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 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

Perhaps the most powerful reason is that when someone you love needs medical treatment, you don’t want to be hindered by NHS waiting lists and bureaucracy. You may also end up incurring additional expenses by taking time off from work or having to arrange childcare with little notice when your appointment is confirmed.

A good family health insurance policy can put you back in control of your family’s healthcare. With good PMI, your family has access to quality care when it’s needed. With the right policy in place, you’ll be able choose the time and place that’s most convenient for you.

Choosing the right PMI for your family requires some thought and exploration. Among the factors to consider are costs, benefits, coverage and your family’s needs. If you’re looking for quality health insurance for your family, the following advice can help you find the best fit for your needs at the lowest possible cost.

1. Consider how much excess you can pay.
One of the most obvious ways to lower your health insurance premiums is to accept a higher excess amount. Rather than reducing benefits, you can reduce your premium by agreeing to pay more for your share of any medical expenses. If you can afford to pay the first  of necessary care for your family, it can lower your premiums by as much as  a year. Consider your family’s overall health when deciding on how much excess you can afford.

Most policies count your excess per person in your family. That means that if your son breaks his leg, you’ll pay the first , and insurance will cover the rest. If your daughter trips and falls downstairs a few weeks later, you’ll pay another  for her care.

2. Consider your family’s needs.
Limiting options is another way to cut the cost of health insurance. Some companies offer plans that allow you to build a custom plan that’s affordable for you. For instance, why pay for maternity cover if you don’t plan on having more children? If your family is generally healthy, you can also opt for cover for accidents and emergencies, but choose to pay out of pocket for other treatments.

3. Limit your options.
Limiting certain options and treatments can also reduce your costs. Many insurers offer a “restricted hospitaltion that is less expensive than typical PMI. By agreeing to use the hospital specified by the plan, you’ll save the company money d they’ll pass the savings to you.

4. Combining PMI with NHS care can save you money.
One unique plan offered by Norwich Union pays you if you choose to use the NHS. When you choose NU’s Fair+Square plan, you have the choice of getting eligible treatment on the NHS. If you do, you’ll be paid  for your first night in hospital and  for subsequent nights up to a maximum per annum.

Another option is the “six weekan which enables you to agree to take treatment on the NHS if you can get it within six weeks. If you can’t, then your private health insurance will kick in. Choosing the six week option can cut your premiums in half.

To find out more about UK health insurance companies that offer comprehensive benefits and value for money visit http://www.uk-insurance-index.co.uk/health-insurance-1.html

Alternatively you can request the help of an independent health isurance specialist who will search the market on your behalf to find the best deal available in relation to cost and cover. In the majority of cases this service is free of charge and without obligation. For further information or a quote please visit www.privatehealthservice.co.uk

Corporate health insurance in London is available to set up from 1 to over 150 + members. All main health insurance providers will offer corporate health insurance on either a new business or switch basis. You can go direct to the main corporate health insurance providers or get an independent health insurance expert to source the best deals available to you and negotiate on your behalf. In most cases this service is FREE and without obligation.

If you already have corporate health insurance you can Switch to another provider on a CPME basis (Continued Personal Medical Exclusion). CPME underwriting describes the process by which insurers accept a transfer in from another company. This process is almost exclusively in the company paid market and allows client companies to transfer one insurer to another on renewal without losing cover for conditions that arose after the start of the original scheme. CPME is also known by the following terms: Switch, No worse Terms and Protected Underwriting terms.

If you starting a new policy you can there are 2 ways to underwrite the policy. Firstly, Full medical underwriting (FMU). This is the means by which medical insurance applications are written and accepted by the insurer. The client completes a lengthy application form, which includes questions about the medical history. The insurer will review the application and exclude from cover any serious pre-existing conditions or conditions that may arise from existing conditions or symptoms. Secondly, You can apply on Moratorium underwriting. Moratorium underwriting is the style of acceptance of a medical insurance application in which the client signs a declaration to accept that medical conditions or symptoms suffered in a period of time prior to the inception date (usually five years) are excluded from cover. If the member is free of symptoms, medication and medical advice for a period after inception (usually two years) the exclusion is lifted.

Finally there is Medical History Disregarded (MHD). Policies written on an MHD basis commit the insurer to all eligible medical expenses that occur after the inception date of a policy. This type of underwriting is usually limited to groups of more than 50 members.

For a free quote for corporate health insurance please call 0800 042 0555 or visit www.privatehealthservice.co.uk

Bupa client choice health insurance id provided by Bupa insurance Ltd. This policy is available on a moratorium or underwritten membership. Bupa client choice gives you the benefit of an immediate no claims discount on joining the policy. The policy covers a wide range of treatment of acute medical conditionsincluding surgery, hospital accommodation and nursing, diagnostics, out-patient consultations and therapies, treatment for cancer, private hospital treatment following an accident or emergency admission, injuries from dangerous hobbies and self-inflicted injuries.

Inpatient or day care will be in a Bupa Partnership Network hospital. Out-patient limit on Bupa Client Choice is £500 a year on GP referal with a Bupa recognised consultant. There is also £500 a year for physiotherapy and other therapies on GP or Bupa recognised consultant referal to a Bupa recognised therapist. With all In-patient and day-patient paid in full as long as treatment is received in a Bupa partnership network hospital and you see a Bupa recognised consultant. Bupa benefit limits apply if the consultant is not a Bupa partnership consultant.