Advice: Guidance from a GP, therapist, or another healthcare specialist regarding symptoms or health concerns.
Acute Condition: A medical issue expected to respond to treatment, leading to a full recovery.
Annual Renewal Date: The yearly anniversary of when a private health insurance policy begins. At renewal, insurers reassess the market for the best cover options.
Acupuncturist: A healthcare professional specialising in acupuncture, registered under the relevant UK regulations or a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC).
Broker: An independent advisor who helps clients find suitable private health insurance policies.
Certificate of Registration: A document confirming the details of a private health insurance policy, including coverage level, covered individuals, policy start date, and payment information.
Chronic Conditions: Ongoing health issues requiring long-term management, without a cure or that may recur.
CT Scans: Imaging tests using X-rays to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the body.
Curative Intent: Treatments aimed at completely eliminating a disease with a reasonable expectation of long-term recovery.
Day Patients: Individuals who receive treatment at a hospital or unit but do not need to stay overnight.
Diagnostic Tests: Medical tests, such as scans or blood tests, used to determine the cause of health symptoms.
Excess: An agreed amount a policyholder must pay toward any claim, reducing their insurance premiums.
Exclusion: Conditions or treatments not covered by a private health insurance policy, like elective procedures or injuries from risky behaviour.
FCA (Financial Conduct Authority): The UK regulatory body overseeing financial services, including health insurance.
Full Medical Underwriting: A process requiring full disclosure of medical history when applying for insurance, potentially excluding pre-existing conditions.
General Practitioner (GP): A doctor licensed in the UK to provide general medical care and is often the first point of contact for health issues.
Group Policy: A health insurance policy covering multiple employees within a company, renewed annually.
Homeopath: A practitioner specialising in homeopathy, either registered under the relevant UK regulations or a member of the Faculty of Homeopathy.
In-Patients: Patients who stay in a hospital overnight or longer for medical treatment.
Intermediary: A broker or agent who helps clients find the most suitable and affordable insurance by comparing multiple policies.
IPT (Insurance Premium Tax): A 12% tax levied by the UK government on insurance premiums.
Moratorium: An insurance policy option where pre-existing conditions are not covered if they occurred within the past five years unless symptom-free for a specified period after the policy begins.
MRI Scan: An imaging test using magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the body's internal structures.
NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence): A UK body providing guidance on health and social care practices.
No-Claims Discount (NCD): A reduction in premiums for policyholders who do not make claims over a certain period.
No-Claims Discount Protection: Allows the policyholder to make one claim per year without losing their no-claims discount.
Open Referral: When a GP recommends a type of specialist for treatment without specifying a particular individual.
Out-Patients: Individuals who receive medical care in a hospital or clinic but do not stay overnight.
Palliative Care: Care focusing on relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses.
Personal Medical Exclusions: Conditions excluded from coverage due to pre-existing conditions disclosed during the application process.
Physiotherapist: A practitioner registered in the UK who specialises in physiotherapy.
Policy: A contract outlining the terms of health insurance between the policyholder and the insurer.
Practitioner: A licensed professional in a field of healthcare, such as dieticians, nurses, or physiotherapists.
Pre-Existing Conditions: Medical conditions present before the start of an insurance policy.
Premium: The payment made to an insurer, monthly or annually, for health insurance coverage.
Reduced Hospital Cover: A way to lower insurance costs by excluding certain private hospitals from coverage.
Remission: A period during which symptoms of a disease are reduced or absent.
Remission of Cancer: A state where cancer is under control, with no detectable signs of the disease.
Six-Week Wait: A cost-saving insurance option where the policyholder uses the NHS if treatment is available within six weeks; otherwise, private cover applies.
Specialist: A doctor with advanced training in a specific area of medicine, such as a consultant or surgeon.
Specified Condition: A medical condition associated with other health issues, such as diabetes or hypertension.
Switch: Moving from one health insurance policy to another, often with continuous coverage for existing conditions.
Therapist: A registered medical professional in the UK, such as an osteopath or chiropractor.
Treatment: Any medical services or procedures necessary to diagnose, treat, or manage a health condition.
Underwriting: The process used by insurers to assess risk and determine coverage terms, including conditions and premiums.
