Private insurance for tonsillectomy?

[Blessedbethefruitz]

If I take out private medical insurance for my son (5) will this cover a tonsillectomy, given that this is a pre existing condition for which he's been referred under NHS?

I'm assuming the answer is no, but thought I'd check!

I've called the nhs referral line and apparently it's 30 more weeks to be seen by a consultant, then God knows how long for the operation. He's had upwards of 20 infections (not including many strep A infections too) in the last 2 years, so we really need to get this sorted ASAP.

Nope - insurers will consider it a pre-existing condition and will refuse to cover anything relating to it for a number of years. On our Bupa policy it is 5 years from start date

You could go with Benenden though - it’s not ‘proper’ health insurance but they cover a lot of conditions/operations (tonsillectomy being one of them) for £12 per month. They also cover pre-existing conditions after 6 months so this could be a good option for you

No, it won’t be covered as it’s pre existing. I do sympathise, my own Son had many infections and was one away from being referred to have them removed, but he did get tonsillitis on holiday abroad, so GP didn’t know. He stopped getting tonsillitis at aged 10 and never had it again.

Do your work offer medical
insurance? They often have to cover pre existing conditions.

FWIW it was life changing for my son to have his tonsils out.

It depends if your medical insurance is 'medical history disregarded' which is the type of policy my husband has through work.

That's with Aviva, it was the same with AXA.

Thanks! Alas no policy through work for me or dp.

@MaloneMeadow Thanks, I'll check them out. Alas I fear his health history might bump up premiums anyway, for a 'healthy' child he has extremely bad luck, all kinds of weird illnesses/injuries/conditions.

@bleughgreen No sleep apnea, but he still doesn't sleep through.... Up at night briefly for fortified oat milk (food/weight issues). I co sleep still and assume I'd notice apnea?

I'm not even 100% I want them out anymore, especially reading the risks. Last year I was, when every infection made him floppy, 40 degrees and refuse all fluids. This year though he just has 37-38 temps, still eats (but taste buds altered so savoury only), and plays. I need to do more research about what happens with the kids who outgrow it. He's already due 2 other surgeries (hand and eye), it's all so much for him.

See how much its costs privately? There is a big variance depending where you go as well.
My DH had toe surgery and paid £2.5 k at beneden (no insurance) and was quoted £10k for London.
I think Beneden is a flat fee, just can't claim for the first 6 months and a limited number of venues. Worth a look.

Benenden is 24 months now for treatment.

I'm also thinking we might be limited to our local hospital (walking distance) as ds gets severe travel sickness (as in down to the bile, every few minutes, over and over until movement stops) within minutes in cars, buses, etc. I can't imagine vomit on fresh tonsillectomy wounds would be ideal?

That's all changed recently then, must be getting popular now!
Sometimes if you pay to see the consultant privately, have access to their private secretary, then miraculously you get better NHS treatment!

Goodness, I hadn’t realised that! They must be losing money as I do know so many people who join in order to claim as soon as possible

Seconding this - our consultant’s secretary was my hero when it came to DD needing surgery on the NHS. If you’re persistent it really does help to get things done sooner

@MaloneMeadow Just to make you aware, the moratorium states - anything you have had within the last 5 years is not covered for the first two years of your policy.
Meaning, if you go 2 years from the date you take your policy out "trouble free" with no treatment, advice or medication for a pre existing issue you would then look to be covered. This is will ALL insurers 😀