Private Health Insurance Northern Ireland: A Guide to Coverage and Costs

Private health insurance in Northern Ireland can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of unexpected medical expenses.

There are several types of private health insurance plans available, including comprehensive, basic, and specialist cover.

Comprehensive plans usually include coverage for hospital stays, diagnostic tests, and specialist consultations.

Basic plans often have lower premiums but may have limited coverage and exclusions.

Specialist cover can provide protection for specific medical conditions or treatments, such as cancer or heart surgery.

Premiums for private health insurance plans in Northern Ireland can vary significantly depending on factors like age, health status, and plan type.

On average, a 30-year-old non-smoker can expect to pay around £50-£100 per month for a comprehensive plan.

Health insurance can give you easy access to private medical treatment and consultations. You pay a premium, and the insurance covers all or some of the costs of treatment for you, your partner, or any family members on the policy.

Private treatment can mean shorter wait times, so you don't have to put your health on hold. This can be especially beneficial in Northern Ireland, where NHS waiting lists can be lengthy.

The insurance covers a range of acute short-term illnesses or injuries, as well as all stages of treatment for cancer. However, it's essential to note that chronic conditions, except for cancer, are not covered, and pre-existing conditions are also excluded.

You'll also get added benefits, such as 24/7 access to GP video consultations and discounts on health and fitness clubs, which can be a great value for the price.

Here are some key factors that influence the cost of health insurance:

On average, our health insurance costs less than £50.00 a month, which is equivalent to £1.52 a day – less than your daily coffee.

Over 1.2 million people have chosen our health insurance, and it's not hard to see why – with private health, you can reduce waiting times for elective procedures, tests, and consultations.

Our wellbeing services offer a range of benefits, including mental health support, discounts on top brands, and access to health and fitness clubs nationwide.

With our health insurance, you'll have comprehensive coverage for cancer diagnosis, treatment, and aftercare, as well as up to £2,000 of outpatient mental health treatment for conditions like anxiety and depression.

The cost of our health insurance is competitive, with an average monthly price of less than £50.00 – equivalent to just £1.52 a day.

Key factors that influence the price of our health insurance include age, location, claim history, cover, and policy excess.

Here's a breakdown of the factors that affect the cost of our health insurance:

Our health insurance offers a range of benefits that can make a significant difference in your life. Over 1.2 million people have chosen to have health insurance with us as of June 2024.

Private health insurance can help reduce waiting times for elective procedures, tests, and consultations. This can be especially beneficial if you have urgent health needs.

One of the standout features of our health insurance is the comprehensive coverage for cancer diagnosis and treatment. This includes chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and dedicated aftercare and monitoring.

We also offer support for mental health, covering up to £2,000 of outpatient mental health treatment for conditions like anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and OCD. All you need is a GP referral.

Our wellbeing services go beyond just health insurance, offering discounts on top brands like Fitbit and Gousto, as well as access to health and fitness clubs nationwide.

Here are some of the key benefits of our health insurance:

The cost of health insurance can be a bit of a mystery, but thankfully, it's not as complicated as you might think. On average, our health insurance costs less than £50.00 a month, which is equivalent to £1.52 a day – less than your daily coffee.

Several factors influence the price of health insurance, including your age and location. If you're older, you may be more likely to make a claim, while some locations in the UK are more expensive than others for private healthcare.

Your claim history is also a factor, as the number of past claims you've made may impact your premium. This is why it's essential to review your policy regularly and make sure you're not paying for unnecessary coverage.

The type of policy you choose will also determine the price, so be sure to tailor your coverage to your budget and needs. For example, if you add family members to your policy, the cost will increase accordingly.

A higher policy excess can also lower your premium, but this means you'll have to pay more out of pocket when you make a claim. It's a trade-off, but one that's worth considering if you're on a tight budget.

Here are some key factors that affect the price of health insurance:

In Northern Ireland, private health insurance typically doesn't cover pre-existing medical conditions, which means any health issues you had before taking out a policy may not be covered.

If you have a pre-existing condition, you may be able to get cover, but it's often at an additional cost or with certain exclusions.

Pre-existing conditions can include anything from high blood pressure to diabetes, and even mental health conditions like depression.

Some private health insurance policies may cover pre-existing conditions after a certain period, usually 2-5 years, but this varies between providers.

Pre-existing conditions are usually defined as any health issue you've had before taking out a policy, even if you've been symptom-free for a while.

With private health insurance in Northern Ireland, you'll have access to a range of wellbeing services to support your physical and mental health.

You can use MyHealthCounts, an online tool to measure your health and potentially get a discount on your renewal premium.

You'll also have 24/7 access to GP video consultations and repeat NHS prescriptions via the Aviva Digital GP app, at no extra cost.

Get Active is another service that offers discounts on lifestyle products and offers at over 3,000 health and fitness clubs.

The 24-hour Stress Counselling helpline is available 24/7, providing trained professionals who can offer a supporting ear if you need it.

You'll also have access to materials on mental health topics, designed to educate and support you.

If you're dealing with the daily lifestyle adjustments that come with a cancer diagnosis, Cancer Care with Get Active offers discounts and services to help.

These wellbeing services are non-contractual and can be changed or withdrawn at any time.

In Northern Ireland, you can make a claim with your private health insurance provider at any time, not just when you're admitted to hospital.

You can claim for a wide range of treatments, including hospital stays, surgeries, and outpatient procedures.

Some private health insurance policies in Northern Ireland cover you for specialist consultations, while others may require you to pay for these appointments upfront.

Pre-existing medical conditions are typically covered after a 12-month waiting period, but this can vary depending on the policy you choose.

You can also claim for diagnostic tests and scans, such as MRIs and CT scans, but these may be subject to a waiting period or excess.

It's essential to check your policy documents to understand what's covered and what's not, as well as any waiting periods or excesses that apply.

You can make a claim online, over the phone, or by post, depending on your provider's process.

In Northern Ireland, the private healthcare sector is a significant part of the overall healthcare system. Private healthcare is often used for secondary or specialist treatment and care, such as diagnostic tests, specialist treatment, and operations in private hospitals.

Most residents of Northern Ireland are registered with an NHS GP, but the private sector is frequently used for non-essential treatment like cosmetic surgery. Private hospitals are on the rise in Northern Ireland, with a growing number of providers, practices, and clinics.

Health insurance is a common way to pay for private care in hospitals or from various health professionals. MoneyHelper provides useful information on private health insurance options.

If you're considering private health insurance, it's worth noting that secondary care, such as hospitals and mental health provision, is well served by the private sector.