Read the latest news from SMP Healthcare Insurance Brokers. Our knowledge and expertise has helped hundreds of consumers and companies with setting up and managing their private medical insurance policies. Find out more about the health insurance industry, the latest news, announcements and more.
What isn’t covered by private medical insurance



When you buy private medical insurance, all insurers are keen to let you know what is covered, however, do they make it clear what isn’t covered by private medical insurance? Yes, you can look through the small print, but do you understand what it means in reality? Personal medical exclusions on your private medical insurance When you buy a policy with full medical underwriting, your insurance provider will issue a certificate. On this certificate, any personal medical exclusions will be shown. The underwriters will have made this decision based on the application form you completed. Your personal medical history and…
The advantages of Private Healthcare



You may ask yourself about the advantages of private healthcare. Why do you even need a private medical insurance policy in the UK? We have the NHS – surely that provides you with all the hospital treatment you can ever need? Well, maybe it would be beneficial to think about your medical treatment in more detail. 5 major advantages of private healthcare: Choice of hospital/ consultant Speedy access to diagnostic testing Treatments and appointments at a time to suit you The latest drugs and technology A private room Choosing your hospital/facility or consultant Being able to choose where you…
Short-term international Health Insurance



So, you have made the decision to move abroad. There are a number of things you need to think about, including international health insurance. When you make your visa application, it is likely they will request proof that you have private cover for your health in place, prior to travel. Different countries have different stipulations, and you need to make sure that the policy you buy ticks all the relevant boxes. What is short-term international health insurance? April International UK have a policy available for a 1–12-month contract period. This is ideal if you are traveling for a shorter length…
About Tuberculosis



Find out more about tuberculosis, the symptoms treatment and how Benenden Health was created to help people suffering with TB back in 1905.
The World Health Organisation (WHO)



The World Health Organisation (WHO) was founded in 1948 and is a United Nations Agency. You will have heard about it on the news in recent years, especially relating to COVID 19. WHO has many elements and promotes health across the globe, working to ensure that everyone can attain the highest level of health. Made up of over 8000 professionals, it coordinates the world’s response to health emergencies. Which professionals are part of the World Health Organisation? Public Health experts Doctors Epidemiologists Scientists Managers The WHO website contains a wealth of information and fact sheets relating to a number of…
Business private medical insurance



Business private medical insurance is available to companies of all sizes. Working with a specialist health insurance broker gives you a little extra peace of mind when you buy a policy for your employees. Looking after the health of your staff and not paying for benefits you will not use is key.
Brain Tumour awareness Month – March 2023



If you are looking for a charity to support this month, why not consider www.braintumourresearch.org, who are holding their Brain Tumour Awareness Month again this year? Launched in 2004 and still going strong, this event was designed to raise awareness and the funding required to continue with vital research. The vision for Brain Tumour Research is clear – to find a cure for all types of brain cancer. How you can get involved in Brain Tumour Awareness Month Friday 31st March 2023 is Wear a Hat Day. Part of Brain Tumour Awareness Month, this is well supported by the charity’s…
What is Burnout?



You will have heard about this condition before, but what is ‘burnout’? The World Health Organisation recognised it as an ‘occupational phenomenon’ in 2019. It is described as a state of both mental and physical exhaustion. Long-term work stress and working in a physically or emotionally draining role for a long period of time is a key factor. What are the common signs of burnout? There are several signs relating to burnout, and these include: Feeling tired or drained A feeling of helplessness and defeat Self-doubt Feeling overwhelmed Having a cynical or negative outlook Unless the underlying issues causing burnout…
Can anyone buy Private Medical Insurance?



With more and more people considering private medical insurance, the question ‘Can anyone buy private medical insurance?’ is often asked. For so long, people have perceived this to be a luxury purchase, but we no longer believe this is the case. In the UK, the NHS does a great job. For accident and emergency treatment, in fact, there is no better solution, but what about non-urgent medical treatment? As we have all seen, NHS waiting lists have increased around the country and show no signs of recovery. The stats about waiting lists are reported on the news every single day…
Is it worth seeing a private GP?



Every day you read or hear horror stories in the press about the lack of NHS appointments. For this reason, you might consider seeing a private GP for your own peace of mind, but is it worth doing? The lack of GP appointments is frustrating and caused by a number of factors, with the arrival of Covid across the globe certainly not helping, but, frustratingly for the NHS, the number of missed appointments also plays a part. Seeing a private GP via mobile app If you have a private medical insurance policy, then you are likely to have access to…