Health Insurance – The Best Treatment

Health insurance is increasingly crucial for people in the UK facing uphill battles with life threatening diseases. The need for health insurance has been highlighted by a flurry of media reports into patients who have been refused certain drugs by the NHS. One such story was reported by the BBC News. Richard Eckley was devastated when he was told he had cancer in his left kidney and lungs. After having the tumours removed, he began chemotherapy. But like others in his position, he could have been better with private health insurance to cover his treatment. The NHS refused him access to Sutent, a drug that has fewer side-effects than the cheaper drugs used by the national health service. Opting for private health care and comprehensive health insurance would mean a different approach to his treatment. Sutent would also double his chance of survival.

Health Insurance: Optimum Treatment

It's a tragic situation to be struggling against the odds against a vicious illness and left fighting for treatment. Health insurance makes increasing sense for many who read such stories – especially when you consider that Mr Eckley was told that if he did choose to pay for Sutent himself, the NHS would make him pay for all his other care. As such, he may have been far better served by paying for private health insurance. He told the BBC: “It's been difficult, a harrowing experience.”

Health Insurance Policies for Peace of Mind

Other examples that show why more people could be turning to private health insurance include the death of an NHS patient who lost her free NHS treatment for bowel cancer after she paid for a drug not provided by the NHS. Private health insurance might make more financial sense when patients discover NHS policy is for patients to be billed for all treatment if they attempt to pay for drugs on top of the care provided. There is no middle ground – patients who want drugs not accessible on the NHS must opt for private care via their health insurance policies.

NHS: 'A Postcode Lottery'

For the Eckley family, the ordeal has been miserable costing them thousands of pounds to access the drug. It's no wonder more patients would rather opt for health insurance than put their faith in the NHS. Mr Eckley's wife Barbara told the BBC: “My husband is the proof this drug works and works well. I know of others who have had Sutent prescribed on the NHS in Caerphilly, Manchester and Birmingham. It's a postcode lottery and it makes me so angry.”

Right to Health is a leading UK health insurance intermediary, helping individuals and corporations find the best private health insurance cover. With access to the UK’s top health insurance companies, Right to Health has advised thousands of clients and can help you to get great health coverage for a competitive premium. Right to Health is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, which means that you can be confident that the recommendations you are given really are in your best interests. To find out more or to get a review of your current health insurance, call 08000 753 999 or click the Free Online Quote button at the top of the page.

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