Are you confused by the different medical terms, or perhaps need further information? Take a look at our simple glossary below for an explanation of all the different phrases used in the industry. For more information and advice on our range of available insurance policies including Health Insurance, Business Protection Insurance and more, do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team today.
Acute Condition
A disease, illness or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment which aims to return you to the state of health you were in immediately before suffering the disease, illness or injury or which leads to your complete recovery.
Annual Renewal
The anniversary of the day on which your policy began, on which the policy becomes due for renewal. Before this date we will review your policy to ensure that it continues to provide the best cover for your circumstances and budget.
Cancer
Any type of malignant growth or tumour caused by the uncontrolled growth and spread of malignant cells and invasion of tissue.
Chiropody and Podiatry
There is no difference between a chiropodist and a podiatrist, they both diagnose and treat abnormalities and diseases of the feet. They assess and treat foot problems such as verrucas or deformity.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic treatment specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and overall management of conditions which are due to problems with the joints, ligaments, tendons and nerves, especially related to the spine. Chiropractic treatment mainly involves spinal manipulation to free joints in the spine, or other areas of the body, that are not moving properly.
Chronic Condition
A disease, illness or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics:-
- It needs ongoing or long term monitoring by a doctor through consultations, examinations, check-ups and/or tests
- It needs ongoing or long term control or relief of symptoms
- It requires your rehabilitation or for you to be specially trained to cope with it
- It continues indefinitely
- It has no known cure
- It comes back or is likely to come back.
Some insurance companies may help stabilise a chronic condition but will not manage it continually.
Claim
A request to your insurer for payment for medical expenses under the terms of your insurance policy.
Continuation of Pre-existing Medical Exclusions (CPME)
Sometimes referred to as switch cover. Carrying across the underwriting conditions from your existing insurer to a new provider. This makes it possible for you to change cover between insurers without the need for additional medical underwriting.
Co-Payment
A method of reducing the cost of your insurance by agreeing to pay a percentage of any claim, rather than a flat excess figure, up to a given maximum amount.
CT Scan (Computerised Tomography)
A diagnostic tool that uses a rotating x-ray beam to take detailed internal images of body structures.
Day Patient
A patient who is admitted to hospital, or a day patient unit, for medical treatment but does not occupy a bed overnight.
Diagnostic Tests
Investigations such as CT scans, MRI scans, x-rays or blood tests, to find or help find the cause of your symptoms.
Exclusion
Something which is not covered by your health plan, for example pre-existing conditions.
Excess
A method of reducing the cost of your insurance by agreeing to pay a set amount towards any claim in each policy year.
Full Medical Underwriting
A policy which is taken out on the basis of providing full details of your medical history, whereby any pre-existing conditions could be excluded.
GP (General Practitioner)
A doctor who is on the GP register and has a Licence to Practice. In non-emergency situations your GP is the first person to see regarding your symptoms. All private medical insurers will require a referral from your GP before they authorise private treatment.
In-Patient
A patient who is admitted to hospital and who occupies a bed overnight or longer, for medical reasons.
Insurance Premium Tax (IPT)
A tax on general insurance premiums levied by the UK Government and which applies to private medical insurance premiums.
Moratorium Underwriting
A form of underwriting which removes the need for your full medical history to be disclosed. Any medical condition that had symptoms, advice or treatment in the five years before the date the policy started will be excluded. However, you can get cover again for these conditions if you remain symptom, treatment, advice and medication free in the first 2 years of your policy.
MRI Scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
A diagnostic tool uses magnets and radio frequency waves to take cross sectional images of the body.
Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a form of medicine that involves a practitioner realigning the muscles, bones, ligaments and connective tissues in the body. This is done by manipulating the muscles and joints. It is used as an alternative to medical drugs and surgery where possible.
Out-Patient
A patient who attends a hospital, consulting room or out-patient clinic but is not admitted as a day patient or in-patient. Usually refers to diagnosis or treatment as opposed to day surgery.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy uses physical methods such as massage and manipulation to help restore function and movement when someone is affected by injury or illness.
Policy
A contract of insurance between you and your insurance company.
Pre-Existing Condition
Any disease, illness or injury for which you have experienced symptoms (whether the condition has been diagnosed or not), sought advice or received medication or treatment.
Premium
The money paid to your insurer in order to be covered for private healthcare.
Six-week Wait
An option which can reduce your premiums by agreeing that, if you can be treated by the NHS within 6 weeks, you will use that option rather than your insurance. If you cannot be treated within 6 weeks by the NHS you can use your insurance to be treated privately (does not apply to out-patient appointments).
Switch
A process of moving insurers but keeping the same underwriting as the original policy. You can remain covered for conditions that arose since taking out your original policy.
Treatment
Any surgical or medical services (including diagnostic tests) which are needed to diagnose, relieve or cure a disease, illness or injury.
If you require advice on our health insurance policies, fill out the form found on this page or click the banner above for a free, no obligation quote. Alternatively, you can get in touch with a member of our friendly and dedicated team on 0800 8497744. One of our professional consultants will be happy to discuss the best plan for you and to guide you through the whole process.