Private Medical Insurance - What's It All About?
By Rachel Lane, Fri Dec 9th

Private medical insurance is a very useful policy to take out,yet the range of policies available means that you should ensurethe terms and conditions meet your specific requirements

The origin of private medical insurance goes back a long way -before the NHS was formed. In pre-NHS days, people contributedto "friendly societies", which provided financial assistance topeople in times of need. Some private medical insuranceproviders, such as BUPA, remain non-profit-distributing bodies,though there are also many commercial insurance companiesproviding private medical insurance these days. One of thebest-known names in private medical insurance cover is AXA PPPhealthcare ( http://www.axappphealthcare.co.uk/ ) - which was actually conceived in 1938 toprovide a health insurance scheme for middle income earners inLondon.

The principal aim of private medical insurance is designed tocover treatment of "acute illness" - defined by Which? As"conditions which can be cured or substantially alleviated bytreatment." Treatment of chronic

illnesses, such as multiplesclerosis or arthritis, may not be covered by private medical;so critical illness insurance might be more suitable. Criticalinsurance cover will be based on your individual requirements -so shop around for the right policy and always be completelyopen with your insurance provider, or you may invalidate a claimat a later date.

Other treatments generally excluded from private medicalinsurance include cosmetic surgery, treatment for alcohol ordrug abuse and infertility treatment. The majority of standardpolicies exclude private consultations of a GP, routinecheck-ups and dental work - unless it is undertaken in ahospital. However, always check your private medical insurancepolicy - as some will be more comprehensive than others.

Private medical insurance can be an effective way of ensuringswift access to medical care for your family. Just remember thatinsurance policies reflect your exact circumstances - so don'tassume that one size fits all.

For additional information on private medical insurance andcritical illness insurance:

"Be your own financial advisor", Which? Consumer Guides, authorJonquil Lowe

http://www.axappphealthcare.co.uk/body/html/consumer/products/uk/pmi.jhtml (Private healthcare in the UK)

http://www.moneynet.co.uk/insurance/critical-illness/index.shtml (Critical illness insurance information)

About the author:Bigmouthmedia is one of the UK's leading Search Marketingagencies, specialising in paid search, organic search, externaloptimisation and online PR. Clients include MTV, Sony Ericsson,Barclays, and Moneynet