Medical plans proving vital as NHS waiting times soar.
NHS waiting times are on the rise, with hundreds of thousands of people having to wait months for treatment. Services are at breaking point, with more and more individuals making use of the service. Recent figures show 41% of the UK think that the free health service as it exists today is unlikely to last until 2020*.
The number of patients not receiving treatment within 18 weeks of referral has also risen by 100,000 since January 2016.
Maximum waiting time for non-urgent consultant-led treatments is 18 weeks from the day your appointment is booked through the NHS. However on average, waiting for a hip replacement for example can take up to 246 days.
Medical insurance is increasing in importance by allowing you to leap to the front of the queue, enabling you to get on with the more important things. Additionally you can be in control of the schedule, choosing the times and dates around work and other commitments, to best suit your needs.
Many companies offer 24 hour help lines, meaning there is always someone available to call, should you have any queries/concerns regarding the welfare of yourself or a family member. Other potential ameneties such as a private room, ensuite and TV etc are not offered with the NHS.
“76,054 patients faced delays of more than four hours, compared to 42,970 in the previous year”
NHS Statistics March 2018
The biggest benefit of private medical insurance is undoubtedly the reduction in waiting times to a see a consultant. At such a vital time, the onus is to resolve an injury/illness in as timely manner as possible, to reduce pain, upset and disruption.
Medical plans remove the barriers often involved in with getting the care you require. Extra benefits include:
- See a Specialist Quicker
- Fast Diagnosis for X-ray, MRI Scans and Blood Tests
- Better Quality Treatment
- Quicker recovery
- Injury Prevention Support
- After Care