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Hot topics : 2011

In 'Hot topics', Ian Youngman, Private Healthcare UK's health insurance writer, examines some of the key issues that affect health insurance coverage and premiums.

Who should control care, the customer or the insurer? The NHS is moving, at least in the political rhetoric, to a situation where the patient will be able to choose which GP to use, which hospital to use, and which consultant to use.
Fat lazy unfit smokers beware For the last few years, the government and some health insurers have tried to be nice. They have exhorted us all to stop smoking, eat less, and get exercise. The government has spent huge sums on...
Why people will not buy long-term care insurance Every day there seems a new report, comment, figure or suggestion on how we as a country can pay for the long-term care of people when they get too frail to look after themselves.
Older and fitter people but not wiser insurers? Recent official figures from the government on life and health plus new research from reinsurance gurus Swiss Re agree that we as a nation are living longer than experts predicted a few years ago,...
Ten things medical insurers must do to take advantage of NHS reform Whatever happens on the reform of the NHS, demand for healthcare is always going to increase faster than the NHS can provide it, however much more efficient it gets.
Changing the relationship between consumers and insurance providers Many consumers and consumer groups accuse insurance companies of living in the past, with reluctance to embrace change. So it will surprise few people that the basis of much insurance law dates back...
A seismic week for the insurance industry The Equality Act 2010 seeks to end age discrimination in services, and if a provider is unable to provide assistance to a person because of their age, it will be obliged to refer that person to a...
Why employers are promoting health cash plans All of us are being urged to become more personally responsible for our community, our environment, our health and our finances. As the state cuts down on what it does, in some of those areas we have...