If you've searched the net for private medical insurance that covers polymyalgia rheumatica then you are probably for looking for established UK based health insurance companies that will cover polymyalgia rheumatica.
Our advice when looking for private medical insurance that covers polymyalgia rheumatica is to speak to a health insurance broker. Health insurance is incredibly complicated and if you want complete certainty that polymyalgia rheumatica is covered by your policy you should consult with a health insurance broker who can explain which providers will cover this medical condition and which will exclude it.
There are many advantages to using a broker but the biggest by far is that you're using their industry experience at no cost. They are paid by the insurer (Aviva or Bupa etc) rather than by you so it costs you no extra to use their brokering services.
- Do you reside in many different postcodes? Some will give you a lower premium than offers. A broker will be able to advise whats best.
- Do you have a hobby that may invalidate your insurance claim? A broker will know this vital information.
- If you are a couple and one of you has claimed on your insurance policy this year would it be cheaper to separate you both onto two different insurance policies?
- You've lean't you're at risk of developing a certain condition and want to know which insurer offers the biggest amount of cover for it. A broker will know this instantly saving you so much time and effort.
You can call around every medical insurance provider you can find and ask if they cover polymyalgia rheumatica, however this will be a very time consuming process. Each insurer will ask for your medical history because its not normally a simple yes or not if a medical condition is covered or not.
Its far far quicker to speak to one health insurance broker which will know which providers on the market cover polymyalgia rheumatica and under what terms they do or don't cover it.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica Information
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a condition that causes pain, stiffness and inflammation in the muscles around the shoulders, neck and hips.
The main symptom is muscle stiffness in the morning that lasts longer than 45 minutes. It may also cause other symptoms, including:
If you have pain and stiffness that lasts longer than a week, you should see your GP so the cause can be investigated.
Diagnosing polymyalgia rheumatica can be difficult because the symptoms are similar to those of many other conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions will need to be ruled out before polymyalgia rheumatica is diagnosed.
Read more about the symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica and diagnosing polymyalgia rheumatica.
The cause of polymyalgia rheumatica is unknown, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors is thought to be responsible.
Polymyalgia rheumatica is relatively common in the UK. It's estimated that one in every 1,200 people develop the condition every year.
Polymyalgia rheumatica is age-related. Most people who are diagnosed with the condition are over 70. It's extremely rare in people younger than 50. It's also more common in women than men.
The main treatment for polymyalgia rheumatica is a coritcosteroid medication called prednisolone, which is used to help relieve the symptoms.
You'll initially be prescribed a high dose of prednisolone, which will be reduced gradually over time.
Most people with polymyalgia rheumatica will need to take a long-term course of corticosteroid treatment (lasting 18 months to two years) to prevent their symptoms returning.
Read more about treating polymyalgia rheumatica.
The most common symptom of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is pain and stiffness in the shoulder muscles, which develops quickly over a few days or weeks.
The muscles in the neck and hips are also often affected. Both sides of the body are usually affected.
The stiffness often feels worse first thing in the morning after you wake up and starts to improve after about 45 minutes as you become more active.