Health iNsurance

spurdog1

I retired a few years ago. Sadly a hip was required for my wife, and we all know the state of the NHS.

Initial enquiries through MSM came up with Bupa etc, far too expensive. Though one rep gave a phrase to search on the web, though this now escapes me. A name liker Benenden and Liberty look more "affordable, though seem the baby brothers of BUPA. (Do they offer the same service as BUPA, highly unlikely!!!)

So are these "lower costs" companies worth it? Are there some better than others? Yes, I will check trustpilot but some companies request "direct links" - "here's a link reference, please give us a positive review"

Any help appreciated

DullGreyGuy

Its not clear what you are trying to do... get Private Medical Insurance for future conditions (which will exclude your wife's hip) or trying to get quotes for a private hip replacement?

You can't bet on a horse race that's already been run, any policy bought now will exclude almost all pre-existing conditions

spurdog1

Hi DullGreyGuy
I am looking for private Medical insurance cover, going forward.

Yes, thats what I was hinting. "Any pre-existing condition would not be covered". (I agree with you

prettyandfluffy

With regard to your wife's surgery, get a referral to a private hospital.  You can then be advised about the exact surgery needed and likely cost.  Many hospitals run their own credit schemes/credit cards to pay for treatment so that might make it more affordable.

spurdog1

Hi Pretty and Fluffy. The hip op has occurred.  I am now looking to other issues. Sorry for not being clear

DullGreyGuy

You'd be better off speaking to an advisory broker that sells PMI as they can explain the differences between policies and how different insurers will treat any pre-existing conditions either accepting them for a premium or putting a moratorium on them and what works best for you, your conditions and your demands. 

Personally, I went for BUPA as I went from an all bells and whistles corporate policy to a personal one and they agreed to continue cover for all pre-existing conditions (after a debate). My issue was that I've a congenital medical condition and whilst it directly wont ever need private treatment the "or related conditions" is the killer because it could be argued a vast array of things could link back to it. 

For others in different circumstances, policies that say conditions are covered after 2 years of being symptom, treatment and appointment free is a perfectly adequate solution as they've no chronic conditions and are happy for any minor acute things to be excluded in the short term.

spurdog1

Great advice DullGrey, thanks