Summary

Traditionally, private medical insurance companies would not cover what they deemed to be 'experimental' treatments - but it looks that will be changing, as this article explains.

Private Medical Insurance. Experimental treatments could now be covered. Page 2

Author: Emma Mayo

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However, the FOS has only been able to overturn insurer's decisions on policies in which experimental treatments are not specifically stated in the policy as being excluded. The Ombudsman can't do anything about those policies that do specifically exclude experimental treatments.

The FOS has pointed out that just because they have ruled against the insurers, it doesn't mean they are endorsing specific types of treatment. They also said: "If the policyholder has been advised by his or her treating physician that, in their particular circumstances, they should have a newer treatment instead of an established procedure, our general view would be that it could be unfair for the firm to turn down the claim entirely."

As a result of these recent rulings, insurers may well reconsider how they deal with experimental treatments in their policies. Insurers say that they act in the best interests of their customers, and if they are asked to fund something that they consider to be against the best interests of the patient, then they will reject the claim. However, one insurer, WPA, has admitted that if the customer's doctor does recommend a particular course of experimental treatment, and there is a very good reason why that treatment is better than any other, then they will pay out. Norwich Union Healthcare has already said that they will be reviewing their policies in the light of the FOS' rulings. As for Bupa, it has expressed concern that customers will be claiming for procedures or drugs that have not been fully tested in the UK.

At the moment, it's a case of 'watch this space'. If you are thinking about getting private medical insurance, then keep this issue in mind when you choose your policy. It would be very frustrating to be recommended a treatment, and then find that you are not insured for it. Remember to check out the Internet first for the cheapest policies, most private medical insurance policies offer a lot of advice and information on which policy is best suited to you, which can be very useful with all the choice out there.