Why more people than ever are seeking private health insurance

Recent statistics released by the Association of British Insurers indicate that the number of people in the UK with private medical insurance rose by 2.7 per cent in 2008, despite the economic recession. According to the research, 6.2 million people were covered by personal or corporate private health insurance and another 1.1 million were covered by Healthcare Trust arrangements, bringing the total number of people with private medical insurance in the country to 7.3 million.

But why are so many keen to pay out for private health insurance, even though treatment in Britain can usually be claimed for free on the National Health Service? The answer to this question lies in the many benefits that health insurance provides, as well as its relative cost-effectiveness for families.

What are the benefits of private health insurance?

For starters, being a private health insurance policyholder means you won't have to wait several days, weeks and - in the worst cases - months to see your doctor. A recent survey from BUPA Health Insurance, for instance, found that eight out of ten respondents thought the NHS's target waiting time of 18 weeks was too long. With health insurance, you'll be able to see a doctor privately at a time that's convenient to you and then file your claim to receive your money back.

Private medical insurance policies aren't just for general medical enquiries either. Many health cash plans will allow you to claim back money towards the cost of optical and dental care, both of which can be costly if you have problems with your vision or your teeth. What's more, some health insurance providers also throw in cover for alternative therapies - including acupuncture and physiotherapy - at no extra cost. So if you should happen to suffer from stress or develop a backache (a common problem if you work at a computer all day), you'll be able to get your problems seen to quickly and claim back the cost from your insurer.

Some companies also offer private health insurance as an employee benefit for free or at a discounted cost. If this is the case with your company, it may be possible for you to extend your cover to include your partner or your children for just a small added fee. Having your children covered in particular can provide real peace of mind as, if one of them should fall seriously ill, you won't have to rely on long NHS waiting times to see a paediatrician.

Purchasing health insurance online is easy

Whether you're keen to get health insurance so you can claim back the cost of a full health screening or you want to ensure you have readily available medical protection from threats like the H1N1 (swine flu) virus, purchasing health insurance online is now easier than ever. To find a policy that matches your needs and the monthly amount you're willing to spend, simply conduct an insurance comparison on a website like this one for answers. You'll be able to compare quotes and health insurance benefits from a range of providers, as well as access tips to refine your search - so you could be covered in just a few clicks of a mouse.