Healthcare is a consideration for everyone and their families. Besides investing in all other basic necessities, the most suitable healthcare ensures you are protected from unexpected illnesses and accidents. In the UK, there are two main categories of healthcare access. The first one is the National Health Service (NHS), where the UK government provides free healthcare to its citizens. Your other option is to up or add private healthcare offered by private healthcare facilities and operated independently of the NHS.
Hence, when it comes to healthcare, you want the best for yourself and your family, and the two options have their own benefits. While the National Health Service provides free healthcare, the services offered have limitations, and you may not be free to choose what you personally want.
The question you would want to know is not the cost of their services but whether they are worth it. Follow this article as we explain what private medical clinics offer and compare the benefits of their services to their downsides. Then, you can judge whether it is worth your money.
Services Offered
Private healthcare centers, such as Spa Private Medical in Cheltenham in the UK and other clinics, offer general practice services offered by public healthcare. That includes routine check-ups, vaccinations, and treatment for minor ailments in the outpatient category, as well as specialist consultations for areas like cardiology, dermatology, orthopedics, and more for expert advice and treatment.
The only differences are the quality of these services in terms of advancement in technology and the availability of highly qualified specialists. In addition, you will find additional services offered for your well-being, not necessarily because you are sick, within your package.
If you have a condition that requires further investigation, clinics offer imaging services like X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and lab tests to diagnose the problem using the best available equipment for the accuracy of results.
Where surgical procedures are deemed necessary, you will immediately get either minor or major surgery using modern techniques. You have a choice of whether the hospital or the surgeon performs the procedure if you think it’s for your own good. Modern surgery also ensures faster recovery as compared to public hospitals, where you may wait for days with ordinary surgery techniques.
Wellness programs are notable personalised services offered with the main objective of preventive care and managing overall health, keeping you and your family away from ailments associated with lifestyle and environmental factors.
Special Benefits from Private Medical Clinics
Specialised and Continuity of Care
Private clinics offer the ability to choose your doctor If you have a serious condition that needs specialised care. Additionally, you can often see the same doctor for follow-up appointments, ensuring continuity of care. The ability to choose your specialist and avoid long waiting times can impact your quality of life in many ways.
Advanced Facilities and Special Treatments
Private clinics often have the best modern facilities in the industry as they are heavily invested in medical technologies. Thus you will have access to advanced treatments aided by special diagnostic tools that might not be adequately available in public service hospitals.
For elective procedures, such as cosmetic surgery or non-urgent orthopedic surgeries, private clinics offer faster and more convenient options. This can be worth the cost if you want to avoid long NHS waiting lists.
Comfort and Privacy
Some people choose private healthcare for the peace of mind through comfort and privacy. Private medical clinics have a smaller or manageable number of patients and enough space for everyone to have a private room, better amenities, and adequate nurses for personalised care.
Main Disadvantage of Private Medical Clinics
The major hurdle people find difficult to cross is the high cost of accessing healthcare services and the additional benefits. You basically have to pay for every service, including consultations, and the rates are high. Even if you have private health insurance, policies often have limitations and exclusions. Hence, there are expenses for certain treatments or services you may have to chip in. Further, private healthcare might not offer anything extra when it comes to routine treatments or minor ailments, which are the most common services also offered by the NHS.
Conclusion
Is Private Healthcare Worth It? If cost is a significant concern, it might not be worth it as the NHS also provides good healthcare and emergency services for free. Besides the cost element, if you were to be attended to for a chronic condition and need specialised care or elective procedures, private healthcare is worth your investment. Hence, when you decide to invest in healthcare for your family, you know what to get from private and public healthcare.
I’m Dr Justin Boey, an Aesthetic Doctor in Singapore. I believe in open sharing of knowledge and skills to patients, blog readers and fellow doctors alike.
