Disadvantages of Private Medical Insurance
In addition to the advantages related to Private Medical Insurance, there are also some disadvantages and it is important that patients consider both areas before they decide to take out a policy. Such disadvantages include:
- Private medical facilities tend only to cover acute conditions, which means short term illnesses and injuries that are easily curable. As a result there are many conditions that will not be covered such as long term illnesses.
- There are also many other treatments that are not covered by private medical insurance.
- Private medical insurance will not cover pre-existing illnesses and, in some cases, conditions that the patient might previously have suffered from in the last five years (though the latter may vary).
- Private medical facilities will naturally vary in the services they offer and as a result some might not be able to offer treatment in cases such as emergencies.
- Insurance can be expensive and price rises continue to increase.
- As there are many different policies out there patients might struggle to find a policy that is specific to their needs.
So there are many disadvantages, but it is important to note that in some cases patients can avoid them or work around them should they shop around for a policy and carry out the right amount of research in advance.