Health cash plans provide limited cash sums towards everyday healthcare bills. Different policies cover one or a combination of healthcare such as dental care, optical care, physiotherapy, or stays in hospital.
So for example a policy will pay out a maximum of £100 per year towards optical care bills you have incurred, and £10 for each night you need stay in hospital (up to a maximum of say 16 nights). Most providers offer a range of covers with different levels of payouts, and the smaller the payouts the cheaper the premiums.
What isn't covered?
Some policies have age restrictions and will only cover you if you are under a certain age (often 65). If you've had health problems in the past (pre-existing conditions), the cash plan may not pay out on certain types of healthcare. Some plans also apply qualifying periods which means that they will not pay out towards any treatment undergone in the first few months of the policy, so shop around and make sure you get the cover you need.
Dental insurance
What's it for?
Dental insurance is a type of health cash plan that focuses on dental care. Most of these pay for treatments such as crowns, root canal work, bridges and dentures up to an agreed maximum each year. If your teeth are in good health you can also take out a capitation scheme: you pay a monthly fee in return for check-ups, regular treatment, X-rays and extractions.
What isn't covered?
Check your plan carefully. More serious work such as oral cancer, surgery and serious dental abscesses are often excluded. Some plans apply qualifying periods which means that they will not pay out towards any treatment undergone in the first few months of the policy, so shop around and make sure you get the cover you need.
Top tips
1. Read the paperwork and ask questions if you don't understand anything.
2. Make sure you check what you're covered or not covered for.
3. Tell the insurance company if you have any existing medical conditions.
Link to previous article Private Medical Insurance
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