More fun with BT

We were talking about private health insurance, not NI. And yes, like
any other insurance, if you need to claim on it your cover isn't
limited by how long you've had it.

No, no, and thrice no. You can's see it working in the UK, fair
enough, but I put it to you that it's just too different for you to
contemplate. But if you look at the places where this is the modus
operandi, you may be surprised.

What I describe is a state-regulated healthcare system that works
exceedingly well, TYVM.

You could do a lot worse that studying other countries' systems, like
the one I describe that works so well for us Swiss residents.

 

Not at all. And in fact this is done in many countries, like France.
Ironically enough, they're one of the highest consumers of
prescription meds in Europe, of which you can make what you will...

Sure, why not?

 

Using the patented Mavis Beacon "Hunt&Peck" Technique, SteveH

See, now this I would definitely not allow.

You've paid for private healthcare, you take it. Keep the NHS bed for an
NHS patient.

 

I disagree. You cannot exclude someone from their rights as a citizen of
the UK because they buy a product. As he's already stated, he was in a
centre of excellence for cardiac care and moving to another hospital was
not in his best interest. Perhaps if he was in for a lenghty period like
Champ then a move would have been the option he took. Steve pays the
premium, or the tax on the benefit, to give *him* the *choice* of where he
is treated.

I'm going to phone Mu and tell her not to serve you bacon & sausage for
breakfast, "because he owns a pig." Enjoy your cornflakes.

 

Also there's the fact he was brought in for emergency treatment. Most
private healthcare provision isn't for emergencies, and claims tend to
require pre-approval. Perhaps this would work if he were prepared to
book a heart attack in advance, but I've a feeling that would be
unpopular.

 

Using the patented Mavis Beacon "Hunt&Peck" Technique, Champ

<folds>

 

and wasn't I talking about a change in NHS structure, with Govmint providing
a tax funded universal policy for all the deserving citizens and delivery
being private sector. US style delivery with UK style insurance. Best of
both worlds.

In effect the NHS Trusts are becoming de facto NFP delivery companies but it
isn't enough. They can never reform sufficiently IMHO.

 

My point was that starting paying £2 a week shouldn't immediately entitle a
newcomer to unlimited healthcare provision.

Health services in NL were certainly pretty good last time I used them.

 

*Ding*

The only issue to cover off is new immigrants, and that should simply be
covered off via their sponsoring employer

 

and you don't?!!

 

I don't what?

You mean, why don't I go for the whole lot? Well, the thing about
choice is that the 'better' options generally cost more. I'm happy
enough to go to my GP first, and wouldn't want to have to choose a
consultant myself without his advice anyway, so I don't think that
paying twice as much in premiums is really justified.

Like with car insurance - both our cars now are fully comp, but when
we had a 7-y-o Peugeot and a 9-y-o Volvo, I only had basic 3rd part
F&T cover. My choice to pay less and expect less in return.

 

Yes, I'm surprised, with your history I expected all the cover money could
buy

 

Accident insurance is a mandatory provision on the part of all
employers, and is completely independent from sickness cover. And
better cover too. All my current physio and other treatment is
provided completely free, including drugs, by this, and not my own
medical insurance.