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[bombsh3ll]

I have looked into private insurance and the amount of things that aren't covered and number of get outs makes it not worthwhile in my opinion (unless you have a job that includes it obviously)

Better to have a savings account for emergencies, and use the private sector smartly on a self pay basis eg to access a diagnostic test or initial specialist appointment more quickly, then go back to the NHS for the ongoing treatment where applicable.

Also the way they calculate risk is super inaccurate clinically - I am a clean eating disabled athlete yet my desk jockey husband with a beer belly and a highly processed diet would have had much lower premiums.

[Minicat]

This really comes down to your risk tolerance and how much value you place on certainty and convenience. At 37, fit, and with a strong emergency fund, it’s understandable to question whether paying monthly premiums makes sense-especially if your past usage has been minimal and you’re comfortable relying on the NHS for anything serious. Many people in a similar position take the view you’re describing: self-fund minor issues, use private care mainly for fast diagnostics or elective treatment, and fall back on the NHS for major or long-term conditions. The main downside is that health can change unexpectedly, and once something is diagnosed, it may no longer be insurable on favourable terms, which is where private cover can quietly earn its keep even if you don’t “use” it much.It’s also worth thinking beyond your current health snapshot and considering future flexibility. Policies can sometimes be structured to balance cost and coverage, for example by increasing excess, limiting outpatient cover, or focusing on core inpatient treatment. If you ever develop an issue later on, understanding options around health insurance for pre-existing conditions can be particularly useful, as this is often where people feel caught out after deciding to go fully pay-as-you-go. Even if you ultimately decide not to take cover now, getting informed here https://premierpmi.co.uk/health-insurance-for-pre-existing-conditions/ about how underwriting works and what can and can’t be insured later is time well spent.

[Katherine]

I’m 49 and I did consider Bupa a few years ago but it was going to cost £100 a month which I wasn’t prepared to pay at the time. I’ve since had chronic health issues and after several bad experiences with the nhs went for a private consultation but the consultant diagnosed me then referred me to the nhs, supposedly urgently but then I found out after a few months that he had referred me to the routine clinic. The nhs doctor played down my issues even though I was really suffering and then a year later find that she failed to refer me to another nhs dept like she said she would. So I found both private and nhs to be a nightmare. I ended up having to sort out my issues to a large extent through internet research and a naturopath and osteopath. If money was no object I would get private insurance but wouldn’t completely trust them to pay out as this has been mine and others experience of home insurance. I’m still waiting for that nhs appointment 14 months on. I don’t know anyone else with private health insurance so wouldn’t have a clue who to go to, it sounds like a minefield. I’m sure lots of people have had more positive experiences but that’s just my experience.

[bombsh3ll]

I personally think you are better with self pay because then you can choose where you go and whom you see, and can vet them before making an appointment.

Also, and this goes for the NHS as well, if you are supposedly being referred to a particular service, call them after a week or two to check that your referral has been received and that it is appropriately prioritised eg urgent vs routine.

Katherine's experience is common sadly, either the referral hasn't been sent, urgent has been sent as routine, or as has happened to myself and family, the referral has been rejected by the clinic without even the decency to tell the patient, who then waits months believing they are on a waiting list.

[Katherine]

It’s happened to me twice in recent years where I was told I’d been referred but after a year found out I’m not on the waiting list. You’re right bombsh3ll, in future I will be phoning up and checking. I have savings in case I need private treatment. I can’t get my head round how common all this is, it’s unbelievable. Sorry it happened to you too Bombsh3ll.

[Aprilflower]

I’m 49 and I did consider Bupa a few years ago but it was going to cost £100 a month which I wasn’t prepared to pay at the time. I’ve since had chronic health issues and after several bad experiences with the nhs went for a private consultation but the consultant diagnosed me then referred me to the nhs, supposedly urgently but then I found out after a few months that he had referred me to the routine clinic. The nhs doctor played down my issues even though I was really suffering and then a year later find that she failed to refer me to another nhs dept like she said she would. So I found both private and nhs to be a nightmare. I ended up having to sort out my issues to a large extent through internet research and a naturopath and osteopath. If money was no object I would get private insurance but wouldn’t completely trust them to pay out as this has been mine and others experience of home insurance. I’m still waiting for that nhs appointment 14 months on. I don’t know anyone else with private health insurance so wouldn’t have a clue who to go to, it sounds like a minefield. I’m sure lots of people have had more positive experiences but that’s just my experience.

You really don't have to pay such high prices.

The scheme we are in costs less than £16 per person per month.  Over the years my husband has had three operations with them.  We wouldn't be without it.

[bombsh3ll]

I think insurance works well for people who are apparently healthy when they take it out and require only unforeseeable and unrelated surgical procedures that are curative.

If someone has one or more chronic conditions, a complex medical history or develops something requiring ongoing care, it is much less helpful.

[Katherine]

Aprilflower would you mind telling me who your provider is in case I ever decide to get insurance?

I have silent reflux and asthma so does that mean I wouldn't be covered for anything related to these conditions?

[Aprilflower]

I'll send you a PM, so as not to break any forum rules.