers. The author of this article is a part of a digital marketing agency that works with brands like Bupa. The views and opinions expressed within this article belong to the writer and any reference or summary of Bupa Health Information Factsheets is that of the writers and does not represent Bupa or the information contained within the Bupa website. The contents of this article are of a general nature only and do not constitute specific advice. This article does not take into account your circumstances or needs and must not be relied upon in place of appropriate professional advice.
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