Hypertension treatment : New health insurance scheme for sufferers

 

Hypertension (high blood pressure) will affect around 30% of all adults at some time in their lives and more than half of all people over 60 are diagnosed with the condition, which increases the risk of heart disease and strokes.

 

Hypertension affects a great many people of all ages, particularly those over 50.One in four people over the age of 50 suffer from hypertension, in which the blood pressure is chronically elevated. Persistent high blood pressure is one of the risk factors for strokes and heart attacks. People should ensure that they have their blood pressure tested regularly so that the condition can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible to reduce blood pressure. To reduce the risk of hypertension in later life, people should eat a healthy diet, which is low in fat and salt and take regular exercise.

 

The average NHS wait for inpatient heart treatment can take up to 13 weeks.With a long wait time for NHS treatment, it is understandable that people would prefer to be treated privately. Traditionally this has meant either people remaining with their current insurer and putting up with any premium increases that might be  imposed, or swapping to another provider and having the condition excluded from cover. Many many private medical insurers exclude hypertension cover for customers who already suffer from high blood pressure when taking out a new policy.  

 

Saga has  introduced optional cover for those 50 or over  with diagnosed hypertension. Hypertension cover is available for those who have been diagnosed and are taking medication as a form of high blood pressure treatment,  but not if they already suffer from diabetes, heart disease or have had a stroke.