Do you have high blood pressure?

Did you know that there are as many as 7 million people in the UK that are living with undiagnosed high blood pressure? This is medically referred to as hypertension. Without a diagnosis they do not know that they are at risk of developing coronary heart disease or having a stroke.  These are the latest figures provided by the British Heart Foundation.

The British Heart Foundation is an excellent website for learning more about high blood pressure. They provide guidance on how to control the condition and more importantly information about the life-threatening complications it can cause if left untreated. We have provided a link to their website below:

https://www.bhf.org.uk/heart-health/risk-factors/high-blood-pressure.

There may be no single cause for an individual’s hypertension, but certain lifestyle factors can play a part:

  • not doing enough physical activity
  • being overweight or obese
  • having too much salt in your diet
  • regularly drinking too much alcohol or
  • having a family history of high blood pressure.

Is your High Blood Pressure covered by Private Medical Insurance?

What happens if you have already been diagnosed with hypertension and do not have a policy in place?  Some health insurers will cover treatment of conditions associated with high blood pressure. You will have to satisfy the criteria that applies.  Therefore, if you suffer one of the life threatening complications it can cause, you can be treated at a private hospital. If you had a policy  in place when prior to diagnosis, these complications would be covered unless specifically excluded from cover.

When conditions associated with high blood pressure occur, they can be medical emergencies. As an example, a heart attack or a stroke.  Health insurance policies do not cover accident and emergency admissions. Therefore you would use the NHS for the initial admission. However, if you remain on the NHS whilst receiving treatment you could receive the NHS Cash benefit. many insurers will pay you a cash amount if you elect to have your treatment via the NHS. This is only for treatment of conditions that would be eligible for cover on your policy.

The team at SMP Healthcare have years of experience and therefore our knowledge can make your choices much easier. Can we help you to find a policy that covers you for your high blood pressure? Would you like us to compare policies for you when your current plan is due for renewal?

Please get in touch today on 01245 929 129 or by email enquiries@smphealthcare.com