Just got Bupa - please talk me through it

[Coffee62]

Hi all, I decided to take out Bupa Insurance and just had a few queries as I’ve never had health insurance before.
Mainly how does it work - if I’ve a routine health issue, should I contact them or would it still be my GP? When do you want to get in touch with Bupa?

Another query - for example, I have ?IBS, not been diagnosed but had tests over the years. I’d quite like to get a pill cam endoscopy done as I never had an endoscopy, only a colonoscopy which found nothing. But I’m not sure you can just rock up and start asking for random tests, even though this is an issue I’ve had for years?
Sorry that one probably sounds silly!

I’ve a routine health issue, should I contact them or would it still be my GP? When do you want to get in touch with Bupa? you can use the virtual GP service on the app, or get a referral from your own GP. State symptoms, when they started, potential diagnosis, if any, and specialty of clinician you're being referred to. As it's the first year of your policy, you may be asked for more info to make sure it's not pre-existing. You'll be given an authorisation number to give to your clinician.

If it's something that you already had prior to taking out the policy, it's likely you won't be covered, as personal policies are fully underwritten.

None of what you're asking sounds silly. Read the policy guide fully, and if you're not sure of anything, call them. They're decent with this, and would rather you did call so you're fully informed.

I work in PMI, feel free to message me if you want more info.

You need to check if preexisting conditions are covered under your policy, even if not formally diagnosed but you have previously consulted gp. Claims within three months of onset of policy require a Healthcare Practitioner questionnaire for which gp may charge(but BUPA will fund). Your level of cover may determine by whom and where you can consult and be treated.