GP’s Choose Private Healthcare Over NHS

By: Andrew Regan
March 02, 2007

A recent survey by the ‘Hospital Doctor’ magazine, which was featured predominantly in the Daily Mail, has revealed that nearly a quarter of GP’s now have private medical insurance. This news has been met with a series of responses; many blaming GPs for ‘deserting’ the NHS, claiming that there is little faith in the system and that this is a by-product of low morale and Government targets.

Perhaps GP’s have lost faith in their overstretched public health system; maybe they are concerned about infections and waiting lists. Or, perhaps they see the ever rising tide of patients and waiting lists, and can imagine the headlines if they or their families contributed towards them. But, there are those who seize upon the pay rises that have been awarded to GP’s in Britain, and state that affordability is a fundamental reason behind the apparent mutiny. But, although there might be a quarter of Britain’s GP’s who have chosen to purchase private medical insurance, 7 million other people have also opted for private healthcare throughout the country.

In recent years, the evolving products within the industry have meant that it isn’t just professionals who are obtaining this apparent ‘luxury’ product. The introduction of modular products has provided the consumer with choice, and in recent months, Health-on-Line - a provider of private medical insurance - has seen a dramatic increase in the number of GP’s purchasing their Personal Choice product.

Private Health insurance ensures that the major costs relating to eligible treatment of acute conditions are covered at a private hospital on the published hospital directory. With medical expertise and technology advancing all the time, relatively minor operations can cost thousands of pounds on a self-pay basis. By taking out private medical insurance, not only can NHS waiting lists and unexpected charges be avoided for eligible costs but individuals can experience peace of mind and confidence, at a time when stress and concerns should be minimal.

Private medical insurance needn’t be expensive, and it could cost less than Ł1 per day for a couple in their mid-forties to be covered under a comprehensive Personal Choice plan arranged by Health-on-Line. So, should we concern ourselves that Doctors are taking out private medical insurance when private care is becoming more affordable for everyone?

Andrew Regan is an online, freelance journalist.

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