If you take out private health insurance, you are still able to use the NHS when you need to.
Access to NHS services as a private health insurance policyholder can be invaluable. For example, if you need emergency treatment, or require care for a pre-existing or excluded health condition, NHS services may be the best solution, and access to a combination of private and NHS services is important
Additionally, if you have private health insurance and a specific condition isn’t covered by your provider, you’ll still be allowed to use the NHS as and when necessary, without being expected to subsidise it from your own pocket.
The NHS has published guidance for patients who choose to pay for additional private care, whether that be with private health insurance or self-funded.
The good news is, your NHS care will continue to be free of charge and fully accessible alongside your private health insurance policy. Additionally, you won’t be asked to pay towards your care unless usual charges apply.
How can private insurance and the NHS work together?
At Westfield Health, our policy differs from traditional private medical insurance. To keep the costs down, we don’t cover heart disease and cancer-related conditions, where NHS treatment becomes a priority.
This decision was made following thorough research into the performance of the NHS, who treat these conditions as a priority.
In cases where cancer has been confirmed, the NHS states you shouldn’t have to wait more than 31 days from the decision to treat to the start of treatment. This is much quicker than the 18-week target set for non-emergency treatment, which is often not met because of increasing NHS waiting times. If you are unsure whether you would like to avoid NHS waiting times for other conditions or treatments, read our report on current NHS waiting times.
Private health insurance and NHS treatment can work together harmoniously to provide you with the best possible treatment. If you suspect a heart condition or notice early symptoms associated with cancer, Westfield Health covers early screening and referral appointments to ensure you see a specialist at the earliest possible point. We will also cover some surgical procedures when cancer is suspected but not confirmed, such as biopsies.
If confirmed, your treatment will be provided by the NHS.
So, what is the benefit of private health insurance alongside the NHS? Having the option to go private for these consultations will give you peace of mind during your diagnosis.
By then utilising the NHS for treatment, we can keep your premiums down, as these are some of the most expensive treatments. This allows you to have affordable cover for those non-emergency situations whilst safe in the knowledge that if you are diagnosed with a heart condition or cancer, your treatment will be treated as a priority by the NHS.
What are the benefits of having private health insurance?
- Faster treatment, while still being able to rely on the NHS when needed.
- The reassurance you can get private treatment without the large price tag and avoid long NHS waiting lists.
- Immediate cover for new conditions once your cover has begun. This is any condition that you haven’t had symptoms of or received treatment/advice for in the 3 years before your cover started.
- We settle all bills directly with the hospital so you’re never out of pocket.
- You can choose from any UK hospital where a fixed price package is available, allowing you to find the most convenient location for your treatment.
- A dedicated case manager who will guide and support you through the process.
- The price you pay isn’t affected by your location or number of claims, and no medical is required.
- Payment from our NHS benefit if you do receive treatment you would be covered for from the NHS.
You can find out more about the different levels of cover available, the benefits and what operations are covered on our private health insurance page.
What are the benefits of using the NHS?
If you choose to have NHS treatment while paying for your private health insurance, we’ll pay a cash sum directly to you. This means you never need to worry about private health insurance not being worth your money, as if you do end up receiving NHS treatment you will still receive a benefit.
The amount you receive will depend on the classification of the medical procedures. Each medical procedure is classified into one of four bands according to its medical complexity. Band A contains the least complicated medical procedures and Band D the most complicated medical procedures.
We’ll pay the NHS cash payout if you have NHS treatment for an eligible medical procedure. You’ll still need to submit all the relevant information so that we can assess whether the claim is eligible for the NHS cash payout. The table below explains the various amounts you can get for the cash payout depending on the band of treatment you receive.
Understanding Private Health Insurance & NHS Payments
Get private health insurance with Westfield Health
If you do get private treatment at any time, you’re still fully eligible to receive care from the NHS for any other treatment you may get in the future.
The costs of private care can be high. Private health insurance is a great way to ensure you’re covered for when you need medical care, allowing you to have peace of mind and know that if something does come up, you’ll be seen quickly. You can read more about the different levels of cover and what’s included on our private health insurance page.
Private health insurance with Westfield Health
If you do get private treatment at any time you’re still fully eligible to receive care from the NHS for any other treatment you may get in the future.
The costs of private care can be high. Private health insurance is a great way to ensure you’re covered for when you need medical care, allowing you to have peace of mind and know if something does come up you’ll be seen quickly.You can read more about the different levels of cover and what’s included on our private health insurance page.