The number of people taking out personal private medical insurance is soaring, climbing above one million after a long period of stagnation. Beyond this, five million have health insurance plans from their employers. Recent studies indicate that one in eight of the population has medical insurance .
Unfortunately, for many people, the National Health Service conjures images of long waiting lists for operations and dirty hospitals teaming with superbugs. For many, private health insurance is the only option. However, consumers should be very clear on what their policy covers.
For instance, many insurance policies actually cover only a narrow range of illnesses. Anything that is considered terminal or chronic may instantly be excluded. For instance, if the policyholder develops diabetes, many insurance companies will pay little. Nightmare stories of cancer sufferers being told they have the wrong type of tumour and are excluded from cover are very real.




