Private Medical Cover: Acute vs. Chronic

2007-03-08 10:33:40

( Health )



Private medical cover refers to a private health insurance that is used for the treatment of curable medical conditions. Usually the medical condition is not serious and has a very short treatment period, and sometimes not requiring a hospitalization confinement.

ACUTE AND CHRONIC

Private health insurance covers the treatment of acute illnesses as opposed to chronic illnesses or those that run over a long period of time. While your standard health insurance and Medicare covers chronic illnesses, a private medical cover has no provisions for such types of ailments.

Chronic illnesses are usually not curable and progresses over time. But not all chronic ailments are serious or life-threatening. Most chronic illness, while not curable, is very manageable with consistent administration of medications and regular check-ups. Some examples of chronic illnesses are high blood pressure and asthma. The management of these ailments does not normally require hospitalization unless some complications occur. However, the management is long-term, usually covering the life span of the individual.

KNOW YOUR COVERAGE

While private medical does not pay for the management of chronic illnesses, it will usually shoulder the costs of emergency, out-patient treatment, and hospitalization requirements when you are stricken with complications as a result of your chronic ailment. The coverage stops once the immediate medical emergency has been addressed and you are cleared to go back to management.

Because a private medical cover has very specific coverage and exemptions, make sure to know this before making a commitment. You have to know what illnesses you have coverage because it will be the basis of your decision to buy or not.

If you plan to purchase a private medical cover, make sure to provide a comprehensive medical history. If you plan to purchase medical cover for your family, secure a medical work-up of your loved ones as well. This way, there will be no misunderstanding when the time comes that you have to make claim.


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