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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 Covered By Private Medical Insurance?: Private Medical Insurance is designed to cover only treatment for curable, short term illness or injury. Some illnesses and treatments can never be expected to be included in any policy.
Are Dental Treatments Covered?: Whether dental treatment is included or not depends on what level of cover you choose.
Who Do I Ask For Advice On Where To Buy My Private Medical Insurance?: When you are looking for private medical insurance it is well worth doing thorough research – not only to get the cheapest deal but to make sure that PMI is right for you.
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.

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.

However, if you suddenly fall ill unexpectedly with a chronic condition most PMI policies will pay the cost of treatment for stabilising your condition and returning you to your previous level of health if this is possible.

Insurance policies have a list of exclusions and the most common among these include drug/alcohol abuse, self-inflicted injuries, gender reassignment, cosmetic surgery (except after a disfiguring illness or accident), organ transplants, private GP consultations, HIV and/or AIDS, injuries arising from dangerous sports, infertility, normal pregnancy and sterilisation treatment.

Important: when you seek private medical treatment you must be referred by a GP - if you go straight to a private specialist then you will not be able to make a claim.