PMI Private Medical Insurance

What is PMI Private Medical Insurance?

Private Medical Insurance (PMI) covers the costs of private medical treatment for curable short-term medical conditions, frequently referred to as 'acute conditions'. PMI includes the costs of surgery, specialists, accommodation and nursing at a private hospital or in a private ward of an NHS hospital. The plans on offer usually come in two 'flavours'; Standard and Comprehensive.

In general, PMI Plans do not cover chronic or critical illness which cannot be cured, for example multiple sclerosis, asthma or diabetes. However, in a crisis, most PMI policies will pay the cost of treatment for stabilising a patient and returning them to their previous level of health when possible.

PMI contracts are offered on an annual basis, with premiums payable monthly, quarterly or annually. Discounts are sometimes offered should you pay the whole annual premium in one go or take up a Voluntary Excess on claims. Some insurance providers will accept new clients at any age but most place upper limits at 65 to 75 years old.

Once you are accepted into a plan, the insurer usually continues to offer cover, year on year, albeit at an increasing premium with age. If you receive cover as a perk with your employment and you leave your company, most insurers will offer you and your family cover, but it may be on differing conditions and premiums.

Click the links below to find out more about PMI policies:

Standard and Comprehensive plans
Exclusions
Which hospitals can be used?
Can I always get cover?
What is Moratorium cover?
Evidence of medical history
Transferring providers
Factors affecting your future premium
Changing your mind
Making claims
Complaints
Getting advice
PMI Quotes