With the increasing strain on the National Health Service (NHS) and lengthening waiting times for treatments, more and more UK residents are considering private health insurance as a viable option to supplement their healthcare needs. This is especially true for those over 50, whose healthcare requirements often start to increase around their fifties and sixties. But how does age affect the premiums for these insurance policies?
In the following article, we’re going to delve into this topic in further detail, providing an overview of private health insurance, the factors influencing premiums, and the benefits of private health insurance for seniors. Let’s take a look!
What is private health insurance?
Private health insurance is a form of insurance that can cover the cost of private medical treatment for acute conditions. Medical insurance is often associated with the American healthcare system, but it has a place in the UK too: with NHS waiting times surging, private health insurance can provide faster access to treatments, specialised care, and increased comfort during hospital stays.
However, it's important to note that private health insurance typically doesn't cover emergency care, meaning accidents or immediate, life-threatening conditions would still be handled by the NHS. It also doesn't cover chronic conditions or pre-existing medical conditions, and there may be exclusions for certain treatments or drugs.
What is a premium?
A premium is the amount you pay to the insurance company in exchange for the cover they provide. This payment can be made annually, semi-annually, quarterly, or monthly, depending on the agreement with the insurer. As you might expect, health insurance premiums tend to increase with age: this is because as we grow older, the likelihood of needing medical treatment increases. Certain conditions, as well as certain types of cancer, become more common in older age, meaning that 70 plus insurance premiums tend to be higher.
How are health insurance premiums calculated?
Health insurance premiums are calculated based on several factors: these include the age of the individual seeking a policy, their postcode, and the type of cover they choose.
As previously mentioned, age is a significant - if not the most significant - factor because older individuals are statistically more likely to require medical treatment. As such, those over 50 tend to pay more for their premiums.
Your postcode is also going to play a part in the cost of your premium, and this is because healthcare costs can vary across the country. If you live in an area such as London, where access to private medical treatment (and cost-of-living in general) is more expensive, your premiums may be higher - while this may seem unfair upfront, it’s an unfortunate reality of private healthcare in the UK.
The type of cover you opt for will also influence the cost of your premium. Comprehensive plans that cover a wide range of treatments and services will naturally be more expensive than more basic plans, which tend to simply cover in-patient treatment.
Benefits of Private Health Insurance for Seniors
Cancer cover
To this day, age remains the largest risk factor when it comes to cancer, with those over 65 at the greatest risk of developing the disease. Private health insurance often offers extensive cancer cover, which can provide access to drugs and treatments not available on the NHS, and quicker access to consultations and therapies. This rapid, high-quality treatment can be invaluable during what is - for most people - a stressful and emotional time.
Digital GP access
For seniors with limited mobility, digital GP access can be a game-changer: most private health insurance providers now offer virtual consultations, meaning you can speak with a GP from the comfort of your home, either via a phone call or video chat. Some insurers even provide prescription delivery services, adding another layer of convenience for those with limited mobility or who no longer drive.
Skip long waiting times
One of the primary benefits of private health insurance is the ability to skip long NHS waiting times for treatments. For seniors, this can be particularly valuable when dealing with conditions that impact their day-to-day lifestyle and mobility, such as joint replacements or cataract surgery. With private health insurance, you can schedule these procedures more quickly, reducing discomfort and improving your quality of life.
Is private health insurance worth it for seniors?
While the benefits of private health insurance for seniors are clear, there are also some additional considerations to bear in mind. First, it's important to understand that private health insurance is not a replacement for the NHS, but rather a supplement: emergency situations will still need to be handled by the NHS.
Secondly, remember to read the fine print. Some insurance providers may have specific exclusions or limitations, especially for older policyholders. For example, you’ll want to consider the impact of any pre-existing conditions: while some insurers may still provide cover if you have pre-existing conditions, they may increase your premiums or exclude those conditions from your cover altogether.
In all circumstances, we’d highly recommend that anyone considering taking out a healthcare policy to speak to a member of the Usay Compare team - we’ll be able to help you navigate the complex and often confusing small print, and ensure you get the best cover for a price that works best for you.
