How does private healthcare work in practice?

[LegendaryReady]

I've always been a bit of a socialist - my health's not more important than anyone else's, but whether it's maturity or realism or selfishness that's kicking in as I get older, I'm finding myself less and less inclined to tolerate NHS service.

Examples:
-You need to try repeatedly and then wait 3 weeks for a telephone GP appointment
-Referred for a chest xray but have spent literally hours on the phone trying to get through to the "dedicated" booking line

• GP surgery staff who really don't want to even try to help, only to tell you what they can't do

I'm fortunate in that I've not yet had any serious health issues, but I can't imagine going through this if I did.

OTOH the really serious stuff isn't done privately. DH had a major operation . We asked about going private and the surgeon said he wouldn't be prepared to do it in a private hospital, only where there was an ICU. And this is where my socialism kicks in, it's not fair to jump the queue for a private op and then ask an NHS ICU to rescue you if something goes wrong.

-Is there such a thing as a private GP?

• Can you pay as you go or do you need insurance? How do you find one?
• what differnce would that make to access to follow up treatment eg the xray? Can you pay for that as a one off too?
• How is access to the NHS affected if the private GP suspects something "big". Can the private GP refer to NHS specialists?

Is the whole thing cheating?!

Well the whole thing isn’t cheating, because private health care is expensive.

I have it through my work send it’s been amazing. We have an app where you can book same day video doctor appts and then they will refer you to specialists. I’ve had a few issues and have had and MRI, appointment with a dermatologist and physio sessions within a few days / up to a week or so after the referral.

My insurance covers a lot of stuff but there are restrictions. You could look at some of the big ones - Aviva for example, to see what they cover and how much it costs

It’s been worthwhile for me to have it and I’ve been very grateful to have it as a benefit

I feel exactly the same as you. Loathe the idea of private healthcare. BUT when it has come to DC I have paid to fast track to a specialist.

I believe there are private GPs but no knowledge of how they work.
You can ask an NHS GP to refer you to a private consultant whcih is what I have done a few times.
That might be the end of it but if you need further treatment or sugery then you can continue privately or go back to the NHS.
When DS had a heart problem and was waiting months to see an NHS cardiologist I paid for him to see someone. They gave a diagnosis and put him on their NHS list for surgery.

Yes it was jumping the queue. Yes I felt guilty.

I have health anxiety and would love private healthcare but its so expensive. Waiting for referrals, diagnostic results etc has me in a quiet panic. Its awful.