Unless you earn a decent wage or blessed with wealthy parents, most people are not likely to take out private medical care and will rely on the NHS.
However, some of the reasons why some may switch from NHS treatment to private medical care could be due to some patients not wanting to wait in a cue to be seen to during an emergency.
Finding insurance may pose a problem for people who have never received this kind of treatment.
All private medical insurance companies will promise the same things as each other, which is why it is hard to choose between the ones who sound genuine with the ones who are just trying to take your money.
Choosing this option will generally mean a more immediate service, a more personalised treatment, quicker response time and a more comfortable process.
The treatment will mean that your GP will pay closer attention to your recovery period even if the illness is only mild.
Whilst the services are better than the NHS, it does not replace all of the NHS's treatments and procedures.
This is because it boils down to the kind of insurance policy you take out.
There are ways of getting private medical care without having to pay a fortune in expenses.
The options are more varied and you do not have to take the one which offers the most packages.
Some policies are more suited for people with specific illnesses, whilst others may need to take out a fully comprehensive package.
Most insurance policies will cover for short term illnesses that are curable, or injuries which are treatable.
Illnesses or injuries which cannot be treated or cured are not included in a lot of packages.
People with pre-existing illnesses may find that the insurance policy will not cover for treatment, which means that you will need to double check with the insurer and have done your homework in advance.
Where people are on a budget it may be best to go for a policy which only covers for small treatments and illnesses.
Be careful not accept a policy that does not include accidents and emergencies and be prepared to take your time finding the right one.
Unfortunately the older you are the more premiums you will have to pay, because you are considered to have an increased chance of making a claim than someone younger.
This does not change for active and sporty people, though the insurance premiums are different for people in high risk jobs.