Assalamu alaykum
I am a member of BHSF, who provide a health cash plan in the UK. This works by charging members a set monthly fee, in exchange for reimbursing regular/irregular medical fees. It is different to health insurance in that it covers expected health costs such as dental appointments/treatments or optician appointments, rather than insuring against a previously unknown medical condition. BHSF are also a not-for-profit, so any surplus made from members’ fees is reinvested back into the company for the benefit of its members.
I have reviewed its latest annual report and it does have sizeable financial investments in bonds, equities and funds- I assume this is to grow the income it makes from members’ fees. I decided to join BHSF as it offers a ‘free’ virtual GP service (in the current climate it is very difficult to make an appointment with my GP), and to pay for dental check-ups/treatment. Again, currently it is very difficult to make an appointment through NHS dentists for regular check-ups/treatment. I have used both of these services already. As such I have no other viable option, and have read previously on IslamQA that exceptions can be made for health insurance, as it can be considered a necessity.
Could you please confirm whether this cash plan is permissible?
JzkAllahkher
Nawaaz