Checklist

Private Medical Insurance Plans:
As we move into the 21st century more and more people are taking out Private Medical Insurance. Deciding on the type of medical healthcare plan that best meets your needs can be confusing if you are a first time buyer. Too often clients consider price or premium comparisons which can be a mistake. Always check out benefits and level of cover, and any exclusions to such cover. You need to consider which one of these plans meets your needs.

• Budget Plan: Covers In-Patient and Day-Patient treatment. Some insurers offer Out-Patient treatment when associated with an eligible In-Patient stay.
• Comprehensive Plans: Cover In-Patient Day-Patient Out-Patient treatment plus Consultations Tests X-Rays and Pathology, Psychiatric treatment, and Physiotherapy. Out-Patient benefits vary from insurer to insurer.

Some insures cover in full some have limits or restrictions. Follow up Out-Patient treatment after an eligible in-patient or day care treatment - most insurers have a time limit of three months with full cover.

Once you have selected your type of plan you need to decide whether you want to complete a full medical history application form, or the Moratorium application form. Remember Budget plans offer fewer benefits so be sure the benefits cover your needs. Some Insurers offer introductory discounts plus the option to reduce premiums further by paying annually or selecting to pay an excess option. The amounts and discounts vary from insurer to insurer.

Questions to ask your Insurer:

• Does the plan allow a cooling off period, cancellation and repayment in full?
• What is the difference between a Comprehensive plan and Budget Plan?
• What is the difference between a Full medically underwritten plan and a Moratorium plan?
• Do I need a medical before joining the plan?
• If I have pre-existing conditions how long are they excluded from cover when joining the plan?
• How do I make a claim?
• Does the plan allow continuing cover throughout your life time?
• Does the plan provide you non-cancellable renewable terms regardless of claims?
• If I have an introductory discount, what happens at renewal if I make a claim?
• Am I covered for medical treatment when travelling abroad?
• What happens in an emergency?
• What does Hospital Banding A.B.C. mean?
• What are the excess option savings?
• What does CPME/No worse terms mean?
• Is Dental cover included in the plan?
• Does the plan include Complementary medicine?
• As more people are turning to alternative medicine the insures are taking an enlightened approach towards the
• holistic treatments such as chiropractic, homeopaths, osteopaths, and acupuncturists, subject to annual limits.

Maternity Care Cover:
Most married couples and pregnant woman only consider cover for pregnancy when already pregnant. All insurers will consider this to be a pre-existing condition and routine maternity cover will not be given. The normal requirement before routine cover is given is between 6 and 12 months, depending on the insurer. Emergency treatment is normally covered by the insurer.

Critical Illness or Personal Accident Cover:
Generally as with most services you get what you pay for. The thing to consider is does the plan you have bought give you Peace of Mind. This might cost you more in the beginning but save you pounds later.

No two plans are the same so its always best to obtain at least three product providers plans. Have a review of your medical insurance needs using an independent Broker. The Insurer's brochure pack and benefits/exclusions need to be read carefully. If you are unclear with any part of your plan go back to the insurer for clarification before committing yourself to the insurer.

You may not read this document again until you make a claim so make sure it meets your needs before you buy, then you wil be confident that you have peace of mind.

Finally, brand name alone does not indicate good quality and service. Many of the lesser known healthcare providers have excellent premiums, wide ranges of benefits, good claims records, and 24 hour help line.