To ask if you have private health insurance?

I'm so done with them. They are talking in absolute riddles.

Their argument is akin to bombs dropping out of the sky... but ALL they want to focus is the fact said sky is blue.
Breaking News: At that precise moment in time, no one gives a shit!

The ONLY issue here is that many people are feeling forced to turn to private healthcare after the NHS has failed them, which 100% makes it a necessity.

This is the issue. Nothing else.

I will @ whatever responses I choose to.

Your ego is off the scale!

My ego, or lack there of, has zero to do with your reactions. If you feel insulted, then you feel insulted. More likely you feel insulted simply because someone doesn't agree with you

So the majority aren't? And? So what?

You claimed 'That used to be the case. Not anymore.' when I posted that the majority of people are not going into debt over private healthcare – I then posted the figure to illustrated that the majority are not going into debt over it.

Your personal experience does not define whether a service is a luxury or not, and something being defined as a privilege and a luxury does not minimise experience. People feeling as though as 'have to' take it out also does not define a service as a luxury or not. The ability and favourable financial circumstances to be able to take it out makes it privilege and a luxury.

Ooh, will I now!? Seriously, who even are you!? Your ego is off the scale!

I didn’t say people weren’t going into debt for it. I didn’t say less or the same people weren’t going into debt over it. I said the majority weren’t, which is accurate.

So the majority aren't? And? So what? I did - am speaking from my own personal experience and you are literally nobody to try and minimise that experience just because it doesn't fit your 'accurate', bullshit narrative.

As PPs have said, the fact people are feeling forced to take out private health insurance because the national health service they pay into monthly isn't fit for purpose is what we should be discussing here. Nothing else. Don't @ me again!

I don’t deny that some people feels forced to go privately. As I said above, I felt forced to take my child privately. I may be forced to in the future. But it is still a luxury to be able to afford to do so. It may not feel like a choice when one of the options is dire, but it is still a choice, and being able to have that choice is a luxury. My DH is in the NHS and can easily afford private healthcare; he thinks it’s a luxury. My sister is an NHS nurse – single mother, doesn’t own a property, lives by her pay day, can’t get credit or a loan due to the long financial mess her ex husband landed them in; she also considers it a luxury. Many people, from many walks of life do, and this thread is not a microcosm of the nation.

If we fundamentally disagree what a luxury is then, then I think that’s the end of line for discussing its meaning.

The figure is 20% of people using private healthcare are going into debt for it, but that figure includes treatment payment plans with the facility, which are utilised by many people who fund it affordable anyway.

I didn’t say people weren’t going into debt for it. I didn’t say less or the same people weren’t going into debt over it. I said the majority weren’t, which is accurate.

You’ll just to feel insulted, I guess.

This! People these days are actually scared stiff of needing treatment on the NHS, so are going without things to ensure they can pay for adequate healthcare, should they need it.

Apparently just wanting to stay alive is now considered a 'luxury'... 🙄

I wish. I always wondered why my dad didn't get it with his 'big important man job' seeing as his employer was an American oil company. This was in the 70s/80s
But I guess the NHS was not as fucked as it is now. It was almost a given I guess they'd look after us.

Yes and yes. I’ve had private health insurance for over a decade now. The family has it, which is reassuring. Private GP is so much more accessible

That used to be the case. Not anymore.
I have no idea where you're getting your information from but it's woefully inaccurate. And really insulting.

I've used them quite a bit over the years for physio and MRI scans. Also used their GP which is fab. Well worth the money I'd say.

Have you @GoogleWhacking ? How have you found it?

I've never used mine. I did contact them about the counselling service once and was referred. They offered me six counselling sessions with the first one two weeks and two days from referral.

I did the referral on the NHS website on the same day and they offered me six sessions with the first one two days later so I used the NHS instead.

I have Benenden cover. It is £15 a month for each. It's a good middle point between PHI and the NHS. I've used it loads.

@Ditsycamper It’s really easy. I can book an appointment within 10 mins usually. You just log onto the app and select next available which is never more than a few hours wait and they call you. I think there are different plans you can be on though. I have my plan through work and it’s amazing. One reason why I won’t leave my job.

In working for them.

My family does do something about improving the NHS.

Yeah, I guess. But I’m privileged enough to afford the luxury.

Yes through work and pay for DH and kids at slightly reduced rate. Wouldn't be without it now. Only used it a bit including one operation that has rid me of some pain. I don't want to wait months in pain for an operation if I get injured.

Yes. It's expensive with Bupa but I wouldn't be without it for us two. I hope Labour will rebuild the NHS after the Tories ran it down but there's a mountain to climb. So Bupa remains essential for now.

Everyone's opinion does - If they can be bothered to do something about it. That's our duty as citizens

That makes it even worse! You're so frivolous, spending on such luxuries. You should have just let her wait in the queue

Yes. Hugely expensive. I have no health conditions and have never claimed. DH is now over 70 and has had two surgical ops. It's now £600 per month.... I'm considering whether to continue or just save the money.