Same with home or life insurance, private medical insurance (PMI) requires you to pay a monthly premium. This type of health insurance is an option that you can get which allows you to pay for your private medical care. Insurance typically lasts for a year, but if you're up-to-date with your payments, most insurance companies renew your membership automatically. One advantage of getting private medical insurance is that you can avoid the National Health Service's (NHS) waiting lists. Instead of waiting for treatment, PMI can guarantee that you get the best possible treatment whenever you need it. Some private medical insurance allow you to choose which surgeons you want to operate on you at any hospital of your choice. Your insurance might also pay for a private room in any hospital of your choice during your recovery period. PMI will also pay for treatment of certain short-term and curable conditions that were unforeseen at the time you took out the health policy. There's usually a cap though for the treatment of such illnesses. One major disadvantage of getting private medical insurance is that this type of insurance will not cover an illness that you contracted before you took out the policy. PMI won't also cover a recurring or recent illness, known as a pre-eisting medical condition. Some other medical services like routine check-ups with a general practitioner, a dentist, or an optician might not be covered. Several private medical insurance plans don't cover long-term illnesses, normal pregnancy and childbirth, cosmetic surgery, and preventive medicine, among others. - June 26, 2009 @ 2:33 pm