What does health insurance cover?

Some companies, such as HSA, pay a cash sum if you are hospitalised, but do not pay for treatment. Others cover the cost of the hospital bed and treatment.

Most health insurance companies do not cover the cost of having your baby privately unless there is a medical complication. HSA offers a fixed payment of between £90 and £720 on the birth of your child - the amount depends on which plan you choose.

Several of the insurance providers cover payment for private dental treatment. Some companies will cover the cost of certain complementary therapies if you have a letter of referral from your GP.

Check carefully which conditions are covered and what benefits are payable before taking out this type of cover - each company has several different plans offering various levels of benefits.