Private health care ?

[40andlovelife]

I'm early 40's and in a position where I can now afford private health care without it impacting my lifestyle. Grew up quite poor and don't really know anyone else who has it to ask about it! Is it worth it?

I don’t know yet-I’m 47 and took out personal BUPA cover 3 months ago. I am generally in good health and it costs me £71 pm.

I have always been of the opinion that I’d hate to find out I had something horrific that might have been treated/prevented if I’d acted sooner, and I’m terrified by horror stories of people waiting for scans/biopsies etc. I have also pretty much given up with my local GP as can never get an appt (I have GP appts in the plan), so I feel like I’m in better control and less anxious.

I’m very left wing, so it goes against my principles (we should be helping and fixing the NHS instead of bailing), but as a single Mom of 3 I dread something happening to me. I can’t really afford it but I don’t drink, don’t smoke and can forgo additional treats to pay for it .

I haven’t used it yet so can’t say if it’s any good!

I have private health insurance through work (slightly different as at covers pre existing conditions) for me it has been worth its weight in gold. In 2 years 2 things which were impacting my life massively I would have had a 1 year wait list with nhs for surgery and instead had it within a month private.

Additionally the care is very different, surgeon sees you start to finish for every appointment and the follow up from scans etc. you are in a private room with lovely facilities if you have surgery and the food is nice I had a 2 night stay once and had a menu to choose meals all of which were a good standard