Snowy Danger

With the latest snowy weather creating havoc in many parts of the UK, accidents and injuries are a problem for hospitals and the ambulance services. People who hurt themselves during this weather have to seek emergency treatment but unfortunately this is not covered by private medical insurance.

With the weather set to get worse before it gets better, the NHS are preparing for more victims of the snow and ice. Resources have been stretched to the limit and earlier this week two hospitals, Coventry's University Hospital and the Hospital of St Cross in Rugby, suspended non-urgent operations because of the crisis.

NHS statistics show that over 7,000 people every year are admitted to hospital every year after falling on snow or ice. Between 2008 and 2009, 7,641 people went into hospital after a snow-related accident.

The impact of these figures is felt in the private health sector too with extra referrals to hospitals and consultants.

However private health insurance is not intended to cover accidents and emergencies in the UK. These are always treated by the NHS. Once a patient has been treated and assessed they can then be referred to private treatment under the terms of their health insurance. Moving a patient for private treatment will only be a viable option if the patient is stable enough to do so.

Some patients do decide to stay with the NHS. It can seem easier to go back to the hospital that treated you particularly if you are happy with your treatment and the waiting times offered by the consultant there.