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Q: Can we get health insurance as a couple?

Yes, it is possible to secure joint health insurance policies designed to cover medical treatment expenses for both you and your spouse or partner. These joint policies may offer cost savings compared to individual plans, ensuring appropriate coverage tailored to your specific needs. Couples health insurance can be a more economical choice than maintaining two separate individual policies. It's important to note that while the policy covers you and your partner, children are typically not included automatically. However, some plans may allow you to add children for an additional fee.

Q: How many people can be covered by family health insurance?

Family health insurance generally covers one or two parents along with their dependent children. The coverage typically extends to children up to the age of 21 or 25 if they are in full-time education. However, these age limits can vary based on the specific policy. It's important to be aware that children may still be included in the policy beyond the age limit, but they will be considered adults, leading to an increase in the premium. To get accurate details about family inclusion, carefully review the terms of the specific health insurance policy.

Q: Do I need family health insurance if I’m covered through work?

If your employer's health insurance covers only you, consider separate coverage for your family. Check if you can add them to your work policy; if not, explore individual family health insurance options. Keep in mind that if you leave your job, the employer's coverage won't continue.

Q: Can my family still use the NHS?

Yes, your family can still use the NHS even if you have private health insurance. The NHS provides free care, including emergency services and treatment for issues not covered by your family health insurance, such as pre-existing conditions.

Q: Do my family need a medical to access cover?

No, your family won't need medicals to access cover if there are no pre-existing medical conditions. Instead, you'll be required to complete a family medical history form when making an application.

Q: Can you put non-family members on your health insurance?

No, family health insurance is designed for your immediate family, including you, your spouse or partner, and dependent children.

Q: Does family health insurance cover sporting activities and injuries?

Certain providers may not cover extreme sports or professional play. Amateur team sports participation might be covered by sports clubs. Consider adding specific sports-related cover if needed, but note that pre-existing injuries are typically not covered.

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How does private health insurance work?

Private health insurance is similar to other types of insurance. You pay a monthly or yearly fee called a premium.

Getting Referred

If you have a health issue, see your GP and let them know that you have private insurance. They may refer you to a specialist, and you might choose to go to private hospitals or specialists not offered by the NHS.

Informing Your Insurer

Tell your insurer that you want to make a claim. They'll check if your policy covers the treatment you need. If it does, your claim will be approved.

Cost Coverage

Your GP will book your appointment, and your insurer will cover the cost as long as your policy is active. Depending on your policy, you may be required to pay an excess.

HealthInsurance247 provides a comprehensive platform to compare family health insurance policies. With our tool, you can quickly assess different providers and find the best cover for your family. Choose the policy that suits your needs and budget with confidence.

Ensure your family’s well-being with the right family health insurance policy. It’s the key to securing quick, reliable care when it matters most.

What is family health insurance?

Family health insurance offers private health cover for your entire family. It helps cover the costs of private medical care if any family member falls ill and needs medical treatment. The key advantage is that you can insure multiple people under a single policy, which is often more cost-effective than separate individual plans. Your monthly premiums give you quick access to private diagnostic tests, treatments, and surgery when needed. Family health insurance gives you peace of mind, ensuring fast, quality care for your loved ones when it matters most.

How does family health insurance work?

Family health insurance covers the cost of treatment for acute illnesses that occur after the policy takes effect. While comprehensive insurance may come at a higher cost, it offers coverage for a broader spectrum of illnesses, treatments, and additional services like mental health, holistic therapies, sports injuries, and dental and optical care. The benefits vary based on your chosen policy and individual circumstances. Opting for comprehensive coverage ensures peace of mind, allowing you to rest assured that your family's health is well-protected.

Why should I get family health insurance?

With prolonged waiting periods on the NHS, many choose private family health insurance to take control of their family's well-being.

Faster access to care

Your family won’t have to wait long for appointments. With private health insurance, you can secure quicker appointments, ensuring your loved ones get the care they need without delays.

Freedom to choose hospitals

As a family, you can choose from a variety of hospitals, picking the one that best suits your needs and preferences, whether it’s closer to home or offers specialised care.

Speedy physiotherapy for recovery

If your child injures themselves or a family member needs help recovering, private healthcare ensures faster access to physiotherapy. This means you’ll be back on your feet as a family in no time.

Comfortable private rooms

Nobody likes hospital stays, especially in open wards. Family health insurance can offer the comfort and privacy of individual rooms, making recovery more pleasant for your loved ones.

Specialist care when you need it

Skip the long NHS referral process. With private insurance, you can get referrals directly from your GP to see specialists faster, making sure your family gets expert advice when it matters most.

Access to treatments not offered by the NHS

If someone in your family requires treatments not available on the NHS, private insurance expands your options, providing access to specialised care and treatments for a wide range of conditions.

Does it replace the NHS?

No, private health insurance is not intended to replace the NHS; rather, it aims to complement the healthcare provided by the National Health Service.

In emergencies, routine pregnancies, and chronic conditions, your family will continue to rely on the NHS. During emergencies, immediate medical attention is crucial, and the NHS plays an irreplaceable role. Private health insurance is designed to provide additional support, offering faster access to certain treatments and amenities.

Your chosen level of coverage will determine the conditions for which you will still have to utilise the NHS. It's essential to recognise that your GP remains pivotal in managing your routine healthcare.

What do I need to get a health insurance quote?

With prolonged waiting periods on the NHS, many choose private family health insurance to take control of their family's well-being.

Personal details

You’ll need to provide information about your smoking habits, medical history, and any ongoing health conditions. Don’t forget to mention if you want to include family members in your policy.

Your policy preferences

Decide how much coverage you want from your family health insurance. Think about the level of protection that suits your needs best.

We search for you

We’ll compare the market for you, finding the best options from top UK health insurance providers. This ensures you get the right policy at the best possible price for you and your family.

What types of family health insurance are available?

Discover a range of family health insurance plans to suit the needs of your loved ones. needs. We explore each of the options below:

Basic family health insurance

This is the more economical option, covering hospital stays, surgeries, and some outpatient treatments. Outpatient treatment claims are typically capped, making it a cost-effective choice.

Comprehensive family health insurance

This is a more extensive policy that covers a broader range of treatments. mental health and physiotherapy. While potentially pricier, it may include extras like hospital accommodation for parents, private ambulance services, home nursing, and dedicated medical helplines.

What does private health insurance cover?

What’s covered?

Inpatient treatment: Your family will be covered for hospital stays, including surgery and care received while admitted.
Outpatient treatment: This covers medical care your family might need outside of a hospital stay, such as specialist appointments or tests.
Cancer cover: If your family faces a cancer diagnosis, your insurance can provide access to treatment and support not always available through the NHS.
GP consultations: You can see a GP when it suits your family, whether for minor concerns or to address ongoing issues quickly.
Hospital lists: You’ll have access to a selection of hospitals, giving your family the freedom to choose where to receive treatment.

What’s not covered?

Cosmetic surgery: Procedures that are purely for cosmetic purposes aren’t covered under family health insurance policies.
Giving birth: Normal childbirth isn't included, though some policies may offer maternity benefits for complications.
Chronic diseases: Long-term management of chronic conditions, such as diabetes, may not be covered, depending on your policy.
Pre-existing conditions: Health issues your family had before taking out the policy are generally excluded.
Alcohol and drug abuse: Treatment for issues related to alcohol or drug abuse is typically not covered by family health insurance.
Sporting injuries: Injuries caused by high-risk sports may be excluded, so it’s worth checking the policy details if your family is active in these activities.

How much does family health insurance cost?

Explore the determinants affecting the cost of family health insurance, including family size, medical history, chosen policy, and location. Be aware that premiums fluctuate based on these factors, underscoring the importance of transparent medical history disclosure and aligning coverage with your family's needs.

Size of your family

Insuring more family members increases costs. However, opting for a single policy for your entire family may prove more cost-effective than taking out individual policies.

Your medical history

Honest disclosure is crucial, as certain health conditions may elevate premiums. Full transparency ensures coverage for all disclosed ailments.

Your policy

Costs are significantly influenced by the chosen coverage level. Basic cover is economical but offers limited protection, while comprehensive cover, though pricier, provides more extensive coverage.

Your location

Geographical location directly impacts costs, with private hospitals in different areas charging varying amounts for treatments. Notably, private healthcare costs are highest in London.

Average cost of private family health insurance in the UK

Based on a typical comprehensive policy in January 2024.

Age	Monthly Premium (£)*
20-years-old	£38.36
30-years-old	£51.57
40-years-old	£64.25
50-years-old	£83.50
60-years-old	£121.60
70-years-old	£193.90

How can I keep my family health insurance costs down?

Add an excess

Lower your premiums by adding an excess, as you'll be contributing to the initial part of any claim.

Pay annually

Opting to make an annual payment is usually more cost-effective than paying monthly.

Reduce your hospital list

Limit your choice of hospitals for treatment to lower the overall cost.

Add a waiting period

Agree to NHS treatment if the waiting time is six weeks or less to reduce your premium.

Health cash plan

Consider a health cash plan. These provide a lump sum for routine family healthcare costs like dental work and eye tests.

What extras can I add to my family health insurance policy?

Dental and optical care: Additional coverage for dental and optical treatments.
Mental health cover: Comprehensive mental health support, including outpatient, inpatient, and day-patient cover. This can allow patients to access treatment from psychiatrists, psychologists, and cognitive behavioural therapists.
Therapies and Other Treatments: GP-referred treatments from osteopaths, acupuncturists, or chiropractors.
No-claims discount (NCD) protection: Safeguard individual NCDs for each family member on the policy.

Does family health insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?

While family health insurance typically excludes pre-existing conditions, some providers may offer coverage for an additional premium or after a specified waiting period in which patients have not undergone treatment for the condition. It's crucial to compare options and review policy details to understand the possibilities.

The term pre-existing medical condition refers to a disease, condition, or injury for which you've had symptoms or received treatment before your cover started. Family health insurance is primarily designed for future medical issues rather than pre-existing conditions.

Can you add family members to your health insurance?

You can include your current partner and children from current and past relationships, as well as those under your guardianship. Many insurers charge only for the first child; additional children are covered free of charge. Family health insurance typically covers members of your immediate family, such as your spouse or partner and dependent children. Additionally, family members do not usually have to live at the same address to be included in a family policy; for example, your child could be away at university.

Additional ways to reduce premiums

Adjust outpatient cover: Tailor outpatient cover by lowering claimable amounts or limiting the number of consultations you can have.
Opt for necessary extras only: Choose only the essential extras, considering cost-effective alternatives like a healthcare cash plan.
Live healthily: Embrace a healthier lifestyle for potential premium reductions. Some providers reward healthy behaviour.
Check employee schemes: Explore employer-offered discounted health insurance schemes for potential family coverage perks.

Insurance providers allow flexibility in tailoring your package, considering factors such as age, health, and lifestyle for premium determination. Additional considerations like a six-week NHS option and healthy living practices can further contribute to cost reduction.

What should I consider before taking out a family policy?

Health insurance costs can vary, and your premium is calculated based on several factors. Here's what influences the cost:

Family healthcare needs

Identify your family's specific healthcare requirements, including necessary treatments, conditions, and the level of coverage that suits your budget.

Age limits

Check the age limits on policies, as some insurers set maximum age limits for adults and children, which could affect your eligibility.

Types of treatment

Consider the types of treatment your family might need, such as dental cover for children or physiotherapy for sports-related injuries.

Family health history

Review your family's medical history, as this can influence what conditions are included or excluded from coverage, especially pre-existing or hereditary conditions.

Coverage for disabilities and hereditary conditions

Ensure that the policy covers disabilities and hereditary conditions like cancer or heart disease if relevant to your family.

International travel

Evaluate how often your family travels abroad, as most health insurance policies do not cover treatment outside the UK, which may require separate travel insurance.

FAQ

Can we get health insurance as a couple?

How many people can be covered by family health insurance?

Do I need family health insurance if I’m covered through work?

Can my family still use the NHS?

Do my family need a medical to access cover?

Can you put non-family members on your health insurance?

Does family health insurance cover sporting activities and injuries?

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