Medical insurance

Author
Discussion

JimmyConwayNW

Original Poster:

3,127 posts

132 months

Monday 6th February 2023
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The old man was in hospital last week and over the weekend with a bad case of kidney stones.
The hospital seemed stretched, everyone trying their best but big delays in being seen, a full ward and tbh the idea of ever ending up there on a ward with other people would drive me insane.

Any recommendations for a good level of medical cover, have done a few comparisons but loads pop up and unsure where best to go with.
I would go for family cover for me, partner and 3 kids.

GT03ROB

13,570 posts

228 months

Monday 6th February 2023
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I assume you have checked if your employer offers cover. If they do its stupidly good value usually & if they are big enough the service is better from the insurer than you would get direct.

I have with AXA via employer & when I've needed it have been very good. Approvals all done over the phone pretty much instantly. No long waits on the phone to get through.

craig1912

3,710 posts

119 months

Monday 6th February 2023
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Use a broker

https://www.usaycompare.co.uk/

I’m with Aviva who have been excellent and you can do claims all online if you want.

There are really only a handful of insurers but each have a variety of policies with a host of different options. A broker will help you through the minefield.

Mr Pointy

11,857 posts

166 months

Monday 6th February 2023
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craig1912 said:
Use a broker

https://www.usaycompare.co.uk/

I’m with Aviva who have been excellent and you can do claims all online if you want.

There are really only a handful of insurers but each have a variety of policies with a host of different options. A broker will help you through the minefield.
I'm not convinced a broker will get you a better deal - the one I used didn't save me anything.

craig1912

3,710 posts

119 months

Monday 6th February 2023
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Mr Pointy said:
I'm not convinced a broker will get you a better deal - the one I used didn't save me anything.
I didn’t say they would. The price wether direct or through a broker tend to be the same. A broker can talk you through the various options and make an advised recommendation for your personal circumstances.

cheerfulcharlie

129 posts

187 months

Monday 6th February 2023
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I used this broker recently - my policy started last week - and it was much cheaper than going direct - also I got an 'existing customer' discount with Aviva which took a further 10% off the price.

Radec

4,407 posts

54 months

Monday 6th February 2023
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At the moment I'd only look to Aviva/Bupa and maybe AXA.

Make sure you get a policy with sufficient out-patient limit (£1.5/2k and above) you'll be surprised how quickly this can deplete over a claim depending on the hospitals used.
You will most likely be underwritten so won't have cover for pre-existing conditions.
Check if your work have it as a benefit as you could have better benefits and no underwriting that way.

As above a broker may not save you money but will take you through the minefield of all the various options out there and suggest what's best for your circumstances.

Ability to do things online is a massive help as well, and things like online GPs can get you same day consultations and referrals to a specialist instead of having to go to your own GP for it.

anonymous-user

61 months

Monday 6th February 2023
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Radec said:
At the moment I'd only look to Aviva/Bupa and maybe AXA.

Make sure you get a policy with sufficient out-patient limit (£1.5/2k and above) you'll be surprised how quickly this can deplete over a claim depending on the hospitals used.
I believe this is what I have through work, Bupa Select 1500 o/p.

The only thing I have ever used is the online Dr which is actually via Babylon. The first Dr I spoke to I thought was good, the second not so much. As soon as you need anything such as a blood test you have to go to an NHS GP anyway.

It is virtually impossible to see a GP at the moment. I called before Christmas and they were refusing to see anyone, it took a month before someone could even phone me back.

So I am not sure how you actually get private treatment, when you have to wait a month to even speak to an NHS nurse.

plenty

4,881 posts

193 months

Monday 6th February 2023
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I just renewed with WPA after reviewing other options. Premiums were similar for my circumstances across providers for a similar level of cover, but WPA stood out as they have a 'shared responsibility' approach meaning you cover 25% of costs up to a limit which you can adjust up or down and influences the premium accordingly. I prefer this to a flat excess as I find the latter discourages me from seeking treatment.