For the times when you could be treated privately or via the NHS the actual care you receive should remain the same, receiving treatment via an NHS hospital should not mean that your level of care and treatment is any less. Though the treatment shouldn’t differ it is likely there will be a lack of private rooms and home comforts such as a television and internet, along with the waiting lists here is the common reasons for an individual choosing private treatment and the interaction the private sector has with the NHS.
The surroundings
People tend to choose private treatment for the comfort and privacy it provides. Patients tend to have their own private room with en-suite bathroom and a more homely décor similar to that of a nice hotel rather than a hospital ward.
Although the NHS can cater for many different tastes and dietary requirements, it is difficult preparing a high standard of food for lots of patients and staff around the clock whilst coming in budget. Private hospitals don’t have these issues and thus the food tends to be of a higher standard with a greater variety and you have the added benefit of requesting food when you are hungry.
The waiting time
Often the most common reason of all is the shorter waiting times that are expected in the private sector. Although the NHS are working very hard to reduce waiting times for appointments, it is increasingly difficult to achieve with an increasing and aging population.
The demand on the NHS is huge and the private sector taking patients helps to relieve some of this stress making it easier for the hospitals to manage their individual caseload. With private health insurance you can choose a time convenient to you to receive treatment.
Access to equipment
It can be the case given the size of the NHS where it is able to offer a greater choice of equipment than the private hospital as the machines required for many treatments and procedures is very expensive. Private hospitals may struggle in providing all the screening equipment they need to offer a full service so occasionally as a private patient you may need to be treated in an NHS hospital in order to receive the care you require.
There are several differences between the NHS and private care, some of which have been outlined.
Being treated privately at an NHS hospital
The NHS has become an increasingly important provider of private treatment through the many private wards which exist within NHS hospitals. Receiving treatment privately at an NHS hospital does not mean that your level of care and treatment will be any less. Some health insurance policies offer you the option to choose a hospital list which only covers you in private wards of NHS trusts which can substantially reduce your premiums, often up to 30%(see Health Insurance – Reducing the cost)
- The private treatment offered by the NHS can come at a reasonable price.
- There is a real depth in the range of staff on hand such as nurses and therapists who can care for your needs providing additional resources.
- Not only will you get the treatment you required but the NHS will benefit as it can profit from the money that your private treatment brings.
- NHS hospitals are well stocked to deal with medical emergencies around the clock.
If you are looking for an affordable health insurance plan and want some guidance on the options available let us know. As independent insurance brokers dealing with insurance day in, day out we can help you review the health market and find the policy which best meets your needs.
For more information regardin treatment in the UK you can visit the NHS website.
