Healthy options for private cover

Private medical insurance (PMI) coverage is increasing in the UK. It is estimated that the number of people covered amounted to 11% of the population in 1994, a figure that is expected to rise to 15% by the year 2000. For companies sponsoring PMIs, many options are available in the market. There is the insured company paid-scheme wherein the company shoulders the whole premium for certain employees and relations. Another is the insured shared-cost program wherein the employer and employees both handle the costs, with each shouldering 50%. Under insured voluntary groups, on the other hand, the employer serves as an umbrella organization which arranges coverage for the whole group. Employers may also consider the self-insured scheme, wherein the company reimburses medical costs to employees without signing a contract with the insurer. Lastly, there is the self-insured trust which avoids insurance premium tax.