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Why now is the perfect time to start a private medical plan
Member Benefit
Why now is the perfect time to start a private medical plan
HMCA explains why taking out private medical cover before you need it could help give you greater choice, flexibility and confidence about your future healthcare.
Private healthcare is something many of us don't think about until we need it.
It can be easy to assume private medical cover isn't for you. Perhaps you feel healthy, think you're too young or too old, or assume the cost will put it out of reach.
But more people are considering the role private healthcare could play in giving them greater choice over their treatment. And according to HGA member HMCA, the best time to consider a medical plan can be before new health conditions arise.
Exclusive HGA Member Benefit
Private medical plans available to HGA members
As a member of the Home & Gift Association, you are eligible for an exclusive* medical plan from HMCA, an organisation that has provided private medical cover to professional groups for 48 years.
HMCA isn't listed on price comparison websites and doesn't advertise its medical plans directly to the general public. Instead, it specialises in providing private medical plans through selected membership organisations, including the Home & Gift Association.
For members, that means access to a plan designed to provide prompt treatment and support when it's needed.
Why are more people considering private healthcare?
With NHS waiting lists remaining lengthy, demand for privately funded healthcare has continued to grow.
The Bigger Picture
Demand for private treatment continues to rise
| 7.4 million The NHS waiting list figure cited by HMCA. |
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| 500,000+ Admissions funded by private medical insurance during the first nine months of 2025. |
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| +4,000 admissions Compared with the same period in 2024. |
Lengthy waits can mean living with pain or symptoms for longer while waiting for diagnosis or treatment. Private medical cover can offer another route, providing access to private treatment and greater flexibility around when and where you're seen, subject to the terms and conditions of your plan.
Private treatment isn't just for later life
There's also a common misconception that private healthcare is something to think about only as you get older.
Joint surgery is one example. Around 117,000 hip replacements took place in England and Wales in 2024, and HMCA highlights that more than 40% of private patients were under 70.
The key is to think about private medical cover before you need to use it, rather than waiting until a new condition has already developed.
What does an HMCA medical plan offer?
HMCA's medical plans are designed to give members greater choice and access to private healthcare when they need it.
| Fast access to treatment Helping you access eligible private treatment without lengthy waits. |
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| Choice of hospital and specialist Giving you greater choice over where and by whom you're treated. |
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| No age limits HMCA plans don't impose an upper age limit for joining. |
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| No medical examination You don't need to undergo a medical examination to apply. |
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| Private hospital accommodation Eligible treatment can include the comfort and privacy of your own private room. |
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| Optional extras Including wellbeing helplines, dental plans and a 24/7 GP advice line. |
A more personal approach
HMCA has been a family-owned business since 1978, and says its personal approach remains at the heart of how it looks after its members.
All customer service, from initial enquiries through to claims, is handled in-house at HMCA's UK-based head office. There are no telephone queues or automated menus. When you call, you'll speak directly to a member of the team.
What HMCA members say
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the wonderful customer service you give me. Everyone is always so helpful and friendly. The service you provide is excellent!”
HMCA member
HGA Member Offer
Find out more about HMCA
If you'd like to explore whether an HMCA medical plan could be right for you, you can speak directly to their team or find out more online.
Call HMCA on 01423 799949
Explore the HGA member medical plans
New members can choose between a £100 Amazon gift card or £150 off their annual subscription.
Sources & further reading
- COVER: PMI admissions hit 500,000 in first nine months of 2025
- COVER: Private medical insurance admissions data
- National Joint Registry: 22nd Annual Report 2025, Hips
- PHIN: Patient Insights Explorer
*Exclusive offer available to members of Home & Gift Association and other selected membership groups.
HMCA/S PLC (trading as Hospital and Medical Care Association, HMCA and HMCA Members) which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN:307587). HMCA/S PLC is a company registered in England, company number: 01362094, registered office: Beech Hall, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 0EA.
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