Look at it from an insurers point of view and it’s easy to see why the cost of private medical insurance increases when you reach 50. As you’d expect, older adults are more prone to both illness and injury, therefore the risk of insuring them is higher. On the other hand, it seems a cruel irony that just when you need it the most, the cost of private medical insurance becomes out of reach for many.

However, there are some effective ways to cut the cost of medical insurance and still enjoy a high standard of care. Here are some suggestions from various experts on how to get cheap medical insurance when you’re fifty and over.

1. If you’ve already got medical cover through your company or a private insurer, try to hang on to it.
If you’ve already got PMI, perhaps as a benefit through work, there’s a good chance that you’ve also got the right to continue your cover by picking up the cost yourself. While this may not get you the cheapest premium possible, there is at least one good reason for continuing cover that you already have – treatment of pre-existing conditions. Most insurers will specifically exclude pre-existing conditions from new cover, so if you have an ongoing health issue that is covered under your current PMI, it’s a good idea to hold onto it if you can. Otherwise, you’ll probably have trouble finding a policy that covers all of your health expenses.

2. Shop around for the best premiums with the best cover.
If you’re generally in good health, however, you may find that shopping around will get you a better premium. Check online price comparison web sites to compare policies side by side and make sure that you’re comparing like with like.

3. Plan ahead for the best premium.
If you haven’t reached the magic cutoff age yet (it’s usually 50), think ahead and get PMI now, for the reasons stated in Number 1 above. Many private medical insurers will continue your cover long past age 50 if you’ve got existing cover with them. In fact, a number of companies offer cancel-proof policies if you buy before age 50, along with the promise that they will not turn anyone down. As long as you keep up the payments, your cover will remain in force. Do be certain to check the conditions and exclusions before you decide on one, though. PMI is useless if it doesn’t cover the costs that you’re most likely to need.

4. Pay a higher excess.
Since the level of excess that you pay directly affects the amount an insurer will have to pay out, choosing to pay a higher excess can bring your premiums down considerably. If you’ve got the savings to cover an increased excess, choosing a higher excess can make a very big difference. While it may seem counterproductive to pay for PMI, then have to pay more from your own pocket, the fact is that many Brits grossly underestimate the cost of serious health care. Treatment for serious or long term illnesses can easily run into hundreds of thousands. Being sure you’re covered for such serious and costly conditions can take the sting out of paying the smaller costs of treatment on your own.

5. Supplement with healthcare cash plans.
Save your PMI for the high-cost, serious medical treatments and consider cheaper cash plans for more common, every day treatments like optical and dental care.

Finally, one of the best ways to keep your medical costs low is to stay in good health. Many insurers will take your general lifestyle and attitude toward health into account when assessing the risk of insuring you. If you don’t smoke, stay physically active and maintain a healthy lifestyle, many insurers will reward you with a lower premium.

For an easier way to shop around for PMI visit http://www.uk-insurance-index.co.uk  which has a comprehensive directory at http://www.uk-insurance-index.co.uk/health-insurance-1 UK health insurance companies, together with reviews written by real customers.

The worst possible time to find out what your health insurance does and doesn’t cover is when you need to claim against the policy. One of the most important parts of choosing a good health insurance policy for you and your family is to ask the right questions to discover which plan fits your needs and budget best.

The following list of topics can help you compile a list of questions to ask your health insurance provider so that you get the right policy at the right price.

1. Your health insurance policy documents
Ask for a copy of your health plan document so that you can read it through. Even if you’re buying your health insurance through a group, such as your employer, you’re entitled to have a copy of the complete policy for yourself. Does it explain how to get services and how to appeal coverage decisions with which you don’t agree? Does it make clear what your financial responsibilities are? Make a list of questions that arise during your reading so that you can ask them of your health insurance provider.

2. Professional providers and expertise
Many health insurance policies limit you to choosing from a pool of hospitals and professional providers. Are there limitations on the professionals from whom you can seek care? Is there a list of providers that you can reference? Are there provisions for using a health care provider that is not on the approved list?

3. What limitations are on your health care providers?
Be sure that your health insurance provider has not placed contractual obligations on your health care providers that may interfere with or influence treatment decisions. Are your providers allowed to discuss all of your treatment options with you, even if they’re not covered on the plan? Do they pay the provider the same amount regardless of the treatment that they prescribe? Does the plan offer rewards to the providers for keeping their costs low?

4. Can you appeal decisions?
Every health insurance company should have a formal appeal and grievance procedure to allow you to complain or request a reconsideration of decisions made about your care. Is the appeals procedure clearly defined? To whom can you complain if you’re not satisfied with a decision, or an appeal? Is there a formal grievance procedure and a way to report plan physicians and providers if you have a complaint about your care?

5. Are your medical records kept confidential?
You have a right to expect your medical records and personal details to be kept confidential. Ask your insurance provider about their confidentiality policy. Will your medical records be shared with anyone without your specific permission? What information from your medical records is provided to the payer? In general, the insurance company has no right to receive anything more than diagnosis, prognosis, length of treatment, type of treatment, and cost.

6. Choice of providers?
How much choice will you have in the providers that you choose? Are your choices restricted in any way? What credentials does your insurer require of professionals associated with the plan, or for payment by the plan? Will your plan cover alternative or complementary treatments if they are prescribed?

7. Who will make treatment decisions?
Who will be involved in making your treatment decisions? If it will be anyone other than your health care provider? Do they have the appropriate training to make medical decisions?

8. Will I be covered for catastrophic illnesses?
Many health insurance policies do not cover the so-called “catastrophic illnesses” like cancer, stroke and heart attack. You may need other insurance cover to insure yourself against those.

To learn more about buying health insurance in the UK visit http://www.uk-insurance-index.co.uk/private-medical-insurance-1.html You can also read health insurance reviews written by real customers at http://www.uk-insurance-index.co.uk/health-insurance-reviews-1.html