Private Healthcare - Should I and how much will it cost?

[TheDevilWearsPrimark]

I'm furious at our GP and enough is enough.

Can I go to a private practice on an ad hoc basis or do I need to pay to register with them?

Is it worth taking out medical insurance?

This is for myself and two DC.

Medical insurance will probably only cover you for conditions which are not pre-existing, so check T&C very carefully. I'm pretty sure you can see a private doc by appointment, rather than by registration, but don't quote me...

I will look into it, any ideas where/ how to start?

It isn't for pre existing conditions, just for general GP appts etc.

medical ins in the UK doesn't usually cover primary care
you can just pay - it's usually about £50 an appt

otherwise change GP?

I've tried to change GP but they all say no.

We are in a ridiculously oversubscribed borough in London.

DD has been a bit off today, now running a fever and clutching at her ears. I phoned to try to get an appointment for the morning and have been told that they won't do appointments under any circumstances.

They do a 'first come first served' system from 9.30am, so people start queuing outside at 8.45.

So that's my choice - stand in pouring rain with poorly DD and ASD DS for 45 minutes or turn up at 9.30 and have to sit in the waiting room for two hours.

Never again.

I might take her to one of the surgeries in the big train stations - you have to pay but it'll be worth it.

BUPA?

looks vague

How old is she? Do you have an NHS walk in centre nearby?

She is 3.

We do have a walk in centre but same thing applies - a 1 to 2 hour wait.

I'm a single mother and DS has huge issues with doctors surgeries, let alone being forced to wait in one for hours.

I'll call NHS direct. I suspect it's the same ear infection she got over in early January.

BUPA only really covers consultants specialising in something and they need a referral from a GP. There are however a lot of private GPs and clinics now that you can go to as and when you wish without any referral or anything else. Be aware however that they are not particularly cheap, you will also have to pay full price for any investigations and full price for any private prescription you may need. Your existing GP may well get a bit hacked off too so it may be worth saying you do not want any contact between them. You will feel cosseted and valued and not have to wait but it will cost.

It does go against my principals to opt for private, but in this situation I feel my hands are tied.

Our current GP cannot meet our needs, and this is our only option.