People can take out insurance to cover almost everything they own. Most people will insure their houses including the contents in case of fire or theft as well as damage to the property which might occur through unseen circumstances.  Motor cars have to be insured and people insure their electrical equipment and jewellery.  Insurance policies can be taken out which mature after a number of years giving the policy holder a substantial cash sum.  Many people take out private health insurance (Private Krankenversicherung) knowing this will give them security should they suffer illness or a disability (Berufsunfähigkeit) which makes it impossible for them to work.  Another advantage of having private health insurance is piece of mind knowing that should they need immediate medical treatment, they can be admitted to a private clinic. The National Health scheme in England allows anyone who is ill or injured to be treated by a doctor or admitted to a hospital free of charge.  This is funded by national insurance being deducted as well as tax from peoples’ wages.  This is the best system in the world, as in all other countries people must take out private health insurance to pay the costs for medical care.  This is not necessary in England but many people take out insurance as a way of security should the worse happen. Someone might have an accident and because they are left with a disability are unable to work.  If they have already taken out private health insurance they will feel more secure knowing they have help towards their cost of living.

National health hospitals offer the very best in care and anyone who has a serious accident will be treated immediately.  However, most people needing operations will have their name placed on a waiting list.  This means that someone could be waiting for an operation for six months or more.  By taking out private health insurance people who might need an operation will be admitted within a week or so after seeing a consultant.  They will have their own private room with television and telephone.  Families will be able to visit anytime and nobody will be discharged before they are feeling well again.  Costs will be covered by the insurance and patients will not be waiting for their operation.  Waiting six months or more for an operation means someone might get even worse and in some instances, like waiting for heart surgery, they could even die. Once a patient is admitted they receive the very best care possible but often after an operation they are not fully recovered before they are discharged.  Pressure is put on hospital staff to make sure people are in and out of hospital as quickly as possible because of the number of people still waiting.  Not everyone can afford private health insurance and anyone who has an accident resulting in a disability can claim a small allowance from the national health to help them.  By taking out insurance it helps provide security for people should they have an accident leading to a disability.  It also provides peace of mind in the knowledge that should they become ill and need medical care, they will have access to a private clinic for immediate treatment.