Private Health Insurance - Bupa the best option?

Private Health Insurance - Bupa the best option?

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HereBeMonsters

Original Poster:

14,180 posts

189 months

Thursday 24th September 2009
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Been looking at private health care after being appalled by the conditions my Mum was in when she was hospitalised recently. My wife had a bad bout of glandular fever about a year before we met, and would like to go private if we could afford it, having had to put up with the same hospital. Obviously these "cash plan" things are a total waste of time, as I don't care about getting money, just a better standard of care, cleaner hospital and easier access to treatment. My employer has a small deal with Bupa, but nothing that will get us money off I don't think - perhaps a referral bonus or something.
So is Bupa the only choice, and how much is it likely to be? Neither of us have had any major conditions in the last 8-9 years, but both sides of the family have a history of cardiac trouble. I can't see any prices on the website, so I assume they tailor it for each person when you call?
If you have Bupa cover, how much does it cost you, and what do you think of their service? My parents had it when they lived in the home counties (and when I was growing up) and I recall it being great. They only got rid when my Dad's employer stopped providing the heavily discounted rate they got, and they were going to move to the country anyway - near a much better rated hospital. Unfortunately she got sick in the interim, and as this place is one of my locals, and I would hate to have to spend any time there.
Since working for the NHS in an IT capacity, I would hate for my treatment to rely on those systems too. Most disjointed pile of crap I've ever seen.

So basically those are my reasons, please let me know if you have any experience with Bupa or if there are any other companies that can provide the same sort of cover. Cheers.

Deva Link

26,934 posts

252 months

Thursday 24th September 2009
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There are loads of companies. Don't know how wide its coverage (of suppliers) is, but try: http://www.moneysupermarket.com/medical

Be wary of coverage though. It occurs to me that something like Glandular Fever might not be covered, or at least it might not be practical to use a private hospital for such illnesses.

Of all insurances, this really is one where you need to read the small print to make sure it gives you the coverage you might need.
I had trouble with a BUPA corporate cover once because the out-patient cover was limited to £500. Trust me, that's absolutely *nothing* once you get into private medical care!

7 Sevens

658 posts

228 months

Thursday 24th September 2009
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I would have a look at AXA PPP Healthcare.

HereBeMonsters

Original Poster:

14,180 posts

189 months

Thursday 24th September 2009
quotequote all
Anyone got any idea of prices we would be looking at?

Deva Link

26,934 posts

252 months

Thursday 24th September 2009
quotequote all
HereBeMonsters said:
Anyone got any idea of prices we would be looking at?
Can't you follow the link I posted and see what prices you get back? Or were you hoping someone would know all your personal details and do it for you?

cheeky_chops

1,603 posts

258 months

Thursday 24th September 2009
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check out pruheaths vitality scheme

http://www.pruhealth.co.uk/insurance/vitality/what...

There are some hoops to jump thru but I pay £16pm for family medical cover for (me, missus both late 30's and 2 kids(<5)). You also get reduced gym membership prices, i pay £8pm for virgin gym (£55pm if you walk thru the door)

As i say there are a few hoops. Any questions be happy to help

edit: last year i paid £95pm for family medical and gym averaged out about £15pm(but its changed slightly now)



Edited by cheeky_chops on Thursday 24th September 18:20