Buying Private Medical Insurance

3. How do I buy private medical insurance?

From an Insurance company, Independent Advisors, Bank or Building Society - this can be by phone, face to face, or by post.

When the insurance company receives your filled-in application form, the insurance company sends you a policy.

Face-to-face 'Cooling-off period':
If you do not receive full details of the terms of your cover at the time you decide to buy the policy, you will be given enough time in which to change your mind. If you decide not to go ahead you will usually receive a full refund of premiums you have already paid, unless you have made a claim. However once the cooling-off period is over, you will not usually be entitled to receive a refund of premiums already paid.

Private Medical Insurance Guide:

1. About this guide
2. What is private medical insurance?
3. How do I buy private medical insurance?
4. How do I choose the right cover?
5. What am I covered for? What does my cover not include?
6. What will affect my premiums?
7. Will I need to provide details of my health?
8. Will my cover be affected if I am disabled?
9. How do I make a claim?
10. How is private medical insurance controlled?
11. What if I want to change to a new insurance company?
12. Your private medical insurance checklist
13. Useful addresses