How to Avoid UK Hospital Waiting Lists

man waiting at a medical facility

In the past two years, NHS waiting lists have grown by over 2 million people . In addition, there is a staff shortage of 154,000 workers in the NHS.

It's no wonder UK residents are asking themselves "What would happen if I got ill?"

Unfortunately, National Insurance contributions no longer seem to guarantee an effective health service, with over 300,000 people waiting more than 1 year for medical care . The choice is clear - wait and take a chance on a broken health service, or take matters into your own hands.

Many people have seen the writing on the wall and are choosing private health insurance.

None of us know when we, or members of our family will become ill. Simply put, private health insurance can protect our future.

If you got seriously ill tomorrow would you be confident that you could be seen quickly on the NHS? Judging by the latest waiting list figures, that seems doubtful.

How NHS waiting lists have risen. Image from ifs.org.uk

Experts suggest that the benefits of private health insurance are multiple. As waiting lists grow the divide between state and private healthcare becomes even more obvious.

But what does private health insurance cover? Are some policies better than others?

For people new to private health insurance, the basic idea is that you pay a monthly fee which helps to cover the cost of future medical expenses. Reassuringly, most plans already include cover for:

• Short-term illness
• Acute illness
• Disease
• Injuries
• Day-care surgery
• In-patient surgery and tests

However, it may also be possible to customise your insurance package by speaking to a specialist health insurance broker.