Many Britons are increasingly switching their private medical insurance provider in order to save money.  Industry experts are urging consumers hit by the credit crunch to still consider shopping around for the best deals in the market especially this Christmas season.

Market sources say that consumers can save money on their private medical insurance by first taking another look at your existing policy, to determine whether the cover matches their needs.  

Insurance provider, Freedom Healthnet, offers the Gold Essential Insurance policy which still covers up to £30,000 worth of in-patient care. Policyholders are also advised to always compare health insurance quotes from different providers even if they are already insured elsewhere for a long time.

The internet is also another way in which consumers can get a quote in a very short time and reduce the hassle and often long process involved of calling the various insurers.  

According to Healthnet, switching, rather than cancelling a policy altogether, allows consumers to save money in the long term because their no claims discounts and other similar benefits will not be lost.

At the same time, Freedom Healthnet says that consumers should take advantage of its cash plan private health insurance policies which are cheaper than conventional private medical cover.