The National Health Service (NHS) is the UK’s publicly funded healthcare system. It provides free healthcare to everyone who is a UK citizen and is considered to be one of the most comprehensive and extensive healthcare systems in the world.
However, due to the increased pressure on the NHS, some people may wish to access private hospital care.
In this blog we are going to talk about whether it is possible to ask to be referred to a private hospital on the NHS.
Firstly what is Private Hospital Care?
Private hospital care refers to medical care that is provided by a private hospital or clinic, rather than an NHS hospital or clinic. Private hospitals are not funded by the government and are instead funded by individuals or insurance companies. They offer a range of services including specialist treatments, diagnostic tests and surgery that may not be available on the NHS.
Can I Ask for Referral to a Private Hospital on the NHS?
In some cases, it may be possible for an individual to ask their GP or consultant for referral to a private hospital on the NHS. This will depend on whether there is a clinical need for such treatment and if it would be more cost-effective than treatment in an NHS hospital. If your doctor believes that you would benefit from treatment in a private hospital, they may refer you for this type of care.
If you have private medical insurance you can go directly to your insurance provider who will guide you through the process and arrange the referral for you (they will even check that you are covered for the appointment and/or treatment before referring you for private medical care)
What Are The Benefits of Private Hospital Care?
Private hospitals offer several advantages over their public counterparts, including shorter waiting times, more flexible appointment times and access to specialist treatments not available on the NHS. Private hospitals also tend to have higher standards of hygiene and patient comfort than public hospitals, as well as more modern facilities and equipment.
With some private medical insurance policies you can pick the hospital and/or consultant that you want to see ensuring that you get the level of care that meets your requirements.
What Are The Disadvantages of Private Hospital Care?
Although there are many benefits associated with private hospital care, there are also some drawbacks that should be considered before opting for this type of treatment. These include higher costs (which may not be covered by insurance), lack of access to certain medications or treatments due to cost considerations, and limited availability of specialists in certain areas. Additionally, private hospitals may not always provide the same level of aftercare as public hospitals do.
With private medical insurance you can pay a monthly amount to ensure that you get the medical care that you need if you were to get ill. By having PMI you can save money in the long run because you will not have to worry about the high costs of medical treatment, which can be very expensive. This is especially important if you were to be diagnosed with a chronic condition that requires ongoing treatment or if you need to undergo a major medical procedure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is possible for an individual to ask their GP or consultant for referral to a private hospital on the NHS if there is a clinical need for such treatment and if it would be more cost-effective than treatment in an NHS hospital. However, it is important to consider both the advantages and disadvantages associated with private hospital care before making this decision.
If you have private medical insurance, remember you can go directly to your insurance provider bypassing the need to approach your GP. PMI can give you the peace of mind that you will be able to get the care that you need without having to worry about the financial burden.
* As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply.
Contact Us
To discuss your Private Medical care needs, and to get the answers to any further questions you may have, please book a discovery call with our Private Medical Insurance expert below.
