Private Health Insurance

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Advantages of Private Health Care in the UK

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Advantages of Private Health Care in the UK Essay

What are the main advantages of Private Health Care in the UK.

In Britain there is an ongoing area of controversy regarding private health care. Many people are against it but some say that there should be a choice. There are many advantages of Private health care in the United Kingdom.

The advantages of private health care are:

Waiting Lists Cut

Patient Choice

NHS Windfall

Jobs Created/Staff Trained

Reduces the "Brain Drain"

Accommodates Key Workers In Companies

Increases Competition and Efficiency

NHS waiting lists are so long that patients could be faced with an anxious and possibly painful wait of many months, or even years, before gaining admission. In many cases, operations are sub-contracted out by the NHS to the private sector so that waiting lists can be kept down if they become too high - approximately 40% of private sector beds are hired by the NHS - this will help the NHS meet waiting list "guarantees." Also when the patient is given a date it will be one that suits the hospital and not the patient. In the private sector patients can get immediate admission for non life threatening operations. In addition, patients can choose when they want to be seen, opting for surgery when it fits in with their job or holidays.

Along with the patients choice of when they want to be seen, in the private sector they also have other choices. Patients who are fed up with the lack of personal choice in the NHS can choose which consultant that is going to be carrying out there operation. They have no restrictions of visiting hours along with extras...