Private Healthcare Benefits
It became quite apparent over the last two years that human life can be threatened not only by physical injuries but by yet unknown viruses as well. In times like these, it’s exceptionally challenging to have an appointment with a GP or any specialist on the National Health Service (NHS). Needless to say that one in six people in the UK is prepared to go private instead of spending their lives on waiting lists. But how does private healthcare work?
Private healthcare includes hospitals and clinics run by commercial companies or non-profit organizations. It works independently from the NHS and isn’t sponsored by the UK government. Therefore, private healthcare can offer some benefits that on the NHS you’ll have difficulty getting; if you can at all.
#1 Time
A shorter waiting time is a benefit that PMI provides in most cases, except for urgent and emergency care cases, since not every private hospital has Accident and Emergency facilities. Anyway, when you’re involved in an accident, you can’t afford to spend time searching for the right hospital.
In normal circumstances, however, you can get the treatment faster when you go private. This is an option of utmost importance when it comes to mental disorders, which can include self-harm and suicidal tendencies. Not every Private Medical Insurance (PMI) covers things such as chronic conditions or mental disorders, but if it’s crucial for you, consult Healthplan to find out about insurance that will work for you.
#2 Quality
You can’t buy health, but you can pay for health-improving facilities, which considerably affect your quality of life. Some private hospitals can give you access to breakthrough drugs necessary for cancer treatment, for instance. It’s almost impossible to get them on the NHS because some of the drugs are not approved by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence in England and Wales (NICE) or the Scottish Medicines Consortium, and some are just too expensive. Being able to receive such medication without waiting for years is certainly one great benefit.
Besides, private hospitals have enough funding for obtaining modern medical devices and reagents for clinical chemistry. This can all prove a huge step toward a more accurate and quick diagnosis.
#3 Comfort
Although health and social care secretary Sajid Javid has claimed that the NHS is about to launch its own app for patients, private medicine was streaks ahead on this front. It’s possible to book a video call with a GP without leaving a house, get around-the-clock health advice from a trained nurse – a priceless option for hypochondriacs, or be assigned to a caseworker who will support you through your medical journey.
When you get treatment at a private hospital, you’ll have a better choice of food, a private bathroom, and home-like rooms and amenities. That may be uplifting for your spirit – which will aid your recovery.
#4 Attention
As the pandemic has accelerated the demand for medical treatment, NHS doctors have even less time for each patient. It can leave the patient without proper help, and certain symptoms can pass unnoticed. Psychologically, it’s not that inviting to share your health secrets with someone who is obviously in a hurry.
On the contrary, thanks to their more modest caseload, private healthcare specialists have more time to talk to the patient and offer personalized one-on-one care. If there’s surgery needed, it may often be booked in for just a few days after the appointment.
#5 Choice
If you need a hospital stay, you can choose its location and specialization. It’s really helpful when you need mother and child medical care, mental disorder care, or a cardiac clinic. Before you go, you need to consult your PMI provider to confirm the details that are essential for you.
If your treatment doesn’t require a hospital stay, you still have a choice: the specialist you consult with and the time and place you want to have your appointment. This can prove a precious feature for those who spend most of their time at work.
How to get private healthcare treatment
To access private healthcare, you can pay for the medical insurance yourself or get it through your employer. There are also medical loans with monthly payments. A great option is to purchase PMI, and if you don’t know where to start, consult Healthplan.
When life throws a difficult situation at you, it can be very useful to have critical illness insurance to cover your expenses. If you’re unable to work due to your disease and don’t have an employee benefits package, or you have a mortgage and don’t have a partner who could support you financially, consider such a policy.
Regardless of what choice you can afford in your present circumstances, remember that any doctor in any hospital is capable of helping you. The fact that one specialist has less time or older equipment than the other doesn’t mean there’s a difference in their professional competence.