Private health insurance

Further to the above, it put money into the NHS for using facilities that would have stood empty and took me off the waiting list freeing up an initial consultation, the actual treatment in a suitable area which involved three members of staff and the follow up treatment for the removal of stitches and further check that all was progressing well. In total I had five separate appointments, none of which were done by NHS staff in their contracted hours.

Dont have private health insurance but did have a Full Left Knee Replacement paid for by the NHS at a local Spire Hospital.

It would have cost around £15, 000 if l'd paid for it. But the operation was still performed by my NHS Consultant.

Operation went well. But l had difficulties in recovery i walking and live by myself in and l was referred back to the NHS for a month to a rehab Unit/ Nursing Home intense daily physio sessions

When working I had 'Simply Health' cover provided by my employer which was later changed to 'Benenden'. When I retired I considered paying for it myself but couldn't really afford it. It paid for dental cover, optician visits and glasses and enabled you to see a specialist privately to speed up diagnosis etc. It isn't full private healthcare but I think it covered things like physiotherapy and chiropody though I only benefitted from dentistry and eye care. Fortunately I never needed to use any of the other benefits though I could do with some now if I was still covered. It's a more affordable option and you could set aside the difference in case yuu need treatment privately that isn't covered.
Since retirement I have cut down on visits to the dentist and optician as even on the NHS I struggle to afford the costs, especially varifocal glasses. I used to get a new pair every year even if my prescription hadn't changed but now only when really necessary. Some treatments are no longer available at the dentist on the NHS so I had to forego the scale and polish last time as it would have doubled my bill! At least I still have an NHS dentist even if I can only afford to visit annually or even less! Glad my teeth have always been pretty good and I still have all my own!

I was in BUPA years ago and had an op in a private hospital. Surgeon was the same as I saw first in NHS. Apart from private room ensuite and a v nice menu all the same really.
Went to GP recently for bad urine infection. GP saw me 3 hours after I phoned did blood and urine test in surgery. Went home and GP rang 4 hours later for me to go immediately to urgent medical care at hospital. Doctor 2 nurses and HCA were waiting for me to arrive. Had several ECGs blood test, examined, drip set up, IVmeds and chest x-ray in half an hour of arriving. 2nd night I was on a ward, checked every 4 hours temperature and medication. In the morning HCA came around asking if anyone needed help to shower or wash. NHS is good if you are seriously ill. Also there is no private A&E. Food at NHS wasn't very nice but staff were brilliant

I quite agree *Sazzi1, the NHS is good in emergencies and if you are seriously ill. Unfortunately the majority of patients fall into neither category and far too many of us end up having abysmal treatment.

I was misdiagnosed and treated for a condition I did not have and refused referral to the specialist I knew I should be seeing. In the end I went privately. The misdiagnosis was confirmed and I finally received treatment for the medical condition I actually had.

At the same time and in the same hospital my DH was receiving excellent treatment in the cardiac department.

DH has insurance and received a very worrying diagnosis about 18 months ago. He had a consultation with the surgeon who said that the surgery required wasn’t available privately because certain equipment was needed and also a stay in the ICU. It was all very successful and he was very well looked after. Before and after the operation he also needed chemo. This was given at a local private hospital where he again received excellent care and was able to be close to home. Very important when you don’t feel well. The statements from the insurance company show that this treatment alone cost £36,000. He’s very grateful to have had access to the private system for this.

Anyone have experience of HCMA medical insurance? It doesn't advertise but is available through various membership organisation and subscriptions. I saw their flyer in the Oldie and enquired. It seems a bit too good to be true.

I did try it a couple of years ago and used it for a tendon problem that arose. Had a couple of MRI’s and saw a consultant : times. I worked out that with all the excess etc I’d be better off putting the money away each month. I’ve just seen a private consultant at a private hospital via the NHS. The appointment came through quickly and he’s booked me in for a knee replacement although there’s a 6 month waiting list. The procedure will be performed at The Spire hospital and paid by the NHS. This appears to be the standard procedure these days.