Is Bupa worth it????

[Mummymushroom]

Dear Mumsnet,

I have been thinking of joining Bupa.
I have numerous health issues that are just not getting a proper diagnosis.

There is so much gaslighting in the NHS that I do not feel confident going to the doctor anymore. Even consultants I have seen has been completely dismissive of my symptoms, to the point they miss-quoted me on health reports.

I am worried that if I go private then I will still have the same doctors that just do not take you seriously and I will still be in the same boat, but out of pocket.

Thanks for your reply.

My sister had a routine operation in a private hospital , she managed to ‘jump the queue’ so waited just a few weeks as opposed to a year / 18 months , but unfortunately it went wrong in theatre & she required emergency care so she was blue lighted in ambulance to a nhs hospital where she remained for almost a week, bupa basically washed their hands of her , but they don’t have any emergency facilities .

So how does the "no pre-existing conditions" thing work after you develop a new condition. Do they pay for it, but then refuse it in future after you renew? Or do they let you renew with full coverage but whack your premiums up? What happens if you change provider?

Suppose I get BUPA, and six months later I develop an illness. They pay for treatment, which is successful and it goes away - but it's something which is know to sometimes recur years down the line. The next time I renew, or if I decide I want to go with a different insurer, does that join the list of "pre-existing conditions"?

I don’t know the answer but I’m assuming that it’s similar to pet insurance , that pre existing is covered by that company all the time that you’re with them , but if you were to switch company then the issue wouldn’t be covered .
That’s just my understanding though , could be totally wrong.

I think if you can afford it then it’s worth paying to see a good private consultant if you need some tests etc. if they think you need treatment and you can’t afford it they will write to your GP and request that you are referred for tests. Obviously it’s up to the GP whether they do but if you have a decent GP they are usually just happy to get some direction about recommended tests.
@NattyKnitter116
What happens if the GP has already referred you to a specialist on the NHS?
I've been referred to gastro but the waiting time is about 8 months in my area. I've booked a private appointment with a specialist but I can't really follow it with paying for private / tests treatment. I was hoping I could get advice about what the tests might be and how to manage symptoms until I get seen on the NHS.

I know my late mum had health insurance but due to the premiums she picked and chose which services she had from which provider. So for example when she had a trapped nerve in her back, which meant weeks waiting for an MRI before she even touched the waiting list for the surgery, so she went down the private route.. However when she had cancer the waiting lists were much better on the NHS cancer pathway so she opted for that.

Not true.

We have full BUPA cover through DH corporate scheme and absolutely nothing is excluded.

Until this year we didn't pay a minimum annual amount either. Went up to £100 for each person per year. Which is fine as I've used £1000s each year so far.

Op. When you see doctors privately, they listen to you. And you get half an hour for your initial appt.

You walk in assuming they will treat you like the intelligent adult you are. They assume you are not anxious. Or overweight or thick. They are very very nice to you generally.

Non of the 'have you tried losing weight/mindfulness' bollocks.

You can choose your specialist - ask friends for recommendations.

Yes corporate policies include existing. Mine excludes menopause pregnancy and other stuff also

I used to have it through work and it was great given that it was essentially free. Paying for it yourself gets progressively less worth it with age and as you get any conditions or make a claim.

You choose a hospital with a decent ICU. That's the advantage of private healthcare, you choose the surgeon and research the hospital. I had major surgery with a top surgeon privately, there were complications, but there was no suggestion of dumping me back on the NHS. My care was exemplary.

Take a look at Usay Compare. They are brokers and they shop around annually to find you the best deal. My first year was with The Exeter (a mutual) and this current year is with BUPA. The broker advised that you shouldn’t stay with one company more than a year or two because your loyalty is not rewarded with a better price. I was with Aviva for years and only used it once when my two week pathway total hysterectomy was cancelled by the NHS. I saw the same consultant one week later in a Nuffield Hospital, private room and bathroom, loads of nursing attention and much better sandwiches 🤣

That’s interesting , I’ve just googled and there’s not one nearby ( nearest 2 hours ish away ) but if ever I’m in the same position I will def look further into it . Thanks

We have it but there will be a moratorium on existing conditions. We have used private insurance for years (unf not through work!), but when you claim your premiums skyrocket - we are now only going to use it for suspected cancer - or anything potentially life threatening the NHS are dragging their heels over.

We also shop around every year too.

With existing conditions it’s not usually permanent, it’s they don’t cover pre existing conditions from the last 5 years for the first 2 years

in my opinion it is worth every penny. Private healthcare is a different world to NHS. I pay about 3k a year for me and 2 kids and I’d be on my death bed before I give it up