Private Healthcare

GSM I know the NHS is organised through trusts. I worked for british Gas in nationalise days and we had a regional structure, but I was thinking of completely independent trusts, running their region with little or no interference. With the equvalent of Ofmed, or a regulator overseeing them. All government financed with no charging.

Sounds like privatisation to me.

I am with Benendon, I am getting treatment at the moment.

Nor remotely like privatetisation, they would be funded by the state, as now, and it would be free at the point of use.

I had a quick look at Saga who seem quite good, they have a clause where if you are prepared to wait 4 weeks if you need surgery then your policy is cheaper. My experiences of the NHS are awful, I've nearly died twice in our local hospital and I am currently on waiting lists for surgery on both hands and both feet but they have informed me they are not listing elective surgery at the moment because of the back log. I need joint replacement in both CMC joints in my hands but apparently they only last 15 years - I hate to think what the situation will be like then.

Another very satisfied Benenden customer. Private would be too expensive. Better to pay for treatment. If I was young and could afford it I would have Private insurance.

I don’t see the attraction of Benenden. They’re not an insurer, and all treatment is at their discretion after you’ve been referred by your GP. No guarantee of treatment. And the really worrying conditions, cancer and heart problems, are totally excluded.

GSM
I have paid £11 a month for 4 or 5 years. Have had at least £4000 in consultations and tests. Perhaps you should read up on them before making up your mind.
I've never been refused.
I had a consultation, then gastroscopy once and had a private room tea and toast and TV afterwards until I felt OK to go home. Free with Benenden, done within a week. Would have waited much longer for NHS.

Also they offer discount on treatment you have to pay for privately.
Yes some things,aren't covered but it's wonderful for the cost.
I pay for my DD too. With NHS waiting times so long it gives some peace of mind.

I did read up on them - but I would rather not rely on their discretion!

Don't you have to get treatment at a Benenden hospital? That would not be convenient if you don't live near one, have mobility problems and no car. Especially as it might require several appointments.

Your not replying on their discretion There are rules for what they will or will not pay for. I don't know anyone who is not happy with their service.
Best thing we ever did, joining.

Treatment is at their discretion. It’s not guaranteed. There are procedures they may assist with, at their discretion, and conditions they will not consider. They make it very clear that they don’t offer insurance.

If I needed treatment I would do it through the NHS but using Benenden speeds up the process as consultation and diagnostic tests are done within a very short time.
My GP surgery think Benenden is very helpful. I think as I am a member I know more about it than those who aren't.

Info about self pay. This is in addition to standard Benenden benefits. Would be useful to many.
www.benenden.co.uk/health/self-pay-treatments/

And as a retired solicitor I’m pretty good at reading T&Cs! I’m glad you have found them helpful but please remember such treatment as may fall within their ‘accepted procedures’ may be approved or not, at their discretion. Their words, not mine.

I don't care whether you're a solicitor or not. Benenden is good I recommend it to anyone. As a humble civil servant.

£150 per annum, big risk!

I was in CS Healthcare for many years and both of us benefitted with various treatments. CSH was absorbed by BUPA and I'm hoping it will be as good.

My OH paid into a scheme via his union and when I needed treatment he was told that the condition was not covered by the insurance. We wished that we had put the same amount in a savings account as it would have covered the procedure I needed.

nadateturbe

I don't care whether you're a solicitor or not. Benenden is good I recommend it to anyone. As a humble civil servant.

Same here, I have had two appointments with them so far and I am having the proceedure for this condition done this month.
I have found them good so far.

My families experience of the NHS is fantastic....I'm in the NW...we have a children's hospital....a neurological hospital ....a cancer hospital....a heart and chest hospital....an orthopaedic hospital....a womens hospital.....as well as general hospitals...all on our doorstep....when I had cancer treatment I had surgery 9 days after my surgery....I've spoken to several people who have initially gone private for cancer care then transferred back to nhs because it take longer ( although the waiting rooms are likely more pleasant)

Thank you rafichagran. I hope all goes well for you.
Benenden have been very good to me.
I have just added up and I have had £6000 plus in consultations and tests since joining.

LOUISA the NHS is wonderful. I couldn't fault the treatment or the staff. The doctors we see privately often work with the NHS as well.
The only problem is accessing it.
My OH has an opthalmology appointment in 4 weeks paid by Benenden. . He has been on the NHS waiting list since June 2022. We rang the NHS department to check the waiting time before booking Benenden and a recorded message said We aren't answering queries about waiting times. They are obviously getting too many calls.
I had a head injury one year ago. My follow up was a telephone call yesterday.
No wonder people are choosing private.

Chestnut

Don't you have to get treatment at a Benenden hospital? That would not be convenient if you don't live near one, have mobility problems and no car. Especially as it might require several appointments.

No-one has answered my question.

If you live some distance other consultants and hospitals are available.
The head office is in York and always very helpful if you ring.