You’re in good hands with the National Health Service. Or at least, that’s the assumption made by many Australians who make the move to the UK.
But of course, no healthcare system (including the NHS) is without its faults – as anyone who has waited for months for a routine operation in a British hospital will tell you. For peace of mind, cross-border coverage and for the care you need precisely when you need it, many Australians opt for international private medical insurance (IPMI). Here’s a closer look at the reasons why…
1. Hassle-free treatment when you need it
For Australians used to paying a GP bill on the way out of the surgery back at home, the ‘free at the point of delivery’ element of the NHS is wonderful. But free doesn’t always mean easily accessible or convenient; something that many Australians discover as they try to book an appointment with a British GP surgery for first time.
There can also be a heavy “lottery” element to treatment in the UK. In many areas – from maternity options through to wait times for specialist referrals, quality of provision can vary widely. IPMI means not having to take pot luck; it makes it easier to gain access to some of the best healthcare services in the country.
2. Safeguard your plans
You’ve already uprooted and come halfway around the world. The last thing you need is for your plans to be waylaid by an unforeseen medical event or health scare. With coverage available not just for inpatient treatment but also for outpatient care, IPMI gives you the reassurance of knowing that both treatment and rehabilitation will be there if you need it.
As well as getting you back home if necessary, IPMI repatriation coverage can also include the cost of flying a loved one over to provide you with support.
3. Cross-border coverage
IPMI is ideal if your work or personal commitments mean that you regularly travel beyond the UK’s borders. Travel insurance tends to be designed for short stays and medical emergencies only. The ‘portable’ element of IPMI is one of its greatest strengths; it becomes possible to obtain a consistent level of cover – and the same access to support from English-speaking representatives, across multiple borders.
4. Making up for gaps in your company health insurance plan
Your move to the UK might coincide with a new job package – complete with company health care coverage. Yet with such policies, it’s often the needs of the organisation – rather than the individual employee that are prioritised. Does it include family coverage? Are pre-existing conditions covered? IPMI can be ideal for filling in the gaps.
5. Choose a plan to meet your specific needs
A great IPMI policy shouldn’t leave you saddled with insurance that’s not relevant to your needs. Nor should it leave you or your family exposed in important areas.
Cigna Global offers three distinct levels of cover with the flexibility to top up with optional additional benefits. To discover why it is a go-to option for UK-based Australian nationals, for more details or to get a quote, visit www.cignaglobal.com.
