| A recent survey by the 'Hospital Doctor' | | | | The introduction of modular products has |
| magazine, which was featured predominantly in | | | | provided the consumer with choice, and in recent |
| the Daily Mail, has revealed that nearly a quarter | | | | months, Health-on-Line - a provider of private |
| of GP's now have private medical insurance. This | | | | medical insurance - has seen a dramatic increase |
| news has been met with a series of responses; | | | | in the number of GP's purchasing their Personal |
| many blaming GPs for 'deserting' the NHS, claiming | | | | Choice product. |
| that there is little faith in the system and that this | | | | Private Health insurance ensures that the major |
| is a by-product of low morale and Government | | | | costs relating to eligible treatment of acute |
| targets. | | | | conditions are covered at a private hospital on the |
| Perhaps GP's have lost faith in their overstretched | | | | published hospital directory. With medical expertise |
| public health system; maybe they are concerned | | | | and technology advancing all the time, relatively |
| about infections and waiting lists. Or, perhaps they | | | | minor operations can cost thousands of pounds |
| see the ever rising tide of patients and waiting | | | | on a self-pay basis. By taking out private medical |
| lists, and can imagine the headlines if they or their | | | | insurance, not only can NHS waiting lists and |
| families contributed towards them. But, there are | | | | unexpected charges be avoided for eligible costs |
| those who seize upon the pay rises that have | | | | but individuals can experience peace of mind and |
| been awarded to GP's in Britain, and state that | | | | confidence, at a time when stress and concerns |
| affordability is a fundamental reason behind the | | | | should be minimal. |
| apparent mutiny. But, although there might be a | | | | Private medical insurance needn't be expensive, |
| quarter of Britain's GP's who have chosen to | | | | and it could cost less than £1 per day for a |
| purchase private medical insurance, 7 million other | | | | couple in their mid-forties to be covered under a |
| people have also opted for private healthcare | | | | comprehensive Personal Choice plan arranged by |
| throughout the country. | | | | Health-on-Line. So, should we concern ourselves |
| In recent years, the evolving products within the | | | | that Doctors are taking out private medical |
| industry have meant that it isn't just professionals | | | | insurance when private care is becoming more |
| who are obtaining this apparent 'luxury' product. | | | | affordable for everyone? |