The difference between health insurance and a health care plan may seem confusing at first however there are a few simple ways to tell the two apart. In a cash health care plan cash is paid out if you are admitted to hospital or need to see a dentist or optician. Cash is also paid out for some alternative therapies such as physiotherapy or acupuncture. The basic idea is that cash health plans are there to help you cope with the cost of general day to day health care.
Generally cash health plans encourage the policy holder to receive early treatment and sort out any small health/ dental or optical problems before they become more prominent. Some plans offer extra privileges such as home help after illness, critical illness and injury cover and help towards funeral expenses.
Usually this type of plan is paid monthly via direct debit on a rolling contract.
There are lots of differences between a cash health plan and medical insurance. Medical insurance will help pay towards operations and other treatment received which a cash health plan will not. Some people choose cash health plans as they are offered as part of a corporate scheme.
Originally health cash plans were simply there for use in hospital but they have become increasingly popular in recent times. Now cash health plans are aimed at covering the essential health care needed.
There are certain restrictions with cash health plans as they are there purely to help with the cost of treatment rather than to arrange treatment. Finding where to have the treatment and arranging appointment times is up to you.
Generally cash health plans do not provide cover for all health care expenses and they do have a capped limit of which you can spend annually. It is not uncommon to have to pay into the policy for between three and six months before qualifying to begin making use of the policy.
It is a good idea to take advantage of a personal health plan as it means you will always have help with the cost of remaining healthy. A cash plan is a good idea if you require basic cover for day to day health care.