Last updated: 02/05/2024 | Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes
Family Health Insurance
The NHS has become somewhat infamous for its long waiting lists, one of the best ways to avoid this is by taking out a private health insurance plan. You can choose to take out an individual health insurance policy but many families are now choosing to take out family health insurance plans in order to reap the benefits that come with them. Family health insurance policies are a great way to give yourself peace of mind when it comes to making sure that you receive quick and quality care when you need it.
This guide will explain the benefits of family health insurance policies and what the key features of this kind of policy are likely to be.
In This Guide:
- What Does Family Health Insurance Cover?
- What Optional Extras Can I Get with Family Health Insurance?
- Why Should You Take Out Family Health Insurance?
- How Much Does Family Health Insurance Cost?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Family Health Insurance Cover?
There are a huge amount of different family health insurance policies available on the market and their level of cover will vary from plan to plan. However there are some things that most insurance policies will cover and some other things that may be offered as added extras.
Generally speaking, you can define private medical insurance as covering curable diseases, short term illnesses or injuries. Ailments that fall into this category are often referred to as "acute conditions" and most private medical insurance companies limit their level of cover to these.
The following things will be covered by most health insurance policies:
- Inpatient tests
- Surgery as either an inpatient or a day patient
- Nursing care and hospital accommodation
- Cash reimbursements for treatment provided by the NHS as an inpatient
Some plans will also cover:
- Tests for outpatients
- Consultations or treatment with a specialist as an outpatient
- Physiotherapy or other forms of therapy
The things that are listed above are only given as a general rule and may not apply to all policies. For this reason it is important to check the small print of your policy first to make sure that you are fully aware of what level of cover you are going to be provided with.
There are also many family health insurance plans that offer visiting hours around the clock and also some form of parental accommodation, so that you can stay nearby if your children are taken ill.
What Optional Extras Can I Get with Family Health Insurance?
There a few different optional extras that you can add to your family health insurance plan if you wanted to extend the level of your cover. These include things such as dental or optical cover and will allow you to be reimbursed for your routine dental checks and eye tests.
There are other options such as physiotherapy cover, which will provide protection in the event that you or anybody in your family requires that form of treatment. This can be particularly useful as it is not provided by the NHS and could be a good investment if you or your children play sports on a regular basis.
Another option that you could choose to go for is home nursing cover. This form of cover will provide you or your family member with care at home that will be provided by a qualified nurse. This can be extremely helpful if you want to make sure that there is somebody around to aid your family member's recovery and you won't be able to guarantee time off of work.
Why Should You Take Out Family Health Insurance?
Taking out family health insurance offers peace of mind by ensuring that all members of your family have access to timely medical treatment without the financial burden unexpected health issues can bring. It simplifies managing healthcare, as you deal with one policy covering everyone’s health needs, from routine check-ups to emergency interventions.
What's more, it can provide access to a wider range of medical services, specialists, and treatments that may not be readily available through public healthcare systems. Family health insurance can also offer more comfort and convenience during treatments, such as private hospital rooms. Ultimately, it's about securing the wellbeing of your loved ones by making sure they receive the best possible care when they need it.
How Much Does Family Health Insurance Cost?
The cost of private health insurance varies widely based on several factors, including the level of cover, the number of family members insured, their ages, health conditions, and the specific benefits included in the policy. Basic plans that provide essential coverage might be more affordable, while comprehensive plans that cover a broader range of medical services, including outpatient care, specialist treatments, and alternative therapies, will cost more. Location can also affect premiums due to regional variations in healthcare costs.
In general, premiums could range from a modest amount for basic coverage to significantly higher amounts for plans that offer extensive benefits and lower deductibles. It's crucial to compare quotes from different insurers and carefully consider what level of cover meets your family's needs to find a balance between cost and the security of knowing you have reliable health cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does family health insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Family health insurance policies vary in how they handle pre-existing medical conditions, but many will exclude them. Some policies may exclude cover for a pre-existing medical condition that was diagnosed before the start of the insurance, while others might cover it after a waiting period, which can range from a few months to several years, depending on the insurer and the specific condition. There are also insurance plans designed to include pre-existing conditions from the outset, though these might come with higher premiums.
Is family health insurance suitable for couples?
Certainly, couples can opt for family health insurance, but choosing joint health insurance might be a more suitable option. While family plans cover the broader scope of dependents, joint health insurance is specifically tailored for couples, offering a balanced blend of coverage that can be more cost-effective and streamlined than family policies when no children are involved.
Can we still use the NHS with family health insurance?
Absolutely, having family health insurance doesn't affect your eligibility to use the NHS. In the UK, access to NHS services is based on residency, not whether you have private insurance. Many families choose to have private health insurance as a complement to the NHS, allowing them to access faster treatment for certain conditions, choose their specialists, and enjoy the comfort of private facilities for some treatments. However, for many services, especially emergency care, the NHS is the primary provider.
Do I still need family health insurance if I have health insurance through my employer?
Whether you need additional family health insurance if you already have cover through your employer depends on a few factors. Some employer-provided health insurance plans offer comprehensive cover that includes dependents, but the level of cover can vary. However, if the employer's plan is limited in scope, doesn't cover family members, or if you're seeking additional benefits not offered through work, such as wider access to private healthcare facilities or coverage for specific medical procedures or treatments, then purchasing a separate family health insurance policy could be beneficial.
Do I need a medical check for family health insurance?
Whether you need a medical check for family health insurance depends on the insurance provider and the specific policy you're applying for. Some insurers may require a medical examination or a detailed review of your family's medical history as part of the application process. This helps the insurer assess the level of risk associated with insuring your family and may affect the premiums you're offered. However, not all insurers require a medical check, especially for basic cover. In general, the purpose is to ensure that all family members are healthy and eligible to receive medical treatment under the policy.
