The NHS provides an excellent service for accident and emergency treatment and for chronic conditions which require on-going care. However, since it was founded in 1948 demand has increased to the point where many people are now looking to private healthcare providers for treatment. In order to fund this, the need for private health insurance has increased.

Private health insurance covers individuals for what are known as acute conditions. This is where there is a need for a short course of treatment and where the patient is expected to recover from the condition.

Private health insurance may also provide cover for alternative therapies that are not available under the NHS. It is rarely provided for chronic conditions which are long-term and often incurable illnesses. Cosmetic surgery is never covered by private healthcare insurance.

Find out more about health insurance and medical insurance.