How Good Is The BUPA Menopause Plan?

[SebastianFlytesTrousers]

I have been thinking today that I'm not getting the support via the NHS menopause clinic since my estrogen implant was stopped that I should with my surgical menopause - I recently posted about this in another thread (my GP tbf has been trying, but it's clear she has some real knowledge gaps).

I feel I might like to try the BUPA Menopause Plan - I was previously looking at Dr. Naomi Potter's new satellite clinic near me but didn't feel the doctor they have is as well trained as she should be for the fee (she's still studying for her BMS diploma), so cancelled the appointment I booked with them. I've also looked into Newson Health but would prefer to be seen face to face and I live in Scotland, so would not be doable. If any of you have used the BUPA service, how did you find your experience please?

It's not answering your question directly but my friend was seen online by the Newson Clinic and says it's the best money she's ever spent (we're both also Scotland).

I think generally a slightly sub-optimal 'experience' with the best provider is better than a better experience with a slightly sub-optimal provider, if you see what I mean?

I'm so glad your friend's experience was a good one at Newson Health. I assume the BUPA GP's are properly trained, though? The thing that's putting me off Newson Health are the recent controversies over very high dosing there in some of their clients - I have definitely experienced myself in the past that simply adding more estrogen did not make me feel better. What i'm looking for is an overview of where I'm at at the moment symptom wise and the type of HRT i'm using. I have other symptoms I'd like to discuss (particularly very bad musculoskeletal pain) that I'm not sure is completely menopausal. I am hoping I will be able to discuss this with the BUPA GP objectively without an automatic 'you need more estrogen' conclusion if that may not be the case. The musculoskeletal stuff has only occurred over the past year or so and is present on or off estrogen only HRT.

Hi did you use the bupa service? I have booked an appointment with them and have it this weekend thanks 😊

Hi, Em. No, I didn't - I was waiting for input from the NHS menopause clinic I attend but it was hopeless, so have now booked with Dr Naomi Potter's clinic next month instead. I hope you get on well at your appointment today - will you let us know how you get on? Good luck!

I am thinking also about the Bupa plan I have off the scale stiffness muscle and joint pain only happened when I stopped my hrt last year ,,, I’m back on with 3 pumps of gel slight improvement but still really sore ,,, think I might just need to book it and hopefully can help me I’m desperate now I’m nearly a year down the line x

@Lnon After a long drawn out fiasco with multiple cancellations from my local NHS hospital menopause clinic, I have finally gone ahead and booked with BUPA today. Honestly, it's all been a nightmare! Have you decided to book yourself? The muscle and joint pain has been unbearable and I'm still no further forward thanks to holding faith in getting help via the NHS.😡

@SebastianFlytesTrousers yes I have decided to take the plan out I’ve lost all faith getting anywhere from the nhs I’m nearly a year down the line and need back to my normal self ,,, it will be may before I get my appointment as mine does not go live till may 1st as I done it through my work place be sure to let me know how you get on 😀

@Lnon Good for you!!! It's abysmal the lack of care and support we get from the NHS. Do stay in touch and let me know how you get on. Fingers crossed for a good outcome for both of us!

@SebastianFlytesTrousers keep in touch and let me know how it goes for you I will sure to do the same xx

@Lnon For sure!😊 If you want to message me any time, feel free too.

I've got the Bupa Menopause plan as part of my business medical insurance. I've been thinking of making an appointment. I assume it's better to do this rather than just see my regular GP who can be hit or miss. I'm 43 and my periods are now irregular as well as some other symptoms. Thanks

I came to look for medication recommendations, I've been on HRT tablets for years but felt there may be a better option.

I've just completed an online questionnaire through Boots (£5) and a pharmacist has replied asking further questions then giving me treatment options and cost breakdowns. I'm really impressed, just not sure whether to go for patches or gel.

I'm hoping i can try the new regime and if it helps, ask my GP to prescribe the same, not that I can ever get an appointment.

I'd not heard of the Bupa plan so will take a look.

I have Bupa health insurance. I didn't even realise they covered Menopause, is it normally included or some kind of add-on? Must dig out the policy. Although DH will probably combust if I use it as we can barely afford the premium these days.

@MorvernBlack Private health insurance doesn't cover menopause as it's considered a 'natural' stage of life' and also ongoing (rather than an acute condition.)

The policies will cover gynae issues but once they are linked to menopause and need ongoing treatment they tend not to continue funding repeat appts.

My understanding from what posters have said here is that the BUPA meno plan is not insurance, as such, but a one-off fee (£250?) which covers an appt with a GP (?) from Bupa, prescribing and a couple of follow up appts (remotely?)

For info

The BUPA menopause package costs £299.

For that, you get a 45 min consultation with a GP trained in menopause.
You may get a prescription sent if needed.
You are allowed one other follow up call within a year.

TBH I don't think it's great value.

For more or less the same fee you can access a private gynaecologist in Harley St (or elsewhere in the UK) and the only difference is that you'd have to pay another fee (not the full fee of the first appt) for a follow-up (usually in 3 months as a review.)

My company cover definitely covers the menopause plan, but it is an enhanced package. It also covers neurodevelopmental assessments for ADHD and Autism this year, which is also not standard.

You do get access to nurses anytime. I looked at private same prices for meno specialists, some gynaes just aren't clued up enough then £150 for follow up everytime. My GP is good just don't get the time to talk to her once I have seen this meno GP she will happily follow a regime. Worth seeing someone face to face for me and any referrals

I’ve accessed the Bupa Meno plan, I was very happy with the excellent GP, he really knew his stuff which was so refreshing. Normally it was me leading my gp rather than the other way round. I chose a remote appt but could have chosen in person at a Bupa centre.

Does the Bupa plan include any blood tests?

Probably not and they are only used in women under 45 to diagnose meno anyway.

Just looked and any blood tests would be an additional cost.

@JinglingSpringbells plenty of under 45's want a diagnosis.

@JinglingSpringbells You actually get an additional face to face follow up at 3 months, not a call.

Ah, okay- that's helpful for people to know.

The website says a 30 min follow up and I guess it will depend on what form the first appt took- if it was face to face or by phone (they appear to do both.)

Hi - I’m thinking about the Bupa £299 year option, how are you finding it if you’ve tried it? Can’t get a GP appt and my hair is falling out! I’ll look for the Boots questionnaire too. Thanks

I have joined it and found it good and they did listen to my concerns although blood tests are an additional charge ,, I’m now on 4 pumps of oestrogen and 300 progesterone follow up in 3 months
my oestrogen levels were on the floor .