In the UK, the issue of health insurance is a complicated one. This is because, unlike in the USA where medicine is privatised, the UK's National Health Service exists to provide healthcare and treatment to citizens who need it. However, a burgeoning population and a strained NHS budget means that in recent decades, waiting lists have been growing longer and procedures are not always free for patients. As a result, more people have been seeking health insurance policies so they can affordably access private medical treatment if they need to. The number of health insurance providers in the country has simultaneously grown to meet this demand and, as a result, there are now many more cover options on offer. A typical health insurance policy will offer several basic benefits. These may include 24-hour telephone or online support, prompt appointments specialists or consultants, simple and affordable access to drugs and treatments, and a simple, efficient claims service. However, different policies will include varying cover options so it's important to research all the different type of health insurance available to you before making a purchase. Some policies, for instance, may offer extensive cancer cover. Others may include comprehensive heart care facilities and some may combine both of these benefits. What's more, others may also cover psychiatric treatment, which may be particularly valuable in times of stress or bereavement. Many health insurance providers allow customers to tailor their policy options, giving you the opportunity to save money by eliminating cover that you don't want or need. In addition to private health insurance, critical illness cover is also available. Critical illness cover is suited to patients suffering from certain serious or terminal diseases, or who have undergone particular operations, and it may also be purchased with a life insurance policy. The illnesses covered may vary between cover providers so if you're considering critical illness insurance, it's important to research policies carefully to make sure your particular situation is covered. Often, insurers will offer a certain level of flexibility, with different options affecting the price paid by policy-holders. Ultimately, if you hold a critical illness and life policy and you die, a one-off lump sum will be paid to your beneficiaries. Alternatively, if you're seeking affordable health insurance for everyday medical costs, a health cash plan could be the best option. Health cash plans involve paying a small monthly sum to your insurer, which allows you to recoup the cost of ordinary treatments. Basic health cash plans usually cover dental, optical and physiotherapy procedures. However, higher levels of cover may also allow you to reclaim fees incurred through chiropractic appointments, chiropody, osteopathy, health assessments, diagnostic scans and hospital day surgery. Moreover, for a nominal extra sum, cash plans may also allow you to insure your spouse and children, ensuring that each member of your family is covered for their everyday medical needs.