If you have private medical insurance, either your own policy or as part of a company scheme, you may be surprised at how many services and treatments you can access throughout our network of hospitals.
As part of the UK's No.1 private hospital group, you can feel confident in the care and facilities available at all of our BMI Hospitals.
With over 70 hospitals spread throughout the UK and over 2,900 beds, each hospital meets strict national clinical standards and provides a full range of support and back-up facilities.
In addition to major treatments or operations, your insurance can be used for diagnostics such as x-rays and scans, a visit to a consultant or even physiotherapy. With private medical insurance you can arrange the treatment you need at a time to suit you.
All you need to do is follow the 5 simple steps and you could be receiving treatment quicker than you think:
1. Check you're covered
Before you receive any treatment privately, call your insurer and they will give you all the guidance you need to confirm you are covered and if necessary send you a claims form.
2. Getting a referral
Most medical treatments start with a referral to a specialist from your GP. This may involve your GP signing a claim form which may incur a small fee which is not covered by your insurance.
3. Seeing the specialist
Your specialist will decide whether you need some tests, admission for a stay in hospital or treatment that can be carried out as a day patient. Remember to stay in contact with your insurer to confirm that your treatment is covered.
4. Arranging treatment
Whether you require a simple outpatient procedure or need major surgery you can access treatment with very little waiting time. So you can choose when is most convenient to you.
5. Who pays the bill?
Most hospitals and some specialists have their bill paid by the insurance, but others will send the bill directly to you. Your insurance company will tell you how they will pay your claim.
Private Medical Insurance (PMI) providers
BMI Healthcare provides treatment to patients that hold policies with most major Private Medical Insurance (PMI) providers (it does not offer its own medical insurance scheme). The best place for independent advice on PMI is the Association of British Insurers (ABI). All reputable insurance companies are members. The ABI publish a free guide to purchasing medical insurance, designed to help you understand more about how private medical insurance works, so that you can make an informed choice before buying a policy.
The guide has been awarded a Crystal Mark for Clarity, approved by the Plain English Campaign.
If you do opt to take out private medical insurance, do remember to check beforehand that your local BMI hospital would be covered in the scheme.
