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Original poster

Is BUPA worth it?

23 replies

Taswama · 08/12/2019 17:34

DP has the option of getting BUPA through work. Cover just for him would be free but to include me and the 2 DC it is an additional cost - about £50 per month.
We are both in our forties, kids are pre-teens. No health issues.
DP likes the idea of seeing a GP without waiting 3 weeks but other than that I’m not sure if it is worth it.

Does anyone have any experience they can share?

OP posts:
WobblyAllOver · 08/12/2019 17:42

Not BUPA specifically but I do have private health care through work.

Like most things you don't appreciate it until you need to use it. Whenever I have anything that might benefit from seeing a consultant I mention I have private health care to my GP which usually involves them referring me (typically need a GP referral even for private) and then I am seen very quickly and efficiently.

I have recently undergone an operation in a private hospital and not having to wait ages for it and having a private room etc is so much better than I have experienced in a NHS hospital.

Stevienickssleeves · 08/12/2019 17:42

Yes, being able to get a consultant appt within a week, evening appointments, for my family it has been brilliant and i like taking strain off nhs by going route when possible. I have had an operation, got moles checked out, all sorts.

But usually the cover doesn't give you private GP appointments, you go to NHS GP and get referred to bupa consultant, get him to double check what his cover actually includes.

HalfATankini · 08/12/2019 17:43

We’ve got it through my DH’s work. We’ve used it a few times for minor things (physio, scans for a running injury etc) and it’s been really useful. Once the nhs were absolutely useless when my daughter had a bladder problem, they dismissed me and told me she had thrush (she didn’t). I saw a consultant paediatric urologist the next day with our private cover and she got medication which solved the problem.

I’d never give it up.

Btw ours is with Aviva not BUPA but I can’t imagine there’s much difference.

LittleMissEngineer · 08/12/2019 17:58

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

billysboy · 08/12/2019 18:03

wouldnt be without it £195 pcm for me and my OH both 50

Thelaughinggnome123 · 08/12/2019 18:05

I've got bupa, they were excellent when I had a claim and when I had a wobble about my health they had specially trained nurses who authorised another consultants appointment for reassurance.
I wouldn't be without it.

My cover doesnt include gp appointments.

Bickles · 08/12/2019 18:05

Yes it’s worth it.

zebraspot · 08/12/2019 18:22

Are you sure GP care is included? We have a corporate Bupa policy and are paying a similar amount to you, and it doesn't cover GP care. Works very well for us as we have an excellent GP, but if that's a key factor for you, you'd need to be sure!

For us, it's been good value and I like the feeling of knowing we're taking a TINY bit of pressure off the NHS by using private care.

8by8 · 08/12/2019 18:42

This last year my private health cover has cost about £1200 and they have spent about £14,000 on my treatment so it’s been worth it for me :)

It’s basically a gamble. Hopefully you’ll never need it, but if you do then it’s great.

Original poster
Taswama · 08/12/2019 18:49

Thanks. I will get DP to check re the GP cover, it might just be a remote GP - by phone or online.
I completely understand that it’s like an insurance policy, if we already had a serious illness it might not p be covered so might as well get it now.
Will have to do a tax return because of it.

OP posts:
Arnoldthecat · 08/12/2019 18:59

I could get a consultants appointment if i wanted. I'd just flash the Queens head and it would be done. No need to be in BUPA.

SheSnapsThenSheFarts · 08/12/2019 19:05

I'd check the small print to see how broad the coverage is. I ducked out of mine with work when it transpired that if something happened to you the put you 'up on bricks' for a while, say a broken leg when skiing they'd move heaven and earth to get you ready to go back to work. Get something likely to kill you? No cover.

Felt like it was more for their benefit than mine.

Fleetheart · 08/12/2019 19:09

Yes definitely
Speedy referral for problems is so helpful - eg I was able to go to a breast clinic within 48 hours when I had a lump. With NHS I think I would have been seen within 2 weeks; still relatively short but a lifetime when you’re worried.

Also was able to take DS to get diagnosed for adhd. Better than a 2 year waiting list. Completely worth it in my opinion.

Velveteenfruitbowl · 08/12/2019 19:09

BUPA is not brilliant but it’s far better than relying on the NHS. It’s all good and well when you are healthy, but what if one of you gets cancer? Not having insurance is like playing Russian roulette.

Oly4 · 08/12/2019 19:14

Can I just ask a related question. We pay for private cover but haven’t used it yet. Do the premiums go up massively after each time you use it?

PlumsGalore · 08/12/2019 19:18

Don’t forget it’s not “free” for your DP, he will pay tax on it as it’s a benefit. We have family cover, and have had for years, DH pays tax on about 2500 a year at 45%, we have used it twice. Not sure it’s been financially worth it for us, both times it was used were for minor things covered on the NHS but reduced the wait time.

Of course, I am very grateful for good health and we have it just in case, which is the same for all insurance.

Thelaughinggnome123 · 08/12/2019 19:49

I had a serious condition and had faster, better treatment privately than under the nhs. Read your policy carefully.

Paddington68 · 08/12/2019 20:00

Have private healthcare through work.
Never thought about it.
Huge supporter of NHS
Rushed into hospital - partner told they would do everything they can to save my life.
One large blood clot on each lung and a gallbladder about to burst, made me so thankful for the NHS, but the speed of tests, the much better room, the four different scans I would have waited months for.
If you can afford it pay, but also vote to do all you can for the NHS.

Flupibass · 08/12/2019 20:20

Also been invaluable for me. If you need an op you get the consultant actually doing it also a consultant anaesthetist. Also better time of day and nicer room with private bathroom which makes the whole daunting process a little easier. I’m very appreciative of the nhs but it’s so struggling . If it’s in any way affordable go for it.

justgivememulledwine · 08/12/2019 20:37

Read the policy to see what’s covered

We have insurance through dh’s work (not Bupa) and because it’s thru work it’s probably not as comprehensive as a private policy but so far its definately been worth it not just in terms of cost but it not having to wait. I had a herniated disk in my neck which was agony and it wa stressing on a nerve it was sorted in a few weeks going thru the insurance, friend had one and had to wait months for treatment on nhs
Our policy also pays out if you have to spend time overnight in nhs hospital

Glitterb · 09/12/2019 07:58

Yes I would if you can get cover through work, obviously check what’s included but from past experience definitely worthwhile!

Bubblemonkey · 09/12/2019 09:02

Having worked for Bupa - absolutely fucking not. they're disgraceful.

Original poster
Taswama · 09/12/2019 18:49

In what way Bubblemonkey ?

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