Health Insurance can be split into two defined categories – Private Medical Insurance and Long Term Disability cover.

Private Medical Insurance, or PMI, could offer a sense of security such that if you become ill or need an operation, treatment can normally be obtained promptly, and with a possible choice of time and hospital location to suit your requirements.

Long Term Disability cover, or Permanent Health Insurance, as it was generally known, is designed to provide an "income" for an individual, or Employer, who is prevented by sickness or injury from carrying out their normal occupation.
There is a "Waiting Period" during which no benefit is paid under the contract, and this is set at outset. The minimum Waiting Period is generally four weeks, and benefit would be paid at up to 50% of the individual's pre disability income, up to the agreed retirement date, or when they return to work, whichever comes sooner.

The above types of policy and the cost of providing this cover is based on assessment of the age, sex and health of the applicant(s). It is likely that any pre-existing medical conditions(s) may not be covered under a new contract.