Last updated: 02/05/2024 | Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes
Joint health insurance
By consolidating coverage under a single policy, administrative tasks are streamlined, paperwork is minimised, and decision-making regarding coverage, renewals, and claims becomes simpler.
Find out more about what kind of cover you could expect from a joint health insurance policy and how to get the best policies at the best prices by reading this short, helpful guide.
In This Guide:
- What is joint health insurance?
- What are the Benefits of Taking Out a Joint Health Insurance Policy?
- Types of Joint Health Insurance Cover
- What Could Joint Health Insurance Policy Cover?
- Joint Health Insurance Policy Cost
- What About Pre-existing conditions?
- Why You Should Always Compare Joint Health Insurance Quotes
What is joint health insurance?
Joint health insurance, often referred to as couples health insurance or joint private health insurance, provides a comprehensive healthcare solution tailored for couples. In a joint health insurance policy, both partners are covered under a single plan, offering shared access to a range of private healthcare services and facilities. This type of insurance is designed to ensure that both individuals have prompt access to expert medical treatment and care whenever needed.
Here in the UK, we benefit from a comprehensive National Health Service that offers complete cover for any illnesses or injuries you might have. However, when it comes to receiving treatment on the NHS, because of the huge demand, you may often find yourself low down on the NHS waiting list.
One of the key benefits of private medical insurance is being able to bypass waiting lists or the potential lack of a hospital bed and get treatment quickly. Not only this, but you can often choose the private hospital where you get treated and healthcare professionals who treat you, whether you need inpatient treatment, outpatient cover or even cancer care.
A joint health insurance policy allows both you and your partner to benefit from this kind of coverage and private medical care should either of you fall ill or have a health concern.
What are the Benefits of Taking Out a Joint Health Insurance Policy?
Opting for joint private health insurance in the UK can offer peace of mind, ensuring that both you and your partner have access to prompt and expert treatment should either of you face health issues or require medical attention.
Streamlined Administration
The primary advantage of a joint policy, as opposed to two separate individual policies, often lies in its administrative convenience. While the cost difference between joint private health insurance and two separate policies may not be significant, the streamlined process can bring considerable ease, particularly for couples who share a joint bank account.
Moreover, with a joint policy, decisions regarding coverage, renewals, and claims can be made collaboratively, ensuring that both partners are involved in managing their insurance arrangements.
Shared Access to Private Healthcare
Another advantage of joint private health insurance is the shared access to private hospitals and healthcare facilities. In case of medical emergencies or the need for specialised treatment, having access to the same health insurance can facilitate smooth coordination of care between partners. This can be particularly beneficial if both individuals prefer the amenities and personalised care offered by private healthcare providers.
Customisable Options
Furthermore, joint health insurance policies often offer added flexibility and options for customisation tailored to the UK healthcare system. Couples can adjust their coverage to suit their specific healthcare needs and preferences, whether it involves adding additional services like dental or mental health care, or modifying the level of coverage based on individual health requirements.
Peace of Mind
In addition to practical considerations, there's also a psychological benefit to joint private health insurance. Knowing that both partners are covered under the same policy can foster a sense of solidarity and shared responsibility for each other's well-being. This mutual support can be reassuring, particularly during times of health-related challenges or uncertainties.
Types of Joint Health Insurance Cover
Private medical insurance comes in various different shapes and sizes, with a range of costs to match – it all depends on what level of cover you wish to receive.
Typically, private medical insurance policies will cover you for things like inpatient tests and any treatment or surgery you receive as an inpatient or day patient. Some plans will also offer to cover you for any tests or treatments (like physiotherapy) you may receive as an outpatient.
You can also take out a more simple cash policy, which will pay out small amounts to cover less serious, more routine healthcare, like visits to the dentist for example.
The level of cover you receive will be reflected in the price of the monthly premiums that you end up paying for your policy.
What Could Joint Health Insurance Policy Cover?
- Hospital Treatment: Coverage for inpatient and day-patient treatment in private hospitals, including surgical procedures, consultations, and hospital stays.
- Specialist Consultations: Access to specialist consultations and appointments with consultants or specialists in various medical fields.
- Diagnostic Tests: Coverage for diagnostic tests such as blood tests, imaging scans (e.g., MRI, CT scans), and other laboratory investigations.
- Cancer Treatment: Cancer cover includes treatments including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, as well as related consultations and follow-up care.
- Mental Health Support and Services: Mental health cover, including therapy sessions, counselling, and psychiatric consultations.
- Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation: Coverage for physiotherapy sessions, rehabilitation programs, and other therapies aimed at recovering from injuries or surgeries.
Joint Health Insurance Policy Cost
The cost of the joint health insurance policy will depend on the level of coverage you require, as well as on the health status of both you and your partner as well as your lifestyle habits. If either of you smokes, for example, the policy will be more costly than otherwise. Your age when you take out the policy will also affect the price of your cover – the older you are, the more it will cost.
Generally, with a joint policy, both of you will be assessed independently and then the cost will be combined into one monthly premium.
When you take out a private medical insurance plan, you'll pay a regular monthly premium, and then in the event that you make a claim, you'll pay a set amount of excess towards your treatment, with the insurance company footing the rest of the bill.
The higher the level of voluntary excess you choose, the cheaper your monthly premiums will be.
What About Pre-existing conditions?
Pre-existing conditions and your medical history can be important considerations when it comes to private joint health insurance coverage. Here's how pre-existing conditions may factor into joint health insurance policies:
Coverage for Pre-existing Conditions: Some joint health insurance policies may offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, depending on the insurer and the specific policy terms. In some cases, coverage for pre-existing conditions may be included automatically, while in others, it may be offered as an optional add-on or subject to certain conditions and waiting periods.
Exclusions for Pre-existing Conditions: It's important to review the policy documents carefully to understand any exclusions related to pre-existing conditions. Some joint health insurance policies may exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions altogether, meaning that any treatment or services related to those conditions would not be covered under the policy.
Waiting Periods: In cases where coverage for pre-existing conditions is provided, there may be waiting periods before the coverage becomes effective. During this waiting period, expenses related to pre-existing conditions may not be covered by the policy. Waiting periods can vary depending on the insurer and the specific policy terms.
Disclosure of Pre-existing Conditions: It's important for couples to disclose any pre-existing conditions honestly and accurately when applying for joint health insurance cover. Failing to disclose pre-existing conditions could result in coverage being denied or claims being rejected later on.
Why You Should Always Compare Joint Health Insurance Quotes
Comparing joint health insurance quotes is essential to ensure you find the best coverage at the most competitive price. By comparing quotes, you can assess the range of coverage options available, including benefits, exclusions, and premiums.
With Money Expert, you can access a wide selection of policies and customise your search criteria to find the policy that best meets the requirements of you and your partner. Don't settle for the first offer you receive – take the time to compare quotes and secure comprehensive joint health insurance coverage that gives you peace of mind.
