How to book/plan private ELCS through insurance?

[NoSleepSinceSpring]

I just found out I'm pregnant but its very early days. I think I have a medical need for a ELCS after a traumatic second tri loss and a subsequent EMCS with DS.

An ELCS would be covered by my private work insurance if it's medically necessary.

I think I will have to find a sympathetic consultant who will help me make the case for a medically necessary ELCS. Although I'm convinced it's the right thing, I can also see that some consultants might want me to try for a VBAC. I really dont want this.

I know that some NHS hospitals don't even entertain the VBAC v ELCS talk until 36 weeks.

Surely that's too late to then book in to a private clinic? I really want to go private for the aftercare, which was diabolical after DS but can only afford this through insurance. Does anyone have any advice? I would be happy to pay to see a private obstetrician if that would speed things up.

I can't comment on having an ELC through medical insurance, but I did have some other treatment on my employer provided insurance and the Consultant was very keen to keep me private by writing reports over egging one complaint when he was treating me for something that wasn't covered!

The bottom line is, they'll get paid a hell of a lot more to have a private paying 'job' so I suspect they wouldn't question you too much - any NHS staff you come into contact might though.

I've been in that position too, Vikingcat! I've got a while to go yet so will speak to the insurance company.

My ELCS should be covered by my insurance. I had an operation which means it would be dangerous to even go into labour. I spoke to the midwife at my booking in appointment who referred me to the consultant who I saw at 12 weeks where it was confirmed that ELCS was the safest choice. I have yet to ring up the insurance to confirm but I will be very careful about asking what is covered in terms of pre-op, and after the birth. When I rang initially to enquire they said they would pay for A but not for B etc but it was so long ago that I can't remember!

And yes, the attitude of some of the NHS staff does worry me. When I had an operation (privately) the NHS nurse came to my house to remove my stitches and she laid into me about why I chose to go private and wasn't the NHS good enough for me! I was already feeling vulnerable after major surgery so it was actually really upsetting! In my opinion, my having private treatment saves the NHS precious time and money as well as me having the treatment that I want so everyone wins!