Health Insurance – The Top Up Debate

Health insurance is an increasing priority for many people who have read the stories in the media about patients who have been denied access to new drugs and treatments. And the health insurance industry is reacting to the gap in the market. The idea of patients paying top up payments via health insurance policies is being hotly debated. And the health insurance industry has told BBC News that the market and need for this service is potentially huge.

Health Insurance - a Matter of Life and Death

The idea of top up payments via private health insurance policies is currently being reviewed by the government and health experts; Representatives from the health insurance industry are meeting with the policy makers to try and reach some solutions. Some cancer drugs are notoriously expensive, and fighting to get the best, newest or priciest drugs can feel like an uphill battle in some cases. The availability of new drugs and treatments has been dubbed a 'postcode lottery' by critics, and those that can afford it aren't taking any chances and opting for private health insurance.

Private Health Insurance and the Big C

Some private health insurance companies already have top up style policies in place which provide private cover - something more people are realising is necessary when some new cancer drugs can cost up to £30,000 a year. But not everybody can afford these top up schemes. Investing in a good health insurance policy at a young age is the most cost effective option but for one cancer patient who simply can't afford to pay for the top ups has told the BBC he'd be able to pay for the first two or three months for the cancer drugs: "On the fourth month I die. It's as simple as that."

Health Insurance - Safeguarding the Future

For the 12% of people in Britain who have private health insurance, it isn't a concern. For the rest of the UK, the idea of being denied life extending or life saving drugs because of the cost is a bitter pill to swallow. Cancer is one of the biggest killers, and without health insurance, few people will be able to afford the drugs deemed too expensive for mass use. If new policies are passed to allow for top ups from private health insurance, it could revolutionise healthcare in the UK, as more people opt for private health insurance schemes to safeguard their future healthcare.

Looking for Health Insurance? Speak to The Insurance Service

The Insurance Service's ethos is that it strives to provide fair health insurance policies in an industry dominated by a small number of major providers and decided to give more choice to those seeking health insurance policies. To find out more about the health insurance and income protection policies available from The Insurance Service, just call 0845 053 3404 or fill in the online enquiry form.

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