Making the most of the NHS and private health care
The aim of the health care guide is to give an unbiased view of the relative merits of the NHS and private health insurance. AIG Direct commissioned CrossfieldCommunications Ltd to publish this guide in response to recent consumer research which highlighted a high level of consumer confusion regarding private health insurance.
Below is an excerpt from the the guide
"Most sources of information about the National Health Service (NHS) or health insurance have their own agenda. The Government must show that the NHS is improving in order to justify the heavy investment it has been making in it and to bolster its re-election chances. Health insurers, on the other hand, are in the business of selling policies which cover the costs of private treatment. So it is not in their interests to be overly enthusiastic about the NHS.
Then there is the media, which is quick to be judgmental about both the public and private healthcare sectors. Good news just doesn't make good headlines or sell newspapers! Faced with such a diverse set of opinions, it is hardly surprising that many people find themselves confused on health funding issues.
But this independent guide provides the middle ground, spelling out the strengths and weaknesses of the NHS together with the main alternative options. It should be useful for those wishing to get the best out of the NHS system, those considering whether to take out health insurance for the first time and those who already have cover but are thinking of switching to a lower-cost plan.
Whether you rely on the NHS or pay for comprehensive or low-cost health insurance, the final decision is a personal one. But it is much easier to take if you have access to clear and unbiased guidance on the major options and issues.
Please note: The author of the guide is Edmund Tirbutt, a freelance journalist and health insurance consultant. The opinions expressed in the guide are his own. They are based on his interviews with health insurance experts, desk research, and the extensive knowledge he has acquired on the subject of health insurance during his nearly 20 years as a journalist. The guide does not seek to give personal advice or to recommend any specific products and services. Each individual's circumstances will differ, and it is important that you consider your own personal circumstances before making any final decisions.
