May 31st, 2011
Making a claim on your private health insurance with Freedom Healthnet is straightforward. Freedom has two types of policies: a cashplan and a traditional insurance policy. Both have a similar process.
With the comprehensive medical insurance policy Freedom Healthnet will settle reasonable and customary charges directly with the treatment provider (i.e. the private hospital).
With the Your Choice policy (cashplan health insurance) once your claim is authorised, Freedom will credit your account within 5 working days. You then have the choice about what to do: get treated on the NHS and keep the cash sum or use the money to pay for / pay towards (depending upon the hospital you select) private treatment. Remember, that you will be a self pay patient and to inform the hospital of that fact to get the best price.
When you need to make a claim, Freedom will need to take basic details from you over the phone; you then fill out a form; Freedom may need to check the details and maybe contact your doctor or specialist. Freedom will then confirm if the claim is accepted and when payment will be made or authorise treatment.
If you become unwell, you will visit your GP. This is the first step to confirming that something is amiss and that you require treatment. The doctor will refer you to a specialist. You must tell your doctor that you wish to have private treatment.
If you are making a claim, you need to contact Freedom as soon as possible. This can be done in two ways: by telephone and then by filling out the claims form. Call the claims helpline on 08703 50 40 30 and explain briefly what the issue is. Please have your policy details to hand so that we that your policy and details can be located swiftly. Your claims advisor will send you a claims form.
Your GP needs to fill out your claim form (Part A) and then return it to Freedom Healthnet as soon as possible. Freedom will review the form and may need to apply for additional medical information from your doctor. This information is necessary to ensure that can your claim can be processed.
Freedom will then write to you to. When you receive this confirmation, see your chosen specialist.
If the specialist then recommends further treatment or surgery they will need to complete Part B of the claim form. This is the specialist stating that the procedure is ‘medically necessary’.
You will then get a letter to confirm if you are covered for the procedure.
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May 20th, 2011
As reported recently in our posts, stress and mental health issues within the workplace are on the rise within the UK. This is largely due to the economic climate; worries about job retention; reduced budgets; greater workloads due to less staff, etc.
Individuals are concerned by their employers reaction to admitting to stress or other mental health issues. A massive 22% of employees are concerned that admitting to their employers that they are suffering from stress would mean that they would lose their job. However, employers might be more understanding if there is:
- a mental health policy / action plan in place in the workplace
- employee health insurance that covers mental health issues
Private health insurance that takes into account mental health issues is worth its weight in gold not just for the individual but for companies and the economy. Freedom Healthnet offers psychiatric treatment as an option on its diamond cashplan insurance and its comprehensive cover.
According to a recent paper published by Centre for Mental Health the effects of poor mental health are costing the country £30.3bn as people are rendered unable to work. The charity believe that extreme action needs to be taken in order to help people. ‘It is vital that action is taken across government to prevent the development of mental health problems wherever possible, to intervene quickly and effectively when people become unwell and to promote positive mental health for all,’ says the charity.
Centre for Mental Health joint chief executive Professor Bob Grove talks about the impact of mental health problems on our society. ‘Mental ill health carries a heavy cost, especially for those who experience mental health problems and their families. It costs businesses more than £1,000 for every person they employ and has an impact on spending in every government department… ‘Mental ill health is a fact of life. Every day, one in six of us experiences mental ill health, while one in 100 has a severe mental illness. It is vital that government, public services, businesses and communities respond well to mental ill health and do their bit to prevent both distress and discrimination.’
Tags: emplo, mental health
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May 6th, 2011
Private health insurance is the way for people to avoid the waiting lists of the NHS.
This is one of the main benefits of taking out health cover. You can be seen in a private treatment centre and at a time that is most convenient to them. Waiting lists are currently one of the main reasons for people to take out a private health insurance policy. They want the flexibility that comes with private healthcare, this means being seen outside of work hours, getting an appointment often within a week and not being subject to 16 week delays to see a specialist.
Even in the current financial environment where people are having to cut costs in every area of their daily expenditures, the takeup of health insurance remains constant. People cannot afford to be unwell for extended periods of time and understand the need to invest in and insure their health. They value health insurance as a means of getting them back to work swiftly should they become ill and need treatment.
The Department of Health has previously announced that most people (over 94 percent) would only have to wait eight weeks or less from the time they are referred by their GP to their outpatient slot. However, with reductions in budgets and staffing and wards closing, the NHS has been unable to keep to this target. It is worth noting also that in clamping down on waiting times, the NHS has classed a number of procedures as non-urgent. Non-urgent cases were outside the 8 week target. These treatments tend to have longer waiting lists as a result, and although they are not life threatening. Procedures such as cataract operations or shoulder operations can make a big difference to the condition of a person’s life. This means that people still need private cover to be able to be treated within a short space of time and with all waiting times potentially increasing due to lack of funding, private cover is all the more important.
Long term conditions can also keep people off work for lengthy periods, so employers could still be attracted to health insurance for their staff to help get them back to work as quick as possible, rather than having them wait for NHS care. Private health insurance is a good guarantee that a patient will be treated in the shortest time possible.
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May 2nd, 2011
Although many concerns are raised about the NHS, it is an very good health service that we pay for via our National Health contributions. And we are very lucky to have this public healthcare here in the UK.
However, whereas the NHS is very efficient at treating emergencies and life-threatening conditions, for non-urgent procedures patients can be waiting months for treatment. This can mean a poor quality of life for the patient whilst they are awaiting treatment. It can mean a long term absence from work; a drop in income to Statutory Sick Pay after a certain period of time; it could also put jobs in jeopardy as employers seek to make cost reductions through redundancies. For self-employed people or sole traders, it is an even greater concern. People cannot afford not to work during a recession.
For many people in these difficult times, it is necessary to think about protecting their source of income through ensuring that they stay healthy. A healthy lifestyle is the first priority. Private health insurance could also help for peace of mind. Medical cover can help you to get back to work more quickly and it might cost much less than you think.
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May 1st, 2011
For many people, the bill for their private medical insurance is picked up by their employers, so it doesn’t cost them anything. Often their families will be covered, too, although some companies charge for this. Companies find that insuring their employees means that their workers spend less time off sick so it makes sense in terms of finances and productivity.
Private treatment is convenient for all because there are shorter (or no) waiting times and because the appointments are tailored to suit the individual. Many private specialists / consultants offer appointments outside of normal working hours and often on weekends in order to suit their patients. This means that people dont have to take any additional time off work to see a specialist.
Additionally, companies choose medical insurance because they are, in most cases, guaranteed to see a consultant. Many people do not realise that, as an NHS patient, you will only see a consultant if your problem is particularly complex whereas private healthcare often allows you to select the consultant or specialist you wish to be treated by.
Not covered by employee health insurance with your company? Get a quote online and see how little it could cost with Freedom. Then ask for a comparison with all the other insurance providers (from BUPA to Axa to Standard Life, etc.) so you can choose a policy and level of cover to suit your employees and their families.
Tags: pmi
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April 27th, 2011
With the latest news that Catherine Zeta Jones has Bi-polar, mental illness and mental health issues are brought to the fore. Stephen Fry has also publicly announced that he suffers with the condition.
Stacey Branning Eastenders img cr: BBC
Various soaps and television programmes include various mental health items within their character’s lives which may also help understanding of the conditions. Eastenders’ Stacey Brannig, for instance, has recently portrayed Bi-polar disorder and Doctors has covered OCD. Eastenders consulted with mental health charity Mind and MDF The Bipolar Organisation to ensure that their portrayal is correct.
Bi-polar disorder is a mood disorder that is characterised by swings in a person’s mood from euphoric to depressed (high to low). It is also known as manic depression.
Companies like the Mental Health Foundation offer advice and help with this condition and other mental health issues.
Although not always a popular addition to select when buying health insurance, most policies have options for mental health or psychiatric services. These include inpatient and outpatient benefits. With increasing numbers of people recognising that they may need some professional help for depression, Bipolar disorder or some other such mental health issue, it is worth considering taking this option on your medical insurance.
Mind is available on Twitter as @MindCharity, Freedom Healthnet tweets on health and medical issues and news and is available on @FreedomHealthnt
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March 30th, 2011
What private hospitals can you use when you have comprehensive medical insurance? You would think that you had access to most of the private hospitals in the UK, wouldn’t you? The answer is yes …. and no.
If you live outside of London then you would probably be correct. Regional hospitals tend to be less expensive than London hospitals and so your medical insurance company will probably include these within your hospital list. Naturally, most people in the UK live outside of London so this may suit them.
If you are with a health insurer that has a treatment network, such as BUPA, then you would be restricted to the hospitals and treatment centres on their list. They have been in the press recently where they were the subject of complaints by treatment providers who could not treat patients under the BUPA scheme, despite complying with and attaining the necessary criteria to be within the network. The OFT is also investigating treatment networks to see if they are a constraint on consumers. So, with treatment networks you are restricted to those hospitals within that network.
If you live within London, then the private hosptials are more expensive and this may be covered within your medical insurance policy either by a loading according to your address – which is what some providers do – or by having an option to select ‘London Hospitals’ when you take out your policy.
Even within London, there are top hospitals which charge a premium. These are hospitals such as The Cromwell , the London Clinic and the Hosptial of St John and St Elizabeth. These can be selected if you specifically wish to be treated in these locations. There are other premier London hospitals that may be included by your health insurer.
As with every aspect of private medical insurance, it is imperative to ensure that you are fully covered for everything you think you or your loved ones may require. This may be cancer, physiotherapy or psychiatric treatment. Or it may be that you know that you would like the option to be treated at the Cromwell or another London premier hospital. In which case, it is vital that you take out these options when you get your medical insurance cover.
Freedom Healthnet offers two types of policies.
- A cashplan, which you can then use to self-pay in a hospital of your choice, subject to approval of inpatient claim. You arrange the price directly with the hospital so there may be a shortfall or there may be an excess amount left over after treatment – depending upon the hosptial you choose to be treated in.
- A comprehensive medical insurance policy which has 3 hospital lists.
- The ’standard’ hospital list which covers most private hospitals in the regions and a selection of London private hospitals
- The ‘Plus’ Hospital list which covers additional London hospitals such as the Harley Street Clinic, Portland Hospital; Princess Grace Hospital and the Wellington and Lister Hospitals
- The London Premier Hospital List. This includes all of the aforementioned hospitals plus the BUPA Cromwell, London Clinic and the Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth. This list is included with the executive level of medical cover.
What is the most important advice about medical insurance and private hospitals?
- Decide what level of cover you need
- Do you require London hospital cover
- Select the level of London cover
- Read the policy carefully to make sure that you have everything you need.
Find out more about private medical insurance and what it covers. Or get a quote for comprehensive medical cover and select all options for London premier hospitals.
The Cromwell hospital is one of the London premier treatment centres that hits the news as many well known people opt for treatment there. This list includes the Queen Mother, George Best, Cheryl Cole and Margaret Thatcher.
Tags: comprehensive medical insurance, london hosptials, medical insurance, private hospitals, Private Medical Insurance
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August 16th, 2010
At least 10,000 NHS jobs are being cut in front line health services, causing concern from the Royal College of Nursing.
There are at least 10,000 jobs which have been or are due to be lost due to redundancies, retirement and recruitment freezes report the College who refer to it as an ‘insidious erosion of staffing’. This reduction in numbers is part of the NHS having to make savings of £15-20 billion over the next 4 years.
With the need to improve services and reduce waiting times, this news is at odds with that process and it is anticipated that the number of people wishing to turn from relying solely on the NHS and moving towards private medical insurance (whether the more affordable cash plan or fully comprehensive PMI) so they have a confirmed way of getting prompt treatment if acute conditions occur.
Health Minister Anne Milton, however, commented: “I understand the RCN’s frustration and concern. The Government has committed to a real terms increase in NHS funding each year. We are seeking £20bn of efficiency savings by 2014. Every penny of this is available to support the delivery of quality healthcare service to patients.”
Tags: cash plan private medical insurance, NHS, nhs job cuts
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