I was just told that to do the above would not be allowed (by Bupa chat line) as it would be Dual insurance.
For example claiming for something twice e.g if covered by two types of insurance.
I'm not sure this is right through as Benenden is not health insurance, it also works with Bupa and uses Bupa authorisation codes.
So say for example you had a Hernia and that is possibly covered with Benenden but it is discretionary and has to be 6 weeks plus wait on the NHS.
For whatever reason they say no, you use Bupa paying the excess of £500.
In both cases Bupa gives you a code to give to the hospital and no money takes place.
In fact even though they are both meant to help with the Hernia you have in fact paid more because of paying both monthly and also the excess with Bupa.