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Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.

BUPA are b*******

14 replies

Jimjams · 28/10/2003 13:57

We are currently trying to join BUPA through DH's work. Anyway they want a report on DS1's autism inlududing "treatment, severity and prognosis". (crystal ball anyone?). Anyway its been a bit of an ongoing saga trying to get sense out of them but I got through to someone helpful today. I asked her why they wanted this report (we're not actually trying to claim anything- and I already know they don't cover things like speech therapy unless its needed after a stroke or something. And apparently there's a new clause- they won't cover someone at all for anything if the autism is above a certain severity (which they didn't specify). Why???? Autistic children are no more likely than any other child to get any medical condition (except epilepsy I guess- but ds1 has never shown any signs of that). I'm disgusted. Anyway I told her that if ds1 wasn't covered we would be taking the rest of our business elsewhere. I know all medical insurers are bastards but this is ridiculous.

Just thought it my duty to let people know.

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fio2 · 28/10/2003 13:59

WHAT??????? Are they thick or something?

sis · 28/10/2003 14:14

Jimjams are they allowed to discriminate like that without any statistics on likelihood of claims to back their policy?

Jimjams · 28/10/2003 14:20

I did wonder whether it was disability discrimination. I'm trying to find out more.......

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Bozza · 28/10/2003 14:24

Jimjams is it possibly because an autistic child is more likely to be involved in an accident requiring medical treatment? Don't know about this really - only what I've picked up on other threads.

Obviously, of course, its no good to you if they won't cover the whole family and does seem to me to be totally out of order.

sis · 28/10/2003 14:27

You probably know this anyway but here is a link for the disability rights commission DRC

Jimjams · 28/10/2003 14:35

Thanks for that sis. I've posted on one of my autism lists and hoping one of the experts will be able to tell me more.

Bozza- that did cross my mind- but then where are they going to draw the line? Refuse to cover boys as they have more accidents than girls (and more genetic conditions come to that).

Really very cross. Just wish I was in charge of the medical insurance for a huge company- the company would be shifting insurers!

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Bozza · 28/10/2003 15:30

Totally agree jimjams. Just trying to think of an explanation not a justification IYSWIM. Insurance companies only seem to want to insure those who don't need insurance these days.

Jimjams · 28/10/2003 15:52

Have just discovered that BUPA were heavily involved in an NAS campaign last year. I will be bringing it to the attention of the NAS. And anyone else I can think of.

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Davros · 28/10/2003 17:46

Jimjams, are you a member of the NAS? If so, find out (from HO?) who your Councillor is and request that they bring it up with the rest of Council and the Board. Stinks!

coppertop · 28/10/2003 19:07

This thread should have been called "Bupa are hypocritical b!" They're still featured on the NAS website. I know they need funding but didn't the NAS think to do any research first??!

Jimjams · 29/10/2003 09:34

I've been put in contact with one of the head honchos of the NAS. He's writing to BUPA to find out more.

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Davros · 29/10/2003 09:39

Let me know what happens Jimjams as I know the people at the NAS very well.....

Jimjams · 29/10/2003 09:45

Will do Davros......

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lucy123 · 29/10/2003 10:25

Jimjams - this is absolutely outrageous.

Best of luck with your kicking-up-a-stink campaign!

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