The Insurance My Father Never Had: Why One Dad Protected His Family’s Health Future

When Angus Maclean was a teenager, his father passed away from cancer at just 47 years old. It was a traumatic loss that reshaped how Angus viewed health, risk, and the kind of legacy he wanted to leave behind.

Now a father himself, Angus isn’t willing to leave his family’s well-being to chance. He’s one of a growing number of UK parents turning to private medical insurance (PMI) to ensure fast, reliable access to healthcare—especially when waiting lists feel longer than ever.

“I’ve had private cover since I was a child, and when I had children of my own, I knew I had to keep that going. I want to know that we can get seen quickly if something serious ever comes up.”— Angus Maclean, Bupa member, Cheltenham

His story is emotional—but it’s also deeply practical. And it’s one more reason many people are asking: is it still safe to rely solely on the NHS?

A Family History Too Painful to Ignore

Angus grew up in a household where illness wasn’t just feared—it was real. His father’s cancer came quickly and aggressively, with limited treatment options and delays that were difficult to process, even as a child.

That experience planted a seed. Even before he became a father, Angus knew he wanted a safety net beyond the NHS. After all, family history matters—especially when it comes to conditions like cancer or heart disease.

Today, he pays for comprehensive private medical insurance that covers his entire family: himself, his wife, and their two teenage children.

It’s not cheap. But for Angus, it’s a non-negotiable investment in peace of mind.

Why He Chose Private Cover for His Family

Angus isn’t alone. A record 7.6 million adults in the UK now hold private medical insurance—a number that’s jumped significantly in the past two years. While many join through employer benefits, more and more are buying policies independently to protect what matters most.

For families like Angus’s, the motivations are clear:

• Speed: Access to specialists within days, not months

• Control: Freedom to choose consultants, hospitals, and appointment times

• Continuity: Ongoing care with the same medical team

• Comfort: Access to private rooms and shorter waiting times for surgeries

  
  

But what stood out most for Angus was the speed. In today’s climate, even basic diagnostics can involve months-long queues in the public system.

“I didn’t want my kids to wait for months to be seen if something went wrong. It’s about making sure they don’t go through what I did.”

Using a Broker: Quietly Powerful, Often Overlooked

When Angus chose his plan, he worked with a broker—something many overlook when shopping for private insurance. It turned out to be a key decision.

Rather than picking a plan based on guesswork, he got professional guidance on:

• Which providers matched his needs and budget

• How to cover pre-existing family risks (like cancer)

• What exclusions to watch out for

• How to ensure children were properly included in the policy

  
  

Using a broker allowed Angus to get the right coverage the first time, without navigating dozens of confusing options. It also gave him a direct point of contact—especially helpful when claims or questions come up.

In a world where medical needs are unpredictable and fine print matters, the broker approach can quietly make all the difference.

More Fathers Are Following Suit

Angus’s mindset is becoming increasingly common among UK dads, particularly those in their 40s and 50s who’ve seen firsthand how slow the system can be. As waiting lists grow and NHS strain continues, the motivation to seek private alternatives isn't just about comfort—it's about avoiding unnecessary risk.

There’s also a generational shift. Parents like Angus aren’t just protecting themselves—they’re proactively insuring their children. It’s an act of care, but also of control: choosing a future where medical concerns don’t spiral into crises.

And when that decision is made with a broker’s help, it becomes easier to balance costs, tailor policies, and keep long-term health goals in view.

So, Is It Worth It?

For Angus, the answer is clear. Private cover isn’t a luxury—it’s a responsibility. One that lets him sleep better at night knowing he’s done what his father never had the chance to do: protect his family from uncertainty.

Whether it's cancer, a sudden illness, or even just the need for a quick scan or referral, private insurance can make the difference between stress and relief, delay and action, vulnerability and strength.

Worried About NHS Waits? Let’s Talk Options.

At Assure-U International, we help individuals and families like Angus’s find the right private medical insurance plan—tailored to their needs, budget, and medical history. As an independent broker, we compare policies from across the market to ensure you get fast access to care when you need it most.

Whether you're insuring yourself, your partner, or your whole family, our team is here to guide you with expert, friendly advice.

📞 Call us free on 03300 100 441

📧 Email us at sales@assure-u.com

Your health shouldn't have to wait.