Health Insurance

Health insurance, in most circumstances, does not cover cosmetic surgery. Plain and simple - it's just not worth your time searching for policies that cover cosmetic surgery procedures. The only case where you may be covered is when the cosmetic surgery is for medical reasons.

For example, health insurance companies will accept the costs if there is a functional reason for the cosmetic surgery (i.e. eye surgery for improving the field of vision) or if the problem is caused by a medical condition such as thyroid eye disease. Basically, if a surgical procedure is not considered cosmetic, it should be covered by health insurance. But if it is considered cosmetic, you're stumped.

What is Health Insurance then?

Health insurance is actually designed to help towards the cost of private treatments for curable, short-term illness or injury and it can give you the reassurance of knowing that you will receive prompt treatment from a specialist of your choice at a private hospital at a time that suits you. It's peace of mind for those concerned about the, how shall we put it, not-so-efficient service from the NHS.

What are the costs?

For comprehensive health insurance cover you're looking at the region of £30 a month for a 30 year old. However, as you get older, you are more likely have bits fall off, so you will have to pay more. And, as with all insurance, the premiums for health insurance are based on a number of factors, including age, gender, state of health, pre-existing medical conditions, etc. And of course, if you do claim insurance for treatment, you become a greater actuarial risk, and your premiums increase accordingly. Nice.

How can I save money on Health Insurance?

You can arrange an excess to keep your health insurance premiums down. To do this however, there is the element of taking a certain amount of responsibility for your own healthcare - you know, eating healthy and all that… Some companies offer health insurance plans that incorporate an excess of £1,500 for under 60s and £3,000 for the over 60s. Ouch indeed. It's just a matter of balancing what monthly payments you can afford with how much of an excess fee you can cope with.

What else should I look out for?

Health insurance is a business like any other. If, for instance, they can prove the condition you're claiming for was pre-existing - they simply won't pay up. So, as always, be sure to read ALL of the small print. Carefully.

You can get a quote for health insurance, and compare the leading health insurance providers here.

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