How much business can you achieve in 126 days? Could you afford to take that much time off work?

The NHS currently operates a system where you may have to wait this long – 18 weeks – to receive treatment for a medical condition. Furthermore during this period, as an NHS patient you are expected to be available at any time should a hospital appointment become available. Not terribly practical if you're lining up client meetings or trying to meet deadlines. If you were unable to work during this period and take sick leave, particularly if there is nobody to cover for you at the office in the meantime, your business could suffer as a result of your illness.

One way to cure this complaint is to take out private medical insurance. With a policy in place, treatment dates can be chosen by you instead of the hospital, and there are no waiting times. The result of this means returning to work faster and getting healthier quicker.