Private Medical Insurance
Private Medical Insurance
If you are paying for your treatment through medical insurance then you will need to liaise closely with your insurance provider at each stage of your treatment. You should be aware of the terms and conditions of your policy and let us know if there are any limitations.
- It is the patient’s responsibility to ensure they provide the hospital with their policy and pre-authorisation numbers, so we can process your insurance claim. If this information is not complete or inaccurate, we may not be able to process your claim.
- Please ensure that you have obtained authorisation ahead of any procedures at the hospital. Failure to do so may lead to a delay in receiving your treatment or could result in you incurring the cost yourself.
- We welcome patient variety of insurance providers including but not limited to: BUPA, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, WPA, Police Mutual
Before you receive any treatment privately, call your insurer and they will give you all the guidance you need and if necessary send you a claim form. The insurer will be able to tell you what you will be covered for when you see the specialist (the consultation fee and perhaps any additional tests the consultant may require on the day for example x-rays, scans, injections or blood tests).
Most medical treatments start with a referral to a specialist from your GP. This may involve your GP signing a claim form. Please note that this may incur a small fee which is usually not covered by your insurance. Your GP may recommend a specific consultant but if you need help with this then the Woodlands Suite can also give you guidance.
Whether you require a simple outpatient procedure or need major surgery you will be able to discuss a provisional mutual convenient surgery date with your consultant. This date will be confirmed once you have gained authorisation from your insurance and you have completed the pre-assessment process.
Please make a note of any medications you are on and check whether you need to bring any previous x-rays or scans to your appointment. On arrival you will be asked to complete an authorisation form confirming the details we have for you are correct.
During your appointment you and your consultant will decide whether you need any further treatment. Please be aware that it is important that you contact your insurance company again to confirm they will authorise the recommended treatment. Your insurance will provide you with an authorisation number that the hospital will need before they can proceed with your treatment.
If the consultant has suggested surgery as an option then you will need to attend a pre-assessment appointment. This appointment will ensure everything is in place for your hospital stay and during your recovery stage at home.
The authorisation number provided by your insurance company will allow the hospital and the consultant to deal directly with your insurance company.
Please note that your insurance may not pay for everything included in your hospital stay. This may include any medication or equipment you will need to go home with, this can include walking aids, braces and washing and dressing equipment. These costs will be discussed with you before your surgery so you are fully aware of any additional costs that you may incur. Please also note that when in exceptional circumstances an insurer fails to pay an invoice, it will be sent to the recipient of the treatment.
You will be discharged home with guidance of what to expect over the first few weeks and you will be given contact numbers just in case you need advice. The consultant will arrange a follow up appointment to see you and this may be given to you before you go home or sent afterwards in the post. You will need to contact your insurance company again if the consultant has arranged follow up physiotherapy as this may need additional authorisation.
We work with most major insurance companies including:
- Bupa
- Vitality
- Aviva
- Axa
- WPA