13-12-2020, 05:50 PM
1
NHS v Private
Mrs d00d's family in Portugal are surprised to learn we don't have private healthcare/insurance. The nhs over there is second rate, and they think it must be the same here in the UK. They are asking how much private healthcare costs here, and are kind of offering to pay or contribute. We don't need their help, we are happy with the NHS anyway. But I'm trying to explain things to them. Things I know little about, things I've never looked into.NHS v Private, what are the pros & cons, how is the relationship between the two? Does anyone have any experience or special knowledge they'd care to share? Thanks.
The in-laws seem to think we can get a private GP, ask them for any meds we think we may need, and will get it whether we need it or not.
13-12-2020, 06:11 PM
2
Re: NHS v Private
In Portugal and Spain you can buy prescription medication over the counter from the pharmacists. You don't even need to see a doctor.The difference is that most private healthcare will not cover specialised conditions. You'd probably have to pay through the nose for such cover and finding facilities to treat specialised conditions might be difficult. They do well with the routine stuff. Minor surgery, where you want to jump the queue. They could well say no to more complex treatment. It's more about being treated faster but I don't think the quality of the treatment is superior in any way. Most of the consultants also work in the NHS. If things go wrong you may be stuffed.
The NHS in England is very good for specialised treatment because there are so many teaching hospitals which are linked to universities. I'm not sure whether there are universities and research facilities linked to private healthcare providers in this country. Private healthcare needs to make a profit so they don't want to cover high risk conditions.
13-12-2020, 06:27 PM
3
Re: NHS v Private
Thank you Annie. That's a good start ...Incidentally, is there such a thing as a private GP here in the UK? Or do we all have to see an NHS GP whether we like it of not?
13-12-2020, 06:41 PM
4
Re: NHS v Private
Yes there are private GPs. In fact many practices used to do private appointments if you asked them. Not sure if they still do so. Doctors also have private practices. They should be CQC regulated. Private healthcare isn't all it's cracked up to be by some proponents. You just get a bit more time with the same professionals. They all have to train in the NHS. I think that even those who come here as trained doctors have to gain some NHS experience in order to get their GMC membership.They definitely over prescribe very strong medication in some European countries. Just not as culturally conservative as we are. On the other hand they are overly cautious here. There's more fear of litigation & people are treated like children. It's likely to be some nuance of who is accountable legally.
13-12-2020, 07:23 PM
5
Re: NHS v Private
Originally Posted by d00d
->
Thank you Annie. That's a good start ...Money talks, and patients can easily end up taking the wrong meds.
Incidentally, is there such a thing as a private GP here in the UK? Or do we all have to see an NHS GP whether we like it of not?
It went on for a few years after I took early retirement.
The price goes up faster and faster as you get older. So I opted out when the Company package ended.
You always had to start at the local NHS GP who arranged your appointment with the appropriate sepcialist who then saw you in the Private facility.
Noticeable difference?
Yes. Very fast appointments. Private Hospital rooms,. Surgeons/theatre staff told you everything you wanted to know.
Nurses - often doing 2 jobs, first one at the NHS place & then earning up at the Private one!
Oh, and I saw all of our GPs face to face, not the usual their backs as they talked whilst still working their screens.
A private surgeon told me how to manage it, for a lot less, as I told them I was going back to the NHS.
That was, basically to arrange, with the GP, to meet the Specialists and negotiate the service & the price like you would for any other business job. With an interest free load you could beat the private prices by a long way!
13-12-2020, 08:35 PM
6
Re: NHS v Private
I would hate to be waiting for an operation now as it's more than likely it could be put off for two to three years........and maybe more!The NHS has been asset stripped - bits of it sold off or outsourced. It is not the capable NHS we used to have.
Private Health Insurance is too expensive for me. But there is something inbetween you can have - a medical policy with e.g. Benenden Health or Westfield Health.
It guarantees you an appointment with a medical expert at a reduced price; it provides payment if you go into hospital; when you come out of hospital to recuperate............
My policy also provides £180 per year for dental costs; £150 every two years for optical costs; £675 per year for any therapies etc etc. Cost to me is just over £20 per month!
Well worth looking into.
13-12-2020, 08:53 PM
7
Re: NHS v Private
At the moment everyone is going to have to wait longer because private hospitals are just as affected by making treatment covid-safe. That will see premiums going up too. As well as this those who can afford it and are waiting for treatment on nhs lists are likely to go private which will put more pressure on the system. The issue is one of capacity whether it's private or nhs. The main constraint at the moment will be staffing.14-12-2020, 02:27 PM
8
Re: NHS v Private
Originally Posted by AnnieS
->
Yes there are private GPs. In fact many practices used to do private appointments if you asked them. Not sure if they still do so. Doctors also have private practices. They should be CQC regulated. Private healthcare isn't all it's cracked up to be by some proponents. You just get a bit more time with the same professionals. They all have to train in the NHS. I think that even those who come here as trained doctors have to gain some NHS experience in order to get their GMC membership. They definitely over prescribe very strong medication in some European countries. Just not as culturally conservative as we are. On the other hand they are overly cautious here. There's more fear of litigation & people are treated like children. It's likely to be some nuance of who is accountable legally.
14-12-2020, 02:32 PM
9
Re: NHS v Private
Originally Posted by Tedc
->
I had private medical insurance, from my employer, for over 30 years. My wife was also allowed to use it.It went on for a few years after I took early retirement.
The price goes up faster and faster as you get older. So I opted out when the Company package ended.
You always had to start at the local NHS GP who arranged your appointment with the appropriate sepcialist who then saw you in the Private facility.
Noticeable difference?
Yes. Very fast appointments. Private Hospital rooms,. Surgeons/theatre staff told you everything you wanted to know.
Nurses - often doing 2 jobs, first one at the NHS place & then earning up at the Private one!
Oh, and I saw all of our GPs face to face, not the usual their backs as they talked whilst still working their screens.
A private surgeon told me how to manage it, for a lot less, as I told them I was going back to the NHS.
That was, basically to arrange, with the GP, to meet the Specialists and negotiate the service & the price like you would for any other business job. With an interest free load you could beat the private prices by a long way!
I wonder if they ask about pre existing conditions, like they do with travel insurance 😐
14-12-2020, 02:35 PM
10
Re: NHS v Private
Originally Posted by Lindyloo
->
I would hate to be waiting for an operation now as it's more than likely it could be put off for two to three years........and maybe more! The NHS has been asset stripped - bits of it sold off or outsourced. It is not the capable NHS we used to have.
Private Health Insurance is too expensive for me. But there is something inbetween you can have - a medical policy with e.g. Benenden Health or Westfield Health.
It guarantees you an appointment with a medical expert at a reduced price; it provides payment if you go into hospital; when you come out of hospital to recuperate............
My policy also provides £180 per year for dental costs; £150 every two years for optical costs; £675 per year for any therapies etc etc. Cost to me is just over £20 per month!
Well worth looking into.
Any idea what kind of money we're talking about for comprehensive Private Health Insurance?
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