Is private health insurance the antidote to the NHS?
Introduced by Aneurin Bevan in 1948, the National Health Service celebrated its 61st birthday this year and like most things when they reach the big 6-0, although still going strong, they sometimes need a boost.
When it comes to the health and well being of family and loved ones, even the most doggedly principled amongst us, realise that what is fine in theory doesn’t always bring about the best conclusion in real life.
Although no one doubts the dedication of the NHS medical practitioners, most people who decide to take out private health insurance are not particularly wealthy or exceptional, they are looking for peace of mind that should they need medical procedures, no matter how small or serious, they will receive the best care within the shortest space of time. Without the worry of under-staffed wards, questions about cleanliness, resistant superbugs or whether the treatment offered will be the best or if it is just the most cost effective course of action.
Since the first NHS hospital was opened in Manchester the state has promised to provide free healthcare to all citizens bringing all medical disciplines of doctors, dentists, opticians and pharmacists under the same roof. In 1952 prescriptions charges were introduced along with a nominal fee of £1 for dentistry, but otherwise today treatment is still paid for via taxation.
Revolutionising public health in the UK by not only treating sickness but also introducing vaccination programmes, the NHS built a reputation for treating all which today has become more of a curse than a blessing, encouraging ‘health tourism’ amongst overseas nationals not technically entitled to free UK treatment, stretching already overburdened facilities. Depending on your political persuasion, it is due to too much governmental meddling and bureaucracy or lack of funding. However, no one disputes that waiting lists are too long, lifesaving drugs and treatment are rationed according to postcode, Primary Healthcare budgets and NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinic Excellence) the body responsible for deciding who gets what and not forgetting the medical staff who are approaching breaking point.
Although still held dear in the UK and highly regarded in the USA, there has been a concerted effort to undermine Barack Obama’s health care reforms by citing the problems with the NHS. A serious of TV advertisement are currently compare our health service to a ‘socialist system’ due to rationing and waiting list, with an ‘Orwellian limit on the value of human life’, with particular reference to the inferior treatment meted out to older people. And there lies the rub. The service isn’t exactly free as it is funded by taxpayers and the older you are the more you have paid towards your ‘free’ health care. So why would anyone want to pay for private health insurance? Well the fact is a growing number of people in the UK want to do just that.
Staysure’s private medical insurance removes the element of doubt by providing a comprehensive cover, with no medical examination needed, no upper age limit and great value for money and easy payment options. Here are just some of the benefits;
• Up to 50% no claims discount
• Single age banded gradual pricing – slow annual increase – no surprises
• Cancer covered for 10 years once diagnosed
• Prices start at £28.91 per month (50 years old)
• Offers to cover pre-existing for free if no claims in the last two years
• Access to BUPA hospitals
• 5% discount if pay one payment annually
Visit the health insurance section or call 0844 277 0844 for more information and to get a quote.
