Welcome to Health Insurance News!

Welcome to Health Insurance News! As it says on the tin, this blog will be focusing on all things related to health insurance in the UK. We will also be bringing you general news on health-related topics as well as up to date information on the UK’s private health insurance providers and the services they offer.

In the UK we have a free National Health Service but reports indicate that 12% of the population have private health insurance policies. The NHS’ popularity has waxed and waned since its conception in 1948. It was the first service to offer free healthcare based on citizenship rather than the ability to pay. Now consumers site many reasons for opting for private medical care: a quicker service, better healthcare, more choice (you can see your preferred specialist at a time and date that is more convenient to you) and the avoidance of super-bugs. Health insurance is not just taken up by individuals who are looking for better care but many companies offer private medical insurance to their employees as part of their remuneration packages.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) published figures showing that in the UK £3.1 billion worth of claims where made by people with private health insurance in 2007. Of the four top providers, BUPA holds a 42% share of the private medical insurance market with AXA PPP taking 24.5%, followed by Norwich Union at 10%, and Standard Life at 7.5%

Watch this space for topical news and information on health insurance and related matters!