Health Insurance for pre-existing condition?

Shrunkin

Hello,

I'm new here, and decided to post a few questions after reading Martin's helpful article on health insurance. I'm very confused, so please bear with me!

I have a pre-existing condition, that may/may not develop into something related but far worse and will inevitably require treatment. It's chronic, and incurable. The problem is that the NHS refuses to use treatments that are widely available in other countries for my condition, yet the treatment is available on the NHS. I've been told to go private if I want this treatment, but it looks like I'm better off getting health insurance for the long-run and attaining this treatment outside of the NHS (which is a shame as I've paid into the NHS my whole life!). So what does someone like me do? What health insurers are there in the UK that cover pre-existing conditions? Are there insurers that cover someone that has something that could become something worse? Basically it's likely I'll get a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis eventually but I may not and if I do, I'm going to need help.

TL;DR: I have a condition now that is chronic, it may develop into multiple sclerosis. I would like to prepare and cover myself if/should my condition worsen. Especially considering the NHS isn't doing too well and I'll already been told by my specialist that private treatment and prescriptions are best due to the strain on the NHS. Preferably any advice on insurers that aren't going to bankrupt me.

**I'm not posting for pity or to discuss the NHS, I'm only interested in if there's an insurer in the UK that would cover me and my health conditions**

Thanks.

justme111

As far as I know there will be none. To cover preexisting conditions they require 2 years no symptoms and no follow up appointments. In any case if you read their booklets they state that they DO NOT cover chronic conditions, they deal with exacerbations only. I know, clear as mud.

teddysmum

You cannot insure against a pre-existing condition. Otherwise, everyone would not take insurance until they needed to make a claim. (The idea behind insurance is that those paying pool their money to help the lesser number who need to claim.)

Not declaring the condition would not work, as medical investigation would show that it was pre-existing and your medical records will show that you have previously sought treatment. (If this were to happen and you were caught, I imagine that you would lose any premium paid, so would have wasted money.)

PersianCatLady

I think that you are looking for something that doesn't exist.


Have you tried getting a private prescription from a private doctor??

teddysmum

Quote :


'The problem is that the NHS refuses to use treatments that are widely available in other countries for my condition, yet the treatment is available on the NHS.'


This doesn't make sense.

PersianCatLady

teddysmum wrote: »

Quote :


'The problem is that the NHS refuses to use treatments that are widely available in other countries for my condition, yet the treatment is available on the NHS.'


This doesn't make sense.

Good point Teddy's Mum.


Perhaps the NHS offers the treatment but the OP's doctor doesn't deem him to need it, who knows??


OP - could you explain what you mean??

lisa110rry

justme111 wrote: »

As far as I know there will be none. To cover preexisting conditions they require 2 years no symptoms and no follow up appointments. In any case if you read their booklets they state that they DO NOT cover chronic conditions, they deal with exacerbations only. I know, clear as mud.

That can't be right! My husband (CHF with tachycardia) has been insured to go to Thailand, Australia and Dubai and he has regular pacer and cardiology appointments, and even some short stays in hospital. All these things are mentioned when taking out insurance. (It's expensive though.)

justme111

You are talking about different kind of insurance. You seem to refer to travel insurance(short term cover for emergencies while abroad) while op asked about health insurance(cover for treatment for medical conditions while in the country)