Private health worth it?

[carreauchompeur]

Hi folks,

I’ve been a member with Benenden for ages, have never used it. Currently 47 and in good health generally, rarely go to doctor etc. I do have 2 frontline emergency services jobs with a reasonable risk of injury etc.

I’ve been offered the chance to go on partner’s work scheme. It’s full coverage group scheme with no health underwriting. Aviva policy which includes physio, etc etc. cost before tax about £80 a month for me.

Wondering if it’s worth it. Seems a lot of money but is this the kind of thing you wish you had when you get ill? Mainly worried about big NHS waits.

Thanks

[xx99xx]

What's your sick pay like with you employer?

If it's good, then probably less important to have this kind of cover.

I'm also with benedon but have never used any of their services in that whole time (15 years). It's just added insurance in case I do need it.

If the cover stays at that price forever then it might be good for the future, but if it were me, I wouldn't bother. Depends on how much you'd miss that £80/month.

[GT03ROB]

2 things to consider:

• Speed of access. Its not always critical, but when it is, private in invaluable. I had a stroke linked to a heart condition a few years back. I was overseas at the time, got back to UK, got a private referral from Gp on the Thursday. Saw the cardiologist on the Friday, tests the following Tuesday, the next cardiologist who would do th procedure that week. Procedure 10 days later. All done in about 3 weeks. Cardiologist said it would have been around 6-9 months on the NHS. Subsequently needed a follow up procedure. 2 weeks from agreeing it was needed to it being completed.

• Cost: each of these procedures cost around £12k even though both done as an outpatient. Costs rack up… very quickly.

For less than a grand a year, well worth it.