Private patients should be able to jump the queues on NHS waiting lists, according to the participants of one of the latest surveys. A poll of readers of ‘Health Insurance and Protection Magazine’ found that over three quarters of people believe that a person who has already got a referral from a private consultant should be able to join an NHS waiting list higher up than someone who hasn’t already had a referral on the NHS. It follows the high profile case of a woman with a back problem who had already received a private diagnosis, but was then told to have NHS treatment she must get another referral and join the back of the waiting list. Experts have now said that there should be more of a private sector involvement in the NHS to avoid some confusion and to allow people to have added peace of mind if they should so choose it. The top-up system has been one step to integrate some of this.


Other people have said that private patients, including private health insurance policy holders, should have the same rights as NHS patients if they decide to opt for the free healthcare in the end as they contribute as taxpayers as well. However, if patients are increasingly having similar problems with integrating back into the health service after seeking a private diagnosis, NHS top ups may seem like an attractive option. These mean that NHS treatments can be upgraded if the patient so wishes, but at an extra cost to them. Cash plan private medical insurance is ideal for this situation as it is one of the cheapest type of policies available and is perfect for supplementing the NHS.