Healthcare emergencies are a significant concern for lots of families. Hospital bills are one of the expenses that can surprise you and quickly add up to a mind-boggling amount.
Therefore, we must focus on budgeting for healthcare emergencies by understanding the critical aspects of our family’s healthcare and how to budget for them.
A personal health budget will enable you to pay for hospital treatments, after care services such as physiotherapy, on-going mediation needed, and the services of a personal injury lawyer if you suffer a workplace injury and need compensation to pay for medical expenses.
Here is a family guide on budgeting for healthcare emergencies.
Why it’s essential to budget for healthcare emergencies
According to industry insiders health insurance rates in the UK are likely to increase by at least 20 per cent this year. Additionally, you may find that your insurance does not cover a myriad of procedures that you may need, and some that may be cosmetic.
When you have a health budget for your home, you can rest assured that you will be able to cover any expenses arising and the costs won’t overwhelm you or interfere with your daily or monthly house budget.
Family healthcare emergencies: What to budget for
If you reside in the UK permanently, you are entitled to free healthcare services from the National Health Services (NHS), but you can also take out private health insurance to access better health facilities, therapists, and medical specialists.
Each region in the UK has its own NHS services, so you can access these services whether you live in Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland.
Although the UK National Health Service provides most healthcare services free of charge, there are some charges for specific services such as prescriptions, optical and dental treatments.
However, people over 60 and low-income earners are entitled to reductions and exemptions on NHS charges. Therefore, if you fall in this bracket, talk to an NHS representative for guidance on reducing your healthcare costs.
You must assess your household income to determine how much money you can allocate towards medical emergencies if you opt to pay for private health insurance.
Paying for health insurance
Although the NHS offers patients excellent care, 1 in 8 UK citizens pay for private health insurance for their personal and family healthcare needs.
Private patients can access doctors more quickly and better health facilities, thereby avoiding the long wait times associated with NHS health services.
The premiums for private healthcare in the UK depend on a patient’s age and pre-existing medical conditions. These plans function on an excess basis, meaning you must pay some part of your treatment costs when using insurance for healthcare emergencies.
These expenses will be minimal if you have the right health plan for your family.
You will also find that many UK employers include subsidized healthcare coverage in their benefits package, making it easier for people to afford private health services.
If you choose private health insurance, prioritize healthcare in your budget as you do other expenses like your mortgage, food, and taxes because it is a “need”, not a “want”.
Expenses to consider when budgeting for private healthcare
- Medical care costs include vaccinations, dental care, and routine check-ups.
- Health insurance premiums from your income and out-of-pocket expenses.
- Surprise hospital bills for management of chronic and pre-existing conditions such as Diabetes.
- Gynecological, sexual health, maternity & pediatric care, and breast and cervical cancer screening services.
- Cost of rehabilitative care for sick people at home and prescription medication.
- Learning disabilities and mental health services
How to choose a private healthcare provider
There are many health insurance companies in the UK, and you must choose one that offers you excellent health services while charging affordable premiums.
Here are the steps to follow;
- Assess your family’s health needs and write down the healthcare costs likely to crop up in your daily lives, such as mandatory doctor’s visits.
- Explore the available health insurance coverage services on offer from different companies. Focus on the benefits on offer and ensure you can access treatment from your preferred healthcare facilities when health emergencies crop up.
- Contact your local general practitioner (GP) with queries about suitable health insurance for you and your family. They will assist you in making informed decisions based on your family’s medical history.
- Consider your budget and how much you can afford to spend on annual medical care for your family and insurance to ensure you choose an affordable healthcare package.
- Take into account your fixed monthly income and consider getting extra income if your healthcare budget is stretching your household budget. Allocating enough finances for your family’s health needs to deal with any medical emergencies is essential.
- Once you choose a health insurance provider, thoroughly read the policy documents they give you before signing up for medical coverage, paying close attention to the terms and conditions.
- Find out how to process insurance claims and ask how long it takes to get reimbursement for healthcare emergencies. Take note of insurance premium limits and opt for an insurance health plan with higher deductibles because you will pay lower premiums.
Preparing for surprise medical costs
Sometimes, even when you’ve budgeted for routine medical care, personalized care, medication, and health insurance, unexpected medical emergencies can crop up, resulting in financial stress.
You should set aside an emergency fund for surprise medical expenses to avoid relying on loans and credit cards if your insurance provider does not fully pay your medical bills.
Make sure your emergency medical fund can cover your family’s health needs for 3 to 6 months.
This will enable you to maintain your regular budget without dipping into savings for other financial goals, such as your children’s education fund, when faced with a health emergency.
Try to utilize preventative health care services as much as possible to stop minor health conditions from developing into serious ailments that will cost you a lot to treat.
Remember, early detection of illnesses such as Cancer can help you avoid a traumatic experience and high medical bills by accessing necessary treatment in time.
Ensure you review your family’s healthcare budget at least once annually to factor in changes in your family’s healthcare needs, such as a new child or an upcoming surgical procedure.
This is also essential if your financial situation changes, for instance, when you change jobs because you may need to get a more affordable insurance package or shift to another healthcare provider.
Final thoughts on budgeting for emergencies
Budgeting for healthcare emergencies may seem difficult, especially if you have a large family. The information in this guide will help you make intelligent choices regarding your family’s health expenses.
It is important to ensure every family member can access the healthcare they need during emergencies. Understanding what to focus on when budgeting for health services will help you make the right choices.
Don’t hesitate to contact your doctor for advice on finding the most affordable health insurance provider to ensure you make informed decisions when budgeting for your family’s health care emergencies.
