Private care can speed recovery and get children back to school faster

One in four patients surveyed last year said that the hospital food was so bad they had supplies brought in by friends and relatives, a similar number said the portions were too small and one in three didn’t like the type of food provided.

Does this matter? After all people are in hospital for treatment, not a holiday.

In practice the answer is yes, it does matter, because good and appropriate nourishment can help the recovery process. Eating too much of the wrong sort of food is, of course, totally wrong for patients. It can lead to increased obesity and associated complications. But if hospitals fail to provide satisfying and interesting meals, patients will have no option but to seek alternatives; and these could easily be the ‘wrong’ sort of food.

If relatives were to bring in high fat and sugary foods, this could actually impede recovery in some cases. The problem is that with average meal budgets understood to range from £2.80 to £3.50 per day (not per meal) there is little cash available for choosing the right food for each patient.

Unfortunately, many patients and their families are reluctant to say anything as they feel it could alienate staff, while achieving nothing.

One of the benefits of private medial treatment is that it is generally undertaken in private hospitals that can charge for, and thus provide, appropriate and varied meals for patients. This not only makes a stay more pleasant, but can also avoid the pitfalls associated with unsuitable food being brought in. And eating properly can aid rapid recovery.

Private medical insurance need not be expensive. There are many different forms of cover available from individual plans that provide for a daily payment while you are in hospital, through to plans that can allow any family member to have “full” medical treatment in the hospital of their choice with the leading medical attendants.

Costs can range from £10 a month for a young individual or £25 a month for a young family, up to £66.53, where more comprehensive cover is required. Premiums increase with age so a couple aged 50 might expect to pay £115 a month for comprehensive cover.

With more and more people not just holidaying regularly abroad, but also living overseas permanently, it is also possible to arrange private medical insurance on an international basis. This is relatively new and specialist assistance will normally be required in obtaining best terms.

Schemes also exist that allow businesses to set up private health insurance plans for employees and their families. These can be highly cost effective provided all eligible employees join.

It is important always to seek independent financial advice before making any decision regarding your finances. If you would like any assistance, please contact your financial adviser.

If you require any further information about the services that we provide or would like to review your financial planning position, please contact us

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