2) The Six Week Option

Some private medical insurance companies provide something known as 'the six week option.' This option means that you agree to wait for up to six weeks for NHS treatment to become available. If the NHS cannot see you within this time then you can be treated privately. Six week option plans are available for individual and company medical health insurance.

Advantages
-This is a cheaper option and can reduce your premiums by 10%-30%

Disadvantages
-This is not an option if you really do not want to be treated on the NHS
-You cannot choose where, when and by whom you are treated
-You will not be covered if your treatment is urgent as obviously six weeks would be too long to wait

How does it work?
To ensure you are seen quickly outpatient appointments are arranged through your medical insurance and then the six week option applies to any treatments that you need.

The health insurance companies have access to a detailed list of waiting times for consultants and hospitals. They can search to see if there is a hospital or consultant near you that can offer you an appointment within six weeks. If there is no suitable consultant or hospital vacancy then they will provide you access to private care.

Companies that offer the six week option
Standard Life Healthcare offers a 10% reduction in their premiums if you take up this option in both of their EspritHealtcare plans.

AXA PPP Healthcare also offers a 10% reduction with the six-week option.

Aviva offer the same six week option and if you cannot be seen on the NHS within that time then you can choose from their Select Hospital List.