BUPA Private Medical Insurance Comparison and Review

Bupa are probably one of the best known health care providers in the United Kingdom.  There are lots of reasons why people choose to get a private health insurance, one of the reasons is to ensure that they have peace of mind of knowing they have adequate medical insurance in place, for if the unforeseen should happen.  In the United Kingdom we are blessed with a superb National Health Service, which means that we can get a good deal when it comes to our health, particularly if you are rushed in for emergency treatment.  If you are wanting routine treatment however, it could mean that you are left waiting for a fair number of weeks before being seen.  

BUPA’s health insurance offers the following benefits:

•    As a customer of BUPA you will be eligible for prompt access to treatment within your plan, meaning that there are no waiting lists.  
•    An extensive cancer care cover which is available to customers within the United Kingdom.
•    Access to good and quality treatment from both specialists and consultants.
•    A claims services which is straightforward and puts you, the customer first.  
•    Access to both comfortable and clean hospitals which are recognised.
•    A nurse health line which is available 24 hours a day and offers medical guidance. 

How much will Private Health Insurance with BUPA cost?

The cost of your medical insurance will depend on the level of cover which you opt for.  For instance, if you were to opt for BUPA’s most extensive insurance plan, then you could benefit from the following:

•    Insurance cover for diagnostic testing (these are tests such as MRI scan, CT scan and Ultrasound scan).
•    You could get up to £1,000 per year for any out-patient therapies which you should need, ie physiotherapy.
•    Hospital charges.
•    Consultants and specialists fees.

How do I get an MRI Scan?

If you are needing an MRI or CT scan or any diagnostic test, you will need a referral letter from a GP or a consultant.  You cannot get an MRI scan (even privately) if you do not have a referral.  Having private medical insurance without a referral is not enough to get a scan done.

If I were to pay privately, how much would an MRI scan cost?

The amount you will pay for an MRI scan will depend on the amount of areas you need scanning, for instance, if you were having your head scanned, then this would usually be classed as one area, so you would pay anything from £360.00 upwards, depending on the hospital which you use.  If, however, your consultant recommended you have your head and neck scanned then this would be classed as 2 areas meaning the price would increase.

Can I have my whole body scanned on an MRI scanner?

This is not a procedure which is usually under taken.  The scanning of one area alone on an MRI scanner can take up to 30 minutes, of which time you have to keep incredibly still, so scanning the whole body would literally take days to do. 

Read through the small print

Before committing yourself to any private health insurance policy, always read through the small print, which can be found on the companies website, in this instance www.bupa.co.uk.  Understand the product which you are buying beforehand and never ever commit before knowing the amount you will be paying out each month as a premium.