Private medical insurance gives peace of mind that neither you nor your partner will have to wait in lengthy NHS queues for medical treatment.
Policies for couples needn't be expensive, and you can choose the level of cover you require.
Different types of cover
Some plans only cover treatment while you are in hospital, while others will also provide outpatient help. With most private medical insurance policies, couples pay a monthly premium and the policy will then pay out, up to specified cover limits, for any treatment that might be needed.
There are also health cash plans. These will contribute towards you or your partner's routine healthcare costs and work by paying out a cash sum whenever you or they visit a dentist or other medical practitioner, such as a chiropodist or optician, which can be spent on whatever you want.
What else you should know
Premiums on medical insurance policies tend to get higher the older you are.
Many policies charge an excess - the portion of any insurance policy you must pay yourself. For those looking for more comprehensive cover, but who still want to keep costs down, one option is to choose a medical insurance policy which offers a wider range of benefits but which enables you to select a higher excess.
Why take out joint health insurance?