Couples
health insurance

What is joint health insurance?

Joint health insurance, or couples health insurance, lets couples in the UK secure a single policy for private healthcare. This model allows partners to share a coverage plan, simplifying the process of obtaining medical attention and ensuring peace of mind.

As an alternative to the NHS, joint health insurance offers a reliable solution to public healthcare uncertainties. If you face a significant health issue, like a troublesome back problem, and your GP (General Practitioner) schedules a hospital appointment weeks away, private medical insurance lets you explore private treatment options promptly. This reduces waiting times and may provide access to specialised medical expertise and advanced treatments.

With a joint health insurance policy, both you and your spouse or partner are covered. You can also extend the policy to include family members, offering comprehensive healthcare for the entire household. Embrace the assurance of joint private medical insurance, ensuring timely and specialised medical care tailored to your needs.

What are the benefits of joint health insurance?

Choosing joint health insurance offers a range of advantages, making it a practical and efficient choice for you and your spouse

Shorter waiting times

Appointments can often be found more quickly than on the NHS.

Choice of hospitals

There may be a selection of hospitals, so you can choose where you would like to be treated.

Physiotherapy

Private healthcare can offer quicker access to physiotherapy.

Private rooms

Policies can offer private rooms rather than open wards.

Specialist referrals

Policies can let you get GP referrals for consultations from specialists.

Specialist treatments

You may be able to access specialised treatments that are not available on the NHS, broadening your options for healthcare.

How does joint health insurance work?

Joint health insurance operates simply. By paying a monthly premium, you ensure continuous coverage for both you and your partner. When you need private medical treatment covered by your policy, you can make a claim to cover the associated costs. Similar to home and car insurance, there's an agreed excess paid when making a claim – your contribution to the overall treatment cost. This shared responsibility highlights the cooperative nature of joint health insurance.

Private health insurance reduces the burden of extended waiting times, offering peace of mind for uninterrupted life. Your insurer determines the premium based on factors like age, location, and plan coverage, allowing you to make informed decisions.

What’s covered by joint private health insurance?

A joint private health insurance policy, like a single policy, offers three distinct coverage levels:

• Basic Cover: Includes payment for inpatient medical treatment, covering expenses for medicine, hospitalisation, and some cancer care.
• Medium Cover: Extends beyond basic to include outpatient treatment in addition to inpatient coverage.
• Comprehensive Cover: Includes all the above, plus mental health and physiotherapy coverage.

For acute illnesses requiring an overnight stay, couples' health insurance ensures coverage for inpatient care costs. Insurers exclude chronic conditions like diabetes and asthma. While you can still acquire insurance with such conditions, they won't be covered.

Specifics of coverage include:

• Inpatient Treatment: Covers private hospital stays for major procedures or therapies lasting several days.
• Day Patient Treatment: Addresses expenses for a day in a hospital bed, common after minor surgeries, without an overnight stay.
• Outpatient Treatment: Includes tests, operations, or consultations without needing a hospital bed. Policy options range from no outpatient coverage to a set yearly value or comprehensive outpatient coverage, offering flexibility in tailoring your plan.

Cancer cover

Cancer cover is a crucial element in Private Medical Insurance plans, often leading to standalone policies due to its significant value. Standard coverage typically includes essential treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, biological/hormone therapies, and cancer surgery/reconstruction.

Depending on your provider and coverage level, additional elements may be available:

• Home Chemotherapy Option: Receive chemotherapy in the comfort of your home.
• Financial Aid for Wigs/Prosthetics: Get support for essential items post-cancer treatment.
• Funds for Scalp Cooling: Mitigate hair loss from chemotherapy.
• Contributions to Hospice Care: Support palliative care.
• Home Nursing Services: Access a set number of days with a private nurse visiting during your care.

Understanding the scope of your cancer cover ensures comprehensive support tailored to your specific needs during challenging times.

What is not covered under joint health insurance policy?

Comprehensive joint health insurance policies do not cover every medical condition or treatment for both partners. Always check the policy's terms and conditions for specific exclusions. Common exclusions are:

• Chronic Diseases: Long-term conditions like diabetes or arthritis are typically not covered.
• Diagnostic Testing: Tests to diagnose conditions might not be included in the coverage.
• Outpatient Therapy: Treatments that do not require an overnight stay, such as physiotherapy or counselling, are often excluded.
• Pre-existing Conditions: Conditions you had before taking out the policy are usually not covered. However, some policies may cover pre-existing ailments if you have been symptom-free for the past five years.

Understanding these limitations helps you make informed decisions about your health coverage. Always read the policy details carefully to know what is and isn’t covered.

Extra options

Consider these additional options that might be available as add-ons to your insurance:

• Eye Care: Coverage for routine eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses.
• Dental Treatment: Insurance for dental check-ups, cleanings, and treatments.
• Physiotherapy: Access to physical therapy sessions for injury recovery and rehabilitation.

Ensure your insurance meets your specific needs at a reasonable cost. Tailor your coverage to align with your requirements for comprehensive and cost-effective protection.

Will the partner’s pre-existing medical condition affect my coverage?

No, your partner's pre-existing medical condition won't directly affect your coverage. Each person's terms and conditions, especially regarding pre-existing conditions, are managed separately within a joint policy. For personalised advice on handling pre-existing medical conditions, consult a HealthInsurance247 Broker. We can guide you on whether maintaining a joint policy or opting for separate insurance, especially when changing providers, would be more beneficial. Gain clarity on your unique situation to make well-informed decisions about your coverage.

Can I get a policy while my partner is pregnant?

Certainly. At HealthInsurance247, we provide joint health insurance coverage even when your partner is pregnant. It's important to note that standard pregnancy care is often excluded from coverage. While some policies may cover pregnancy-related complications, it's essential to review your policy details for specific inclusions related to pregnancy. Our expert brokers are available to guide you through the process and help you make informed decisions tailored to your unique circumstances.

How much does couples’ health insurance cost?

At HealthInsurance247, Couples’ Health Insurance costs depend on several key factors. Joint Health Insurance offers various policy options, affecting the comprehensiveness of coverage and premiums.

Generally, the cost is approximately double that of an individual policy when metrics align, such as both partners being non-smokers, of similar ages, and with comparable medical histories.

Factors influencing costs include:

• Age: Older adults face higher premiums due to increased health risks.
• Address: Geographical location affects private medical care costs, impacting premiums.
• Medical History and Health: Serious conditions or a history of health issues may increase premiums.
• Smoker Status: Smokers incur higher premiums due to associated health risks.

Understanding these factors helps you make informed decisions. HealthInsurance247 brokers are ready to guide you, ensuring clarity on securing a Couples’ Health Insurance policy that fits your needs.

Who can get joint private medical insurance?

At HealthInsurance247, joint private health insurance  is available to both unmarried and married couples who legally reside together. You don't need to be married; legal cohabitation qualifies you for joint coverage. If you and your partner do not share a residence but want joint health insurance, consider exploring family plans. Our brokers are ready to assist you in navigating the eligibility criteria, ensuring you secure the right joint private medical insurance for your circumstances.

Can unmarried couples be on the same health insurance?

Absolutely. At HealthInsurance247, unmarried couples living together can secure joint or family health insurance coverage. Obtain a quote promptly to find the best option for you and your partner. Our expert brokers are ready to assist you in navigating the available choices, ensuring you find the ideal health insurance plan tailored to your unique circumstances.

Can married couples have separate health insurance?

Absolutely. At HealthInsurance247, married couples can opt for separate health insurance plans, which can be more cost-effective in specific situations. Despite the common belief that family health plans save money, this isn't always the case.

Maintaining a 'single' status on your health insurance plan, even after marriage, can sometimes be advantageous. This is particularly relevant when spouses have significantly different healthcare needs. If one partner requires extensive treatment or uses more medical services, having separate policies can potentially save more money than combining coverage. Rely on our expert brokers to guide you through this decision-making process, tailored to your unique healthcare requirements and financial considerations.

Is couples health insurance cheaper than singles?

Yes, at HealthInsurance247, joint health insurance cover tends to be more cost-effective than opting for two individual plans. On average, joint policies come at a lower cost compared to the combined expenses of two separate policies. For instance, while a single private policy averages £1,093, a joint policy for a healthy couple can offer significant savings. Choosing two individual plans, on the other hand, could result in an average cost of £2,186, leading to an additional expense of £365.

While joint coverage is economical, it's crucial to compare quotes, especially if you and your partner have distinct healthcare needs. Our experienced brokers are ready to assist you in making a well-informed decision tailored to your specific requirements and budget.