Hi, I thought I would share my private health insurance experience so far.

Previously experience - found breast lump, saw GP, got private referral rather than go down the 2 week NHS cancer pathway which the GP offered. Rang insurance, told them about the referral, rang the private hospital and was seen 2 days later by consultant who has a one stop shop breast clinic. Had ultrasound, MRI immediately after seeing the consultant in his clinic and got the all clear within 3 hours.

I have gone down this route at least 6 times with breast lumps and each time had the same excellent service. One time they also took sample via needle and got the results the same day.

Now, I have also gone down the NHS 2 week path way for a breast lump which was during covid. Went to hospital, saw a nurse rather than a consultant, they could not do MRI as machine was out of order, had ultrasound only and received the all clear not long after.

Will stick with private for breast lumps.

Fast forward to February 2024. Totally different issue. Took 2 weeks to get a face to face GP appointment.

Saw GP 5th March who offered 2 week pathway to rule out Endometrial Cancer. Opted to go via private insurance. GP completed private referral letter. This was not accepted by insurance as they said it was too vague. 

Rang GP surgery and new private referral letter collected on 7th March which was accepted. Rang hospital to book. I was offered choice of consultant. Chose the top man. 

1st appointment with Consultant Gynaecologist Oncologist 14th March

Trans vaginal and abdominal ultrasound 18th March. 

Hysteroscopy & polypectomy, plus biopsies on 6th April under general anaesthetic. From what I have read the NHS don’t generally offer this under general anaesthetic.  Arrived at hospital at 7.30, met with the team, went down to theatre at 1.30ish, home by 7pm. All staff were amazing, private en-suite room with lovely lunch lol. 

Histology results back 18th April so just 12 days. They tried to get me in for an appointment to hear the results on 18th at consultants clinic but fully booked. Now booked in for 25th April in the evening.

If cancer is found my insurance will not cover treatment for cancer. I would then have to be referred back into the NHS. However, my consultant of course also works for the NHS so fingers crossed I would get him.

My insurance is via my employer. It is not a company like Bupa, it is through the Police federation so they have a pot of money that officers pay into each month. That is what pays appointments/scans etc. Ot gets you to the point of diagnosis only when it relates to cancer.

I have made multiple claims though out my 16 year career and have had 3 operations, numerous physio and scans etc. Totally worth it.

However, I am sure the likes of Bupa and others would be more than I pay per month.

Unfortunately I do not believe you will be able to get any company to insure your wife as she has not got a diagnosis and is still under the investigation stage.

I have read many goods things about cancer treatment via the NHS but the quality of service does sound like it differs in different trust areas.

Wishing you are your wife well. 

Waiting is awful.