UK Private Health Insurance: National vs. Regional

Don't Assume Your UK Private Health Insurance is Truly 'National': Uncover the Regional Network Strengths That Define Your Access to Care.

UK Private Health Insurance: Is Your 'National' Policy Truly National? Unpacking Regional Network Strengths

In the landscape of UK private health insurance, the term "national" often conjures an image of seamless access to private healthcare facilities, regardless of where you are in the country. However, for many policyholders, the reality can be a stark contrast. While your policy might technically cover you "nationally," the practical accessibility and quality of private healthcare can vary significantly from one region to another. This is primarily due to the intricate and often overlooked concept of regional network strengths.

Navigating the complexities of private medical insurance (PMI) requires a deep understanding of how insurers operate their hospital and specialist networks. It’s not simply about having a policy; it's about understanding where and how you can receive treatment, and how your postcode can be just as crucial as your premium. This definitive guide will unpack the nuances of regional networks, help you understand the true scope of your coverage, and empower you to make informed decisions about your private health insurance. We'll explore why location matters, the critical distinction between acute and chronic conditions, and how to ensure your policy truly serves your needs, wherever you are in the UK.

The Illusion of Uniformity: Understanding Private Medical Insurance Networks

When you purchase a private health insurance policy, you’re not just buying a safety net; you’re buying access to a predefined ecosystem of healthcare providers. This ecosystem is what’s known as an insurer's 'network'. The term 'national policy' implies a uniform experience, but beneath the surface, these networks are highly fragmented and strategically constructed.

What is a PMI Network?

At its core, a PMI network is a curated list of hospitals, clinics, and individual specialists (consultants, surgeons, therapists) with whom an insurance company has established a direct commercial agreement. These agreements cover the fees for various medical procedures, consultations, and treatments. When you make a claim, your insurer will typically direct you to a facility or specialist within their approved network.

Why Do Networks Exist?

Networks are not arbitrary; they serve several critical purposes for both insurers and policyholders:

• Cost Control: By negotiating rates directly with providers, insurers can manage costs more effectively. This allows them to offer more competitive premiums to their customers. Without networks, insurers would be exposed to potentially uncapped charges from any private facility, driving up costs significantly.
• Quality Assurance: Insurers often vet the hospitals and specialists within their networks to ensure they meet certain quality and safety standards. This offers a level of assurance to policyholders that they will receive care from reputable providers.
• Streamlined Processes: Having pre-agreed terms simplifies the authorisation and billing process, making it smoother for both the policyholder and the provider.
• Strategic Partnerships: Insurers build relationships with key providers, sometimes leading to preferred access or specialised services for their members.

Types of Networks: Not All Access is Equal

Understanding the different types of networks is crucial, as they directly impact your choices and flexibility:

• Full/Open Networks: These offer the broadest access, typically including a vast majority of private hospitals and specialists across the UK. While they provide maximum choice, they are generally the most expensive due to fewer restrictions on provider selection. Examples might include top-tier central London hospitals.
• Restricted/Guided Networks: The most common type, these networks limit your choice to a specific, predefined list of approved hospitals and clinics. These are often more cost-effective as insurers have greater negotiating power within a smaller, managed group of providers. They might exclude some of the most expensive or high-profile facilities.
• Local/Regional Networks: Some policies are specifically designed around a particular geographical area, offering a strong network within that region but limited or no cover outside of it for routine care. This can be suitable for individuals who rarely travel or have strong local ties.
• Tiered Networks: A growing trend where insurers offer different levels of access based on your premium. For example, a basic policy might grant access to 'Tier 3' hospitals (perhaps smaller, local facilities), while a higher-tier policy provides access to 'Tier 1' facilities (larger, more comprehensive private hospitals).
• "Hospital List" Policies: Instead of a dynamic network, some policies explicitly list the hospitals you can use. This offers clarity but less flexibility if a preferred hospital isn't on the list or if new facilities emerge.

The Role of Insurers: Building and Managing the Network Web

Insurers employ teams dedicated to building, maintaining, and reviewing their networks. This involves:

• Contract Negotiation: Agreeing on fees, terms, and conditions with hospital groups (e.g., Spire Healthcare, Nuffield Health, BMI Healthcare, Ramsay Health Care) and individual consultant groups.
• Performance Monitoring: Assessing provider quality, patient outcomes, and cost-effectiveness.
• Network Adjustments: Adding new providers, removing underperforming ones, or renegotiating terms based on market changes, patient demand, and regional capacity.

This constant evolution means that a network you researched last year might have changed this year, underscoring the importance of regularly reviewing your policy and understanding the current landscape.

Geographic Disparity: Why Location Matters More Than You Think

The concept of a "national" network often dissolves when confronted with the diverse geographical realities of the UK. The distribution of private healthcare facilities, the availability of specialists, and even the cost of care vary significantly from one region to another.

Urban vs. Rural Access: A Tale of Two UK's

• Densely Populated Urban Centres: Cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Glasgow are typically well-served by a large number of private hospitals, clinics, and a wide array of specialists. This abundance often translates into greater choice for policyholders, shorter waiting times for appointments, and access to highly specialised treatment centres. However, it can also lead to higher costs for these facilities due to demand and property values.
• Rural Areas and Remote Regions: Conversely, individuals residing in more rural or remote parts of the UK (e.g., parts of Wales, Scotland, East Anglia, or the South West) often face a much more limited choice of private facilities. This can mean longer travel times for consultations or treatments, fewer specialist options, and sometimes, no private option at all for certain procedures, necessitating travel to a larger town or city.

Consider the distribution of private hospitals across the UK. According to LaingBuisson's "UK Private Healthcare Market Report" (various editions, reflecting ongoing trends), the majority of private hospital capacity is concentrated in England, particularly in the South East and London. While facilities exist across the rest of the UK, their density can drop significantly outside of major metropolitan areas.

NHS Waiting Lists and PMI Demand: A Local Interplay

The pressures on the NHS are well-documented, and these pressures are not uniformly distributed across the country. Regional disparities in NHS waiting lists directly influence the demand for private healthcare in those areas.

Table: Illustrative NHS Waiting List Trends by UK Nation (as of mid-2024 trends)

Source: Adapted from NHS England, PHS Scotland, Stats Wales, DoH NI official data releases (figures are illustrative of trends, exact numbers fluctuate monthly).

Regions with particularly long NHS waiting lists, or those experiencing specific NHS capacity crises (e.g., certain trusts struggling with specific elective backlogs), often see a surge in demand for private alternatives. This increased demand can, in turn, strain local private hospital capacity, potentially leading to longer waits even within the private sector or reducing the availability of specific consultants. An insurer’s network in such a region might become less flexible simply due to the sheer volume of claims.

Cost of Care Variations: A Price Tag on Postcodes

The cost of private medical treatment is not standard across the UK. Several factors contribute to regional variations:

• Property Costs: Hospitals located on prime real estate, particularly in central London or affluent areas of the South East, face significantly higher operating costs. These are naturally passed on in treatment fees.
• Staff Wages: Wages for medical professionals (nurses, consultants, administrative staff) can be higher in regions with a higher cost of living or intense competition for talent.
• Competition: In areas with many private hospitals, competition might drive down prices slightly. In areas with limited options, the few existing providers have less incentive to offer lower rates.
• Specialist Fees: Consultant fees can vary based on their experience, reputation, and the prevailing rates in their specific region.

Table: Illustrative Average Private Hospital Costs by UK Region (per-procedure basis, general indication)

Note: These are general illustrative categories. Actual costs depend heavily on the specific procedure, hospital, consultant, and policy terms.

Specialist Availability: Concentrated Expertise

Certain highly specialised medical fields or specific types of consultants might be concentrated in particular regions, often around major university cities or medical research hubs. For instance, a cutting-edge cancer treatment centre or a rare neurological specialist might only be available in a handful of locations across the UK. If your chosen policy's network doesn't include these specific centres, or if you live far from them, your "national" coverage might feel very limited for such specific needs.

Navigating the Network Maze: Key Considerations for Policyholders

Understanding the geographical disparities is one thing; navigating them effectively with your policy is another. Here’s what you need to consider.

Your Home Postcode is Paramount

When you apply for private health insurance, one of the first pieces of information an insurer requests is your home postcode. This isn't just for pricing; it's fundamental to determining the specific network of hospitals and consultants available to you. Insurers tailor networks based on what is realistically accessible and cost-effective within a certain radius of your primary residence. Even if a hospital is only 30 miles away, it might not be on your postcode-specific network if it falls outside the insurer's defined radius or if they have more cost-effective alternatives closer to you.

Travel and Mobility: What Happens When You're Away?

• Planned Treatment Away from Home: If you intend to receive planned (non-emergency) treatment while visiting another part of the UK, you must check if the private hospital or consultant in that area is on your specific policy's network. Do not assume a national brand (e.g., Spire) means all their hospitals are covered by your plan. Many policies have clauses restricting routine treatment to your primary network area.
• Emergency Care: For genuine medical emergencies, private health insurance typically is not designed to replace the NHS. In a life-threatening situation, you should always call 999 or go to the nearest A&E department. PMI is for planned, acute care, not emergency stabilisation. Once stabilised, if further private treatment is required, your insurer can then review coverage and direct you to an appropriate network facility.
• Reciprocal Agreements: Some insurers might have limited reciprocal arrangements, allowing for some flexibility if you frequently travel for work. However, these are rare for core networks and must be explicitly stated in your policy documents.

Understanding Policy Wording: The Devil is in the Detail

The policy wording is your contract. It will explicitly detail:

• The specific list of hospitals or network tier you have access to. This is often available as a downloadable PDF on the insurer's website, searchable by postcode.
• Any geographical limitations on where you can receive treatment.
• The pre-authorisation process: This is critical. You must contact your insurer before any treatment, even a consultant's first appointment, to ensure it's covered and that the chosen provider is within your network. Failure to pre-authorise could lead to your claim being denied.

The "Preferred Provider" Myth: Proximity Doesn't Equal Access

Just because a private hospital or clinic is conveniently located near your home or workplace does not automatically mean it's part of your chosen insurer's network. Insurance companies have specific agreements. Always verify with your insurer, or check their approved hospital list, before engaging with any private provider. This simple step can save you significant financial heartache.

The Core Principle: Acute vs. Chronic & Pre-existing Conditions

This is perhaps the most crucial distinction in UK private health insurance, and it underpins almost every aspect of what your policy will and will not cover. Standard UK private medical insurance does not cover chronic or pre-existing conditions. This is a non-negotiable rule that applies to virtually all individual PMI policies.

What is an Acute Condition?

An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and return you to your previous state of health. It is typically:

• Of recent onset.
• Short-term in nature.
• Expected to resolve with treatment, leading to a full recovery.

Examples: A sudden broken bone, an appendicitis attack, a new diagnosis of a curable cancer (where treatment aims for remission/cure), a severe chest infection, a new hernia, cataracts. PMI is designed for these kinds of new, sudden, and treatable conditions.

What is a Chronic Condition?

A chronic condition is a disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics:

• It needs ongoing or long-term management.
• It continues indefinitely.
• It comes back or is likely to come back (recurrent).
• It has no known cure.
• It is permanent.
• It is due to an incurable condition.

Examples: Diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, high blood pressure (hypertension), Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis, arthritis (ongoing management), long-term mental health conditions requiring continuous care. PMI does not cover the treatment or management of these conditions.

What is a Pre-existing Condition?

A pre-existing condition is any disease, illness, or injury for which you have:

• Received medication.
• Received advice or treatment.
• Experienced symptoms.

...before the start date of your private health insurance policy.

Examples: If you had knee pain and saw a physio for it a year before taking out your policy, any future treatment for that knee pain would likely be considered a pre-existing condition and therefore excluded. If you were diagnosed with depression five years ago and received counselling, any ongoing or new mental health support would likely be excluded.

Why This Exclusion Exists

These exclusions are fundamental to how PMI works for several reasons:

• Actuarial Risk: Insuring chronic and pre-existing conditions would make premiums prohibitively expensive for most people, as the cost of ongoing, lifelong treatment is immense and difficult to predict.
• Affordability: By focusing on new, acute conditions, insurers can offer a product that is accessible to a wider demographic.
• Purpose: PMI is designed to provide rapid access to treatment for new and curable health issues, bypassing NHS waiting lists for elective procedures. It is not a substitute for comprehensive, lifelong care for chronic illnesses.

Implications for Policyholders

• Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that PMI is for new, acute issues that arise after your policy starts. It will not cover your long-term diabetes management, your existing asthma, or a recurring back problem you've had for years.
• Be Honest on Application: When applying for a policy, you'll be asked questions about your medical history. It's crucial to be completely honest. Failure to disclose pre-existing conditions can lead to claims being denied and your policy being invalidated.
• Focus on Acute Needs: If you suffer from a chronic condition, your PMI will only cover acute flare-ups or complications if they are separate and distinct from the underlying chronic condition, and if they meet specific criteria. For example, if you have asthma (chronic) but develop pneumonia (acute), the pneumonia treatment might be covered, but not the ongoing asthma management. This is often a grey area and requires careful pre-authorisation.

This distinction is the bedrock of private medical insurance. Always clarify with your insurer if you are unsure whether a condition falls under "acute" or if it relates to a "pre-existing" or "chronic" issue.

Case Studies: Regional Realities

To illustrate the impact of regional network strengths, let's consider how a private health insurance policy might function in different parts of the UK.

London: Abundance and Cost

• Network: Generally, London boasts the widest and most diverse range of private hospitals and clinics, from large, multidisciplinary facilities (e.g., The London Clinic, HCA Healthcare UK hospitals) to specialist centres. Policyholders in London often have extensive choice.
• Access: While choice is vast, securing appointments with highly sought-after consultants or for specific procedures at premium hospitals can still involve a short wait due to high demand from both self-pay patients and insured individuals.
• Cost Implications: Premiums for London residents are typically the highest in the UK due to the elevated cost of healthcare provision in the capital. Accessing top-tier facilities often requires a policy with a broader network, pushing premiums even higher. Some insurers offer "London excluded" policies to reduce costs, meaning you couldn't use private facilities within specific central London postcodes.

South East England: Good Spread, High Demand

• Network: The South East (outside central London) also has a strong network of private hospitals (e.g., Spire, Nuffield, BMI, Ramsay hospitals) spread across major towns like Guildford, Reading, Brighton, and Cambridge. Coverage is generally excellent.
• Access: Good access to a variety of specialists. However, proximity to London means that some residents might still prefer to travel to the capital for certain niche specialities, if their policy allows.
• Cost Implications: Premiums are higher than the national average but generally less than central London. High demand, especially from commuters, can sometimes put pressure on capacity.

North West England: Diverse Landscape

• Network: The North West presents a diverse picture. Major cities like Manchester and Liverpool have robust private hospital networks, offering a good range of services. Outside these urban hubs, particularly in more rural parts of Lancashire, Cumbria, or Cheshire, options become more limited.
• Access: In cities, access is good. In more rural areas, policyholders might need to travel further to access private care, potentially crossing county lines.
• Cost Implications: Premiums are generally more moderate than the South East, reflecting lower operating costs outside of London. However, within cities, costs can still be significant.

Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland: More Consolidated Options

• Network: These nations typically have fewer large private hospital groups compared to England. Private healthcare provision tends to be concentrated around major cities (e.g., Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast).
• Access: Choice is often more limited, and for highly specialised procedures, patients might need to travel to facilities in England (if covered by their policy). There can be a greater reliance on the NHS for certain services due to limited private alternatives.
• Cost Implications: Premiums are generally lower than in England, reflecting the more consolidated private market and often lower operating costs. However, this comes at the trade-off of potentially less choice.

Table: Illustrative Private Hospital Density and Choice by UK Region (Generalisation)

Note: This table provides a broad generalisation. Specific access can vary even within regions.

Beyond Hospitals: Expanding Networks for Diagnostics and Specialists

PMI networks extend far beyond just inpatient hospital stays. They encompass a range of outpatient services that are crucial to the patient journey.

Outpatient Services: The Gateway to Treatment

• GP Referrals: Most PMI policies require a GP referral (NHS or private) to access specialist consultations or diagnostic tests. Some policies now offer virtual GP services which can issue these referrals directly.
• Specialist Consultations: Your insurer will have a network of approved consultants. Accessing a specialist outside this network can mean you're responsible for the full cost.
• Diagnostic Tests: This includes MRI scans, X-rays, CT scans, blood tests, and other investigations. Insurers often have specific agreements with diagnostic centres (e.g., for scans), which might be separate from the hospitals. Ensuring your chosen consultant can refer you to an in-network diagnostic centre is vital.

Home Consultations & Digital GP Services: Bridging Gaps

A significant trend, accelerated by recent global events, is the rise of virtual healthcare. Many PMI policies now include:

• Online GP Consultations: Access to a private GP via video or phone, often 24/7. This can be incredibly convenient for initial assessments, referrals, and prescriptions, potentially reducing the need for in-person visits to NHS GPs.
• Digital Mental Health Support: Apps and online platforms for therapy or counselling.

These digital services can effectively reduce geographical barriers for initial consultations and advice, offering a form of "national" access that isn't dependent on physical location. However, for physical examinations or diagnostic tests, in-person access remains necessary.

Mental Health Networks: A Growing Focus

Mental health support is an increasingly important component of PMI policies. However, access can vary:

• Therapist Networks: Insurers typically have networks of approved psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists. The availability of specific types of therapy (e.g., CBT, psychotherapy) or specialists (e.g., child psychologists) can vary regionally.
• Inpatient vs. Outpatient: Some policies cover inpatient psychiatric care, but this is less common and often has strict limits. Outpatient therapy is more widely covered.
• Geographical Gaps: While virtual mental health services are helping, finding an in-person, in-network therapist in more remote areas can still be a challenge.

Physiotherapy & Complementary Therapies: Specific Requirements

For services like physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic treatment, or acupuncture, policies often have specific requirements:

• Referral: A GP or specialist referral is usually required.
• Approved Providers: You might need to use a specific network of approved physiotherapists or clinics, or your insurer may require that they are HCPC registered.
• Session Limits: There are often limits on the number of sessions or the total monetary value covered.

Choosing Wisely: How to Ensure Your Policy Works for You, Locally

Given the complexities of regional networks, choosing the right policy requires more than just comparing premiums. It demands a strategic approach to ensure your coverage aligns with your life.

1. Assess Your Needs Thoroughly

• Where do you live and work? These are the primary locations where you'll likely seek treatment.
• How frequently do you travel within the UK? If you split your time between two locations, consider a policy that offers broader access across both.
• Are there specific hospitals or consultants you prefer? If you have a strong preference based on reputation or prior experience, check if they are on any insurer's network for your postcode. Be prepared that they might not be.
• What are your non-negotiable requirements? Is it access to a specific type of treatment, mental health support, or excellent outpatient services?

2. Compare Network Strengths – Not Just Premiums

Do not fall into the trap of solely focusing on the cheapest premium. A cheaper policy might come with a highly restricted network that doesn't include facilities convenient for you or the specialists you might need.

• Request Hospital Lists: Insurers can provide you with the specific list of hospitals and facilities covered for your postcode. Compare these lists side-by-side.
• Check Specialist Access: Inquire about how you access specialists and if there's a mechanism to find in-network consultants for your specific needs.
• Review Outpatient Coverage: Does the policy include robust outpatient cover for consultations and diagnostics within your region?

3. Read the Small Print – Especially the Network Details

The devil truly is in the detail. Pay close attention to:

• Hospital Tiers/Categories: Understand which level of hospitals your policy grants you access to.
• Geographical Limitations: Are there any exclusions based on location, such as "London excluded" clauses?
• Pre-authorisation Requirements: Reiterate the necessity of getting approval before any treatment.

4. Consider Using an Expert Broker like WeCovr

This is where expert brokers like WeCovr can be invaluable. The private health insurance market is complex, with numerous providers, policy types, and network variations. Trying to navigate this alone can be overwhelming.

• Impartial Advice: At WeCovr, we work with all major UK insurers. This allows us to provide impartial advice tailored to your specific needs, without bias towards one provider over another.
• Network Expertise: We understand the nuances of regional networks and can quickly identify which insurers offer the best coverage options for your specific postcode and requirements. We can help you understand the differences between an 'open referral' and a 'guided consultation' or a ‘hospital list’ vs a ‘fully comprehensive’ list.
• Comprehensive Comparison: We can help you compare plans from all major UK insurers to find the right coverage that aligns with your regional needs, budget, and specific health concerns (remembering the acute vs. chronic distinction).
• Time-Saving: Instead of spending hours sifting through various insurer websites and policy documents, let us at WeCovr demystify the options for you, providing clear, concise comparisons. We can also often secure preferential rates or terms due to our volume of business.

5. Regular Review: Your Needs and Networks Can Change

Healthcare networks are dynamic, and your personal circumstances evolve. It's wise to review your policy annually:

• Changes in Insurer Networks: Insurers regularly update their hospital lists.
• Changes in Your Location: If you move house, your current policy's network might no longer be optimal.
• Changes in Your Health Needs: While chronic and pre-existing conditions are excluded, your overall health situation or priorities might shift.
• NHS Landscape: Increased NHS waiting lists in your local area might make you reconsider the scope of your private cover.

The Future of Private Health Insurance Networks in the UK

The landscape of UK private health insurance is continuously evolving, driven by technological advancements, shifting patient expectations, and persistent pressures on the NHS. The future of PMI networks will likely see several key developments:

Impact of NHS Pressures: Continued Demand

As NHS waiting lists remain stubbornly high across many specialties (with over 7.This sustained demand will push insurers to expand and refine their networks to meet capacity, particularly in regions experiencing the greatest NHS strain. However, it also means private facilities might face their own capacity challenges, potentially leading to increased costs.

Telemedicine & Digital Health: Expanding Reach

The rapid adoption of telemedicine during and after the pandemic has fundamentally changed how healthcare can be delivered. This trend will only deepen:

• Bridging Geographical Gaps: Virtual consultations can significantly reduce the impact of geographical disparities for initial assessments, follow-ups, and mental health support. A specialist in London can consult with a patient in rural Scotland.
• Enhanced Connectivity: Wearable technology and remote monitoring will become more integrated, allowing for proactive health management within insurance ecosystems.
• Integrated Digital Pathways: Insurers will invest further in digital platforms that guide members through their healthcare journey, from virtual GP appointments to booking in-network diagnostics and specialist consultations, making network navigation more seamless.

Consolidation of Providers: Streamlined but Less Competitive Networks

The private hospital market in the UK has seen significant consolidation, with large groups acquiring smaller facilities. This trend is likely to continue. While this can streamline network agreements for insurers and potentially lead to more consistent quality across a provider group, it could also reduce competition in certain areas, potentially impacting choice and pricing for policyholders if too few providers dominate.

Focus on Value-Based Care: Efficiency and Outcomes

Insurers are increasingly moving towards "value-based care" models, where payments to providers are linked to patient outcomes and efficiency rather than just the volume of services provided. This will encourage providers within networks to focus on effective, high-quality treatment pathways, potentially leading to:

• More Integrated Pathways: Better coordination between different providers (e.g., consultant, physio, diagnostic centre) within the network.
• Proactive Management: Emphasis on preventative care and early intervention to avoid more costly and complex treatments later.
• Greater Data Utilisation: Using data analytics to identify the most effective providers and treatment approaches within their networks.

Regional Investment: Filling Underserved Gaps

While currently concentrated, there may be increasing investment in new private healthcare facilities in underserved regions, particularly where NHS pressures are most acute and there's a clear market demand. This could lead to a more balanced distribution of private options across the UK over time, offering greater "true national" coverage.

Conclusion

The notion of a "national" private health insurance policy in the UK is, in practice, nuanced. While your coverage extends across the country, the strength, depth, and accessibility of private medical networks vary considerably by region. From the abundant but costly choices in London to the more consolidated options in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, your postcode dictates much of your practical access to care.

Critically, remember that standard UK private medical insurance is designed for acute conditions that arise after your policy begins; it does not cover chronic or pre-existing conditions. This fundamental distinction is paramount to setting realistic expectations for your coverage.

To truly benefit from your private health insurance, it is imperative to:

• Understand the specific network your policy provides for your postcode.
• Be aware of the geographical disparities in private healthcare provision.
• Always pre-authorise any treatment with your insurer.
• Review your policy regularly to ensure it continues to meet your evolving needs.

Navigating this intricate landscape doesn't have to be a daunting task. By engaging with expert, impartial advice, you can ensure your private health insurance policy truly aligns with your personal circumstances and provides the peace of mind and access to care you expect. Don't leave your health to chance; take control by making an informed choice about your private medical cover.