Advice needed

My mother has recently been diagnosed with a meningioma, and her consultant has recommended surgery. Unfortunately, we've been told the NHS waiting list is around six months, which feels like a long time to wait given the circumstances. We’re looking into using our private health insurance, but it appears that pre-existing medical conditions might not be covered. I’d really appreciate any recommendations for insurers who might cover newly diagnosed conditions like this. We're also considering self-funding the treatment and would be grateful for any advice on the most cost-effective way to go about funding treatment privatively.

  • Hi Haddon and thank you for your post.

    I am sorry to learn of your mother’s recent diagnosis and the current wait for surgery. I can appreciate how distressing this must be for all the family.

    Most Meningiomas are classed as benign (non-cancer) and that is most probably why there is a wait for surgery.

    It may be possible to place your mother on a cancellation list, allowing her to be accommodated if any surgeries are cancelled.

    If you have not yet done so, it may be helpful to contact the hospital's Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) to voice your concerns about the wait for surgery.

    It may be possible for you to transfer to a hospital with a shorter waiting list for surgery. The NHS Care NHS Care leaflet provides guidance on how to proceed with this process.

    As a charity we do not recommend any individual doctors, hospitals or private hospitals or medical insurance.

    To raise money for private healthcare treatment, you can use crowdfunding platforms like *** or Crowdfunder.co.uk, and consider starting a Personal Fundraising Scheme (PFS) through organizations like Yes to Life. Sharing your story online and offline, and engaging with your community can also be effective.

    I hope this helps a little and the links are useful.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Kind regards

    Tina