Will health insurance cover treatments for sleep problems?

Checking your policy

Insurance policies vary greatly and it is important to check the details of policies to determine which conditions, treatments and procedures are covered. Some insurance policies will cover sleep disorders, while others will not, so if you are diagnosed with a sleep disorder and you want treatment that is not covered by the NHS, you will have to check with your insurance provider if they will cover the cost. If you need tests and follow-up treatment, this could increase the cost of the treatment significantly, so you will need to check that these costs will be covered too, to avoid unexpected bills.

Sleep disorders

Some insurance providers cover certain sleep disorders, but not others and there may be a grey area, especially if the treatment you require is considered to be a cosmetic treatment. Many companies cover sleep apnoea, for example, but will not cover the cost of surgery for snoring, because it is often considered a cosmetic procedure. If visiting The Private Clinic make sure to ask about this.

Snoring can be a problem when it comes to insurance companies, as it is not considered by some as a medical condition and therefore cannot be covered by health insurance. If treatment is not covered and you are resident in the UK, you can see your GP and ask what kinds of remedies are available to reduce snoring and prevent snoring treatment.

Buying health insurance

There are so many insurance policies around that choosing the right one can be a bit of a minefield. When you are looking, make sure you choose a suitable level of cover and compare prices from different providers to ensure that you get the best deal for your money. You can compare different providers by using Internet sites or contact brokers directly for quotes. As a general rule, the more you pay, the more comprehensive the cover but if you have a specific condition or you are planning to get treatment, make sure you choose a policy that provides the level of cover you need and always check that any treatments or tests you have are covered before you go ahead.

If you have already been diagnosed with a sleep disorder, make sure your policy covers it, as some do not offer cover for pre-existing conditions and you may be advised to take out a more expensive, more comprehensive policy.

Sports Injuries are common practice

Sport is a brilliant way of releasing energy, keeping fit and meeting new people, but it does come with a high risk of injury. Sports injuries are very common and can happen to even the most amateur sportsmen amongst us.

Common sports injuries include twists and sprains, cuts and bruises and aches and pains. Most injuries are minor and heal quickly, but some can be very serious and result in months on the sidelines. Professional sportsmen are particularly prone to injuries as their bodies are put under constant strain. Contact injuries are particularly common in sports like rugby, where the body is subjected to great force from other people and hard surfaces. If you suffer an injury, take time out to have it treated; if you continue to play, the chances are you will make it worse. It is particularly important to get medical attention for head, neck and spinal injuries, as these could be extremely serious and potentially life threatening.

Dental injuries are also very common, with many people chipping, breaking and losing teeth as a result of participating in sports. If you lose a tooth, make sure you keep it in a glass of cool water or milk and see a dentist as quickly as possible; it may be possible to save the tooth if you get help quickly enough. Emergency dental services, are available 24 hours a day; costs may vary if you choose a private service will be more expensive. If you haven’t had a check-up for a while, you may find you need further treatments like fillings or root canal treatment, for example.

To prevent sports injuries, it’s important to prepare your body properly; always do a thorough warm up and cool down and wear protective clothing where possible; to protect the teeth it is advisable to wear a gum shield, especially if you are playing rugby or hockey where dental injuries are very common.