How do private plans (PMI) compare with NHS cover?

Although the NHS continues to provide first class healthcare, the system has come under increasing pressure in recent years. That by itself is not a sufficient reason to turn to a Private Medical Insurance (PMI) plan ; but the various restrictions and long waiting lists of NHS care are convincing more and more individuals and businesses to turn to PMI. People are increasingly finding that they cannot be sure when they will be treated, where or even by whom under the NHS system. PMI plans offer several valuable advantages including access to private hospitals, no need to wait on NHS waiting lists, faster access to diagnostics and the possibility to see the same consultant from start to finish. Of course the plan you end up with will depend on several variables, so you must begin by looking carefully at the policies proposed by various providers, communicating to them your situation and asking for price quotes.