Letter: Health worry

YOUR excellent article "Priced out of private health care plans" (Money, 8 March) outlined problems facing those who wish to provide themselves with private health cover. However, it omitted one important item. Many insurers exclude cover for "chronic conditions", the interpretation of which may exclude a condition for which treatment has been given when it comes to renewal of the policy. Many consultants are concerned at the restrictions being imposed because they fear that the patient may not be able to be referred to the consultant (or hospital) of choice, or that is most appropriate.

M C T Morrison FRCS

The Ridgeway Hospital Wroughton, Wiltshire