What private hospitals can you use when you have comprehensive medical insurance? You would think that you had access to most of the private hospitals in the UK, wouldn’t you? The answer is yes …. and no.
If you live outside of London then you would probably be correct. Regional hospitals tend to be less expensive than London hospitals and so your medical insurance company will probably include these within your hospital list. Naturally, most people in the UK live outside of London so this may suit them.
If you are with a health insurer that has a treatment network, such as BUPA, then you would be restricted to the hospitals and treatment centres on their list. They have been in the press recently where they were the subject of complaints by treatment providers who could not treat patients under the BUPA scheme, despite complying with and attaining the necessary criteria to be within the network. The OFT is also investigating treatment networks to see if they are a constraint on consumers. So, with treatment networks you are restricted to those hospitals within that network.
If you live within London, then the private hosptials are more expensive and this may be covered within your medical insurance policy either by a loading according to your address – which is what some providers do – or by having an option to select ‘London Hospitals’ when you take out your policy.
Even within London, there are top hospitals which charge a premium. These are hospitals such as The Cromwell , the London Clinic and the Hosptial of St John and St Elizabeth. These can be selected if you specifically wish to be treated in these locations. There are other premier London hospitals that may be included by your health insurer.
As with every aspect of private medical insurance, it is imperative to ensure that you are fully covered for everything you think you or your loved ones may require. This may be cancer, physiotherapy or psychiatric treatment. Or it may be that you know that you would like the option to be treated at the Cromwell or another London premier hospital. In which case, it is vital that you take out these options when you get your medical insurance cover.
Freedom Healthnet offers two types of policies.
- A cashplan, which you can then use to self-pay in a hospital of your choice, subject to approval of inpatient claim. You arrange the price directly with the hospital so there may be a shortfall or there may be an excess amount left over after treatment – depending upon the hosptial you choose to be treated in.
- A comprehensive medical insurance policy which has 3 hospital lists.
- The ’standard’ hospital list which covers most private hospitals in the regions and a selection of London private hospitals
- The ‘Plus’ Hospital list which covers additional London hospitals such as the Harley Street Clinic, Portland Hospital; Princess Grace Hospital and the Wellington and Lister Hospitals
- The London Premier Hospital List. This includes all of the aforementioned hospitals plus the BUPA Cromwell, London Clinic and the Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth. This list is included with the executive level of medical cover.
What is the most important advice about medical insurance and private hospitals?
- Decide what level of cover you need
- Do you require London hospital cover
- Select the level of London cover
- Read the policy carefully to make sure that you have everything you need.
Find out more about private medical insurance and what it covers. Or get a quote for comprehensive medical cover and select all options for London premier hospitals.
The Cromwell hospital is one of the London premier treatment centres that hits the news as many well known people opt for treatment there. This list includes the Queen Mother, George Best, Cheryl Cole and Margaret Thatcher.