feedback on private medical insurance needed

justme111

which plans/companies were worthwhile and which useless? For example one lady told me that her husband with Standart Life needed all specialist consultations to have approved by some people within the company, just GP referral was not enough to get it covered.
I think I'd better choose the right insurance now as if I develop a new medical condition, find out my insurance is rubbish and try to swich to another one I will not have treatment of that condition covered as it will be considered to be "preexisting" by my new insurer.

Thanks:beer:

lisyloo

One option worth considering is self-insuring.

This means keeping a bank account purely for the purpose of medical treatment.

The advantages are:

1) You are completely in control of what and when to spend it.
2) No profit or admin charges being taken out.

The disadvantages are:

1) Wouldn't cover a large operation.
2) Wouldn't cover much in the early stages before you've saved up.

Another idea is to combine self-insurance with a very basic policy.

I think you are right to be concerned especially about pre-existing conditions. I work in IT and change jobs frequently and it's pain that you have to start again each time.