An international student goes through various ordeals before comfortably settling abroad one of which is finding a perfect accommodation that offers various facilities at affordable prices. HMOs can prove to be a great option when it comes to affordable accommodation which also offers various essentials required to run a smooth day-to-day life. Keep reading further to know more about HMOs!
This Blog Includes:
What is the Full Form of HMO?
HMO stands for House of Multiple Occupations which over the years has become an increasingly popular type of accommodation and has proven to be advantageous to both tenants and investors. Due to an increasing demand for affordable housing options, HMOs have offered a practical solution. As per the Housing Act 2004, Large HMOs need a license to operate in the UK.
Also, not all HMOs are required to obtain a license but the ones that fit the definition of large HMOs must apply for one. Large HMOs are student accommodations in the United Kingdom that have 5 more tenants that share more than one facility like a bathroom, kitchen or toilet over more than three floors.
Also Read: Concerned about your safety while choosing a student accommodation? This blog will answer all of your queries – How to Choose Safe Student Accommodation While Studying Abroad?
How a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Works?
A Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) offers health insurance coverage for a fixed monthly or annual fee. By joining an HMO, you agree to receive your healthcare primarily through a network of doctors, hospitals, and other providers. This means that most of your care will come from providers that are part of the HMO’s network, except in emergency situations or when urgent care is needed outside of the network.
HMOs are designed to keep healthcare costs down by working with a specific group of healthcare providers. However, this may limit your choice of healthcare providers, as you will generally need to see those within the network for non-emergency services.
When deciding whether to choose an HMO, you should think about a few key factors: the cost of the premiums, any out-of-pocket expenses you might incur, and your need for specialized care. You should also consider if it’s important for you to have a personal primary care physician (PCP), as HMOs often require you to have one to manage your care.
The HMO system emphasizes coordinated care, focusing on prevention and wellness. With an HMO, you typically have a structured approach to healthcare, where your PCP manages referrals to specialists and ensures communication among healthcare providers.
What is PCP?
In an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization), a PCP stands for Primary Care Physician. This is your main doctor who plays a crucial role in managing your overall healthcare. When you join an HMO plan, you’re usually required to choose a PCP from the network of doctors available. Your PCP is responsible for providing routine check-ups, treating common illnesses, and helping you manage chronic conditions.
If you need to see a specialist or receive more advanced care, your PCP will give you a referral. This ensures that your healthcare is well-coordinated and that you’re receiving the right care at the right time. The role of a PCP helps to keep your healthcare organized and cost-effective, as they manage your care and prevent unnecessary treatments or specialist visits.
Advantages of HMO Accommodation
HMOs are a great option for those who do not plan to buy or rent their property and want to stay close to their university so that they can save time and money. In the section below we have discussed some advantages of HMO accommodation:
1. Ensures Affordability
HMOs allow the residents to live at their desired location and that too at affordable prices. Sharing space and dividing the bills with other residents allow the residents to save a ton of money, Having said that, it doesn’t mean that will have to compromise on their comfort as the HMOs ensure the comfort and convenience of the residents.
Also Read: Not sure how long you can stay in a student accommodation? Our blog will help you greatly – How Long You Can Stay in Student Accommodation?
2. Offers a Supportive and Like-Minded Community of Students
Staying away from home can turn out to be lonely for students but if they have access to a supportive community then the journey can become quite easy and fun at the same time. Students staying at the HMOs get the opportunity to meet like-minded students at the accommodation and build their social network.
3. Ensures that the Residents Don’t Have to Splurge on Furniture
HMOs are usually fully furnished accommodations abroad with all the essentials which ensures that students don’t have to splurge on these items. This also ensures convenience to residents as it allows them to easily relocate to other locations in the future.
4. Ease of Commuting and Proximity to University
Major universities and colleges are usually located in close proximity to the HMOs. In addition to this, there are various places of interest like lively bars, restaurants, clubs and shopping centres near HMOs which ensures accessibility. Also, this type of accommodation is usually near to a great network of public transportation which makes it easy for the students to commute.
Disadvantages of HMO Accommodation
Despite all the benefits, HMO Accommodations also has its own set of challenges. Some of these challenges or disadvantages are mentioned below.
Limited Provider Choice
HMOs usually restrict you to their network of doctors and hospitals. If you want to see a doctor outside this network, you’ll either have to pay extra or won’t be covered at all, which can be inconvenient if you have a preferred provider.
Referral Requirements
To see a specialist, you must first get a referral from your Primary Care Physician (PCP). This extra step can delay your treatment and might feel like an unnecessary hurdle
Out-of-Network Costs
HMOs typically don’t cover treatment outside their network unless it’s an emergency. If you need care outside the network, you may face high costs.
Less Flexibility
HMO plans have strict rules for accessing healthcare, making it harder for those who want more flexibility or prefer a broader range of specialists. This can feel limiting for some individuals.
Also Read: Not sure how to find a place to stay while studying abroad? Our blog will help you – How to Find Student Accommodation For Studying Abroad?
FAQs
Mentioned below are some of the tips that you should follow to find a good accommodation:
– Select a good location
– Go through the reviews of the place you are considering
– Become familiar with the amenities offered
– Consider the price factor
– Think about the accommodation type which is suitable for you and is in your budget.
HMOs, or Health Maintenance Organizations, are health insurance plans that offer coverage through a network of doctors and hospitals. They focus on providing affordable care with a primary care physician (PCP) coordinating all your treatments and referrals to specialists.
Fly Homes is the best website for student accommodation as it has a user-friendly interface. It provides comprehensive information and offers a lot of accommodation options to which students can choose.
HMO full form is House of Multiple Occupations which offers a practical solution to the rising demand for affordable housing options.
Yes, HMOs typically cover emergency care, even if it’s outside the network. However, for non-emergency services, you must use in-network providers or get approval first.
There are many benefits of HMOs residents get access to a supportive community, the rent is affordable, commute becomes easier, etc.
An accommodation plan describes how people can ask for assistance, how the request will be handled and the length of time the assistance can be expected to take.
HMOs save money by negotiating lower rates with doctors and hospitals in their network. They also focus on preventive care, which can help avoid costly treatments down the line.
Premiums for HMOs are generally lower than other types of health insurance plans. Since HMOs focus on cost control and network care, the premiums tend to be more affordable.
No, with an HMO, you must see doctors within the network, except in emergencies. If you choose to see a provider outside the network, you will usually pay the full cost.
We hope you liked this blog where we covered comprehensive information about HMOs. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
| Related Blogs |
| Student Accommodations in Sydney Providing Gym Facilities |
| Student Accommodations Close to Kings College London |
| Clubs in Canada |
Follow Us on Social Media
