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How does private medical insurance work?: Private Medical Insurance is exactly like car insurance or home insurance. It is only there in case you need it. Once you have chosen your policy, you will pay your premiums on a yearly, quarterly or monthly basis, whichever suits you best.
What Is Not Covered By Private Medical Insurance?: Private Medical Insurance plans do not cover chronic or critical illnesses which cannot be cured, for example multiple sclerosis, asthma or diabetes.
Will My Premiums Increase As I Get Older?: Your private medical insurance premiums will increase with age because you are more likely to make a claim for medical treatment.
Do Insurers Have a Money-Back Guarantee?: If you decide that you don't want to take out your private medical insurance policy, most insurers offer a money-back guarantee.
What Happens If I Want To Move To Another Insurer?: If you have a current private medical insurance plan but wish to change to another insurer then it is possible to ensure that you receive a plan on "no worse terms.” This is known in the trade as a CPME plan.

What does the term 'out-patient' mean?

This is the term that most private medical insurance policies use for treatment given at a hospital which does not require an overnight stay, or any recovery time.

Only the higher levels of private medical insurance cover this level of treatment, in which you do not need to have a serious enough condition to have an operation. If you do require this level of cover for the ultimate peace of mind, make sure that you get the most comprehensive level of cover. This will cost considerably more than the lower levels of cover.

Example: if you are suffering from an in-growing toenail which requires hospital attention and treatment, you will be classed as an out-patient.