Total life premiums generated in the Lebanese market reached $471.1 million in 2015, constituting an increase of 6.2% from $443.7 million. This growth rate compared with annual increases of 5.5% and 7.4% in 2014 and 2013, respectively, with the existence of public health industry offering free healthcare why would anyone pay this?
Public health centers are available in all Lebanese cities, but are not as well equipped and staffed as private facilities are. The public health industry has significantly deteriorated during the conflicts and fighting in the past four decades. They are also overcrowded and have long waiting times.
There are private hospitals in the area that are on par with the best hospitals in West Europe and North America offering a very high level of care. However, the cost of treatment in private hospitals can be quite high. Unfortunately, the healthcare system in Beirut, as with all of Lebanon, is dominated by the private sector.
Lebanese Public health Issues
- Public medical services not covering all population and people requires special approval.
- Not well equipped and staffed as private facilities
- Some specialist consultants only work 1 day a month for the Governmental hospitals.
- long waiting times foe approval or Lack of hospital beds.
- The waiting times to see a consultant following on from a Public Referral can be more than 6 months.
- The waiting time for treatment referred by the consultant can also be more than 6 months.
- Diagnosis of illness and disease can take months meaning that treatment can be harder especially in cancer cases.
- The consultant recommended is not conveniently located or available at a time that suits you.
Private Medical Insurance
- No Public waiting lists to contend with.
- Puts you in control over when and where you receive treatment.
- Fast access to out-patient appointments, diagnostic tests and treatment.
- Private en-suite rooms.
- Peace of mind that your consultant has recommended your treatment because it’s the best for you, not because its cost effective.
- Immediate treatment in the hands of the most experienced doctors and nurses.
There is a large choice of providers and cover in the Private Medical Insurance market. To make sure you get cover that matches your needs and budget then it is important to take advice. At Insuria Brokers we compare the leading PMI providers on your behalf and advise on the plan that is best suited to you. If you already have a Private Medical Insurance plan in place then it is important to make sure that you check the market each year at renewal to ensure you are still receiving the most appropriate cover at the best price.
It is usually possible to continue cover for pre-existing medical conditions so you won't have to worry about not having cover for conditions you have previously claimed for. It is also worth pointing out that Corporate Private Medical Insurance is usually sold at a much reduced premium to Individual Private Medical Insurance so for business owners it may be more financially viable to do a Corporate Private Medical Insurance Plan that included other owners, directors or employees.
If you have any questions on the content above or wish to receive free impartial advice on your insurance needs, contact Ali Noureddine at Insuria Brokers on 70 74 64 64 or ali@insuria.com.lb
