Tell me everything you know about private medical insurance please.

[FindingMeno]

Assume I have no knowledge at all ( I don't).
How does it work? What companies provide it? What sort of cost? Are there different levels? etc etc.
With the NHS crisis ( particularly with accessing gp treatment at the moment) I don't want to write off private medical insurance as an option before I have some facts.
Thank you for any advice anyone has.

As others have said private mostly replaces a NHS consultant referral.

You have an issue (I have/am going through one at the moment) speak to your GP. They might do some easy tests (blood test?) and then say they think you need to see a consultant. At this point you say 'I have private medical can you do an open referral please' and they write an open referral letter. You contact your insurance provider, say you have been referred and they give you a choice of consultant which you then contact directly, email them your letter. Organise an appointment. Go along and see them.

This is how mine works... apart from..

We also have the choice to speak/video call a private GP and some things you don't need a referral letter (maybe some skin things?)

Also I was on a two week cancer referral and actually got my NHS appointment through which included a clinic to get some really helpful tests done so I attended that and have since seen my private consultant to move forward with him. He can see all my medical records.

Hope this helps.

@theGoodEnoughWife that is actually immensely helpful, thank you.

You're welcome.