Understanding Cash Health Plans
The main differences between general medical insurance and cash health plans can seem confusing at first; although in reality it is fairly simple. With a cash health plan cash is paid out if you are taken to hospital for treatment or to the dentist or opticians. Often cash health plans also allow you to receive treatments such as alternative therapies, acupuncture and physiotherapy. Cash health plans are aimed to cover the cost of every day health expenses rather than for serious or ongoing illness treatment.
Generally cash health plans encourage the policy holder to receive early treatment and sort out any small health/ dental or optical problems before they become more prominent. Some plans offer extra privileges such as home help after illness, critical illness and injury cover and help towards funeral expenses.
Cash health plans are usually paid monthly via direct debit.
There are lots of differences between a cash health plan and medical insurance. Medical insurance will help pay towards operations and other treatment received which a cash health plan will not. Some people choose cash health plans as they are offered as part of a corporate scheme.
Originally health cash plans were just for use in hospital but now they are much more useful and are becoming much more popular.
There are certain restrictions with cash health plans as they are there purely to help with the cost of treatment rather than to arrange treatment. Finding where to have the treatment and arranging appointment times is up to you.
Most cash health plans will not cover all of your expenses and they do have an annual capped limit. Usually there is a limit of between three to six months before you can begin to claim on the plan. Certain cash plans will not cover you for treatments for pre- existing illnesses you may have had before taking out the agreement.
It is a good idea to take advantage of a personal health plan as it means you will always have help with the cost of remaining healthy. A cash plan is a good idea if you require basic cover for day to day health care.
