Will pregnancy be covered by Private Medical Insurance?

Private Medical Insurance companies will not cover routine pregnancy. When going into labour, there is no waiting list and you will be seen immediately by the NHS in a private room. However, should there be complications during your pregnancy or childbirth it may be covered depending on your selected plan.

I have just had a baby – can I add them to my policy mid-term?

Yes, just notify us or your insurance company and we will add your new-born at no increase to your premium.

Can I get cover for my pre-existing condition?

Long NHS waiting lists and cancelled or delayed procedures are a common motivation for initial enquiries into health insurance. Depending on the condition, it is unlikely it will be covered on your plan. Although, if you have a pre-existing condition speak to one of our expert advisors as different underwriting options may suit your needs.

What age can a child remain on a family health plan until?

Most insurers will insure a child on the family insurance plan until the age of 21 if they are no longer in full time education, or 24 if they are.

Am I covered on my holidays abroad?

Depending on the plan you opt for, there may be some level of cover if you require emergency treatment abroad. Several of our policies allow you to add holiday medical insurance in addition to travel insurance which will cover the cost of loss passports, luggage and holiday cancellations.

My child has been admitted for an overnight stay in hospital. Will my plan cover my accommodation?

Comprehensive plans may cover overnight stays in accommodation near to where your child has been admitted. Speak to one of our advisors before taking out a policy if this is something you’d like to have covered.

Can I get cover for cancer treatment should I be diagnosed?

Health Insurance gives you access to the latest cancer treatment, as well as medication and procedures that don’t tend to be obtainable on the NHS. Private cancer care is intended to make your treatment as comfortable as possible by making chemotherapy at home an option, along with home nursing.

Can I access a Private GP?

The majority of the insurers on our panel offer an online/virtual GP, meaning you don’t have to leave the comfort of your own home. This gives you access to talk to a doctor promptly, receive referrals and get prescriptions.

Private Family Health Insurance

Health Insurance policies give the ultimate reassurance that should any of your family become unwell, you have access to the best possible treatment and medicines with the minimum delay. No one wants to think about the prospect of a family member being seriously unwell, but if they were, you would want to be able to offer them the best treatment and care - without the wait.

As with an individual health insurance policy, there are many different options of insurers and policies to consider. Due to the nature of the additional circumstances and needs of different members of the family, comparing family policies can become even more complex.

Here at Usay Compare our advisers are on the end of the phone to offer free expert advice, compare policies and find you the best price policies available for you.

What Does It Cover?

All Health Insurance policies are intended for covering acute conditions. These are things that are treatable and can be recovered from, such as cancer or a joint replacement. Usually most policies include the following within their core cover:

Inpatient and day patient treatments
Some outpatient cover (this is variable depending upon your choices)
Cancer cover
Digital and/or telephone-based GP and health support

Benefits Specific to Families

There are some benefits to Health Insurance policies which are specific to families and worth comparing:

Benefit	Details
Newborn Cash Benefit	Some insurers will pay a one-off cash benefit on the birth (or adoption) of a child. Usually you would need to be covered for a limited period before the baby is born to receive the benefit.
Parent Accommodation	Some policies will cover the cost of accommodation for you to stay near your child whilst they are receiving eligible inpatient treatment in a hospital included in your plan.
Corrective Ear Surgery	Most insurers will offer procedures to correct prominent ears up to a certain age.
Laser Treatment	Most insurers will cover procedures to remove or improve the appearance of birthmarks such as ‘port wine stain’ on the child’s face.
Speech Therapy	A set number of sessions are usually available with a speech therapist, when there is a delay in the child’s development.

Digital GPs

Digital GPs aren’t specific to family Health Insurance – but they are worth mentioning as one of the most valued benefits for parents. They can put your mind at rest for those occasions you are concerned about your family’s health, but attending a doctor’s surgery in person isn’t practical. Digital GPs offer prompt and convenient access to medical advice, some even have 24 hour access from anywhere in the world. Many of the providers offer same day appointments which can be incredibly reassuring. They can usually provide advice as they would in person, as well as providing prescriptions and referrals if necessary.

Cancer Cover

Cancer cover is usually included within the core cover of all policies. It is one of the most valuable benefits of Health Insurance policies; according to Macmillan’s latest research, cancer is the disease we fear the most in the UK. Health Insurance allows you the peace of mind that should one of your family be affected by the disease you can have access to breakthrough cancer treatments and superior comfort and choice throughout treatment. It is important to compare cancer cover between policies as what is included within the core cover can vary. However, most policies will include the following within the core cover:

radiotherapy
chemotherapy
surgery
consultants’ fees
out-patient treatment
home nursing
cash benefits if treated by the NHS

If You Have Family Health Insurance, Can You Still Access the NHS?

Absolutely. Health Insurance works in conjunction with the NHS to complement it and maximise your health care. As a nation we are lucky to benefit from a publicly funded health service, giving everyone access to treatment at little to no cost. However, the NHS is under increasing pressure and many people now face long waiting lists and delayed or cancelled treatments.

Access to private medical care means you can avoid the long waiting lists for treatment, in fact you are likely to be seen within a week or so. Health Insurance offers you and your family access to a choice of hospitals and treatment times that suit you, with overnight stays normally in a private, en-suite room. Some policies will provide allowance for parents to stay in nearby accommodation as well if necessary. More about how the NHS and health insurance complement each other.

Definition of Dependent Child for Family Health Insurance

The age at which a child is defined as a dependent on your family Health Insurance policy can vary between insurers. Some will class any child still living at home as a dependent, whereas others will have a maximum age, often 21 years. Some policies will allow children up to 24 to be covered as a dependent if they are still in full time education. It is important to consider the terms and conditions regarding this – as it could have a considerable impact on overall value.

Most policies allow newborn babies to be added to the policy straight away from their date of birth. Usually they are not required to be medically underwritten.

How Much Is Family Health Insurance?

Policy prices vary depending on some key factors – these fit into two categories:

Circumstances (your postcode, ages and current health)
Level of cover (the optional benefits you choose - for example level of outpatient cover)

These variables mean premiums can vary, but for a quick, no obligation quote, you can fill in the form below.

Health Insurance for Family in the UK

What Is Family Health Insurance?

What Does It Cover?

Benefits Specific to Families

Digital GPs

Cancer Cover

Optional Extras

What Does It Not Cover?

If You Have Family Health Insurance, Can You Still Access the NHS?

Definition of Dependent Child for Family Health Insurance

How Much Is Family Health Insurance?

Health Insurance Guides

Compare Other UK Health Insurance Providers

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Thank you, John