As long as you are studying in the UK, you are entitled to free healthcare from the National Health Service (NHS), a public welfare healthcare system in the UK that is paid for by the government. The NHS has many advantages, but there are also some problems, such as inefficiency.
In contrast, visiting a private hospital is much quicker. Sometimes, in some private hospitals, you can get an appointment on the same day and find a specialist to treat your symptoms.
Therefore, if you are experiencing a more serious and sudden illness that needs to be treated quickly, it is recommended that you choose a private hospital.
This article will give you an overview of how to see a doctor in a private hospital in the UK.
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How to Find a Private Hospital in the UK?
Private hospitals in the UK are relatively high-end. Some private hospitals in smaller cities will also cooperate with the local NHS to share doctor resources, for example.
If you are not sure about the qualifications of a particular hospital, you can call or make an appointment with a General Practitioner (GP) for advice.
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In the UK, some well-known private medical and insurance companies exist, such as Bupa, which is mainly a medical insurance company with private hospitals. This organisation has a good range of services.
There is also Nuffield Health, a chain of private hospitals offering private medical, fitness and beauty services.
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Private hospitals in London are much more numerous and of a relatively higher standard. London’s famous Harley Street is full of small private clinics. These clinics are unassuming from the outside. However, the sophistication of the interior can still be vaguely felt through the windows. The small clinics on this street are home to some of the best private practitioners and the most advanced medical equipment in the UK. Of course, the prices are also very high.
Process of Getting Private Healthcare in the UK
1. Buy health insurance
The price of private healthcare is relatively high. A consultation with a consultant will cost you almost £200. If there are extra examinations, there will be another charge.
If you often need to go to private hospitals after coming to the UK, we suggest you buy medical insurance.
The most commonly used insurance in the UK is Bupa, which has different types of insurance and prices. These insurances are basically limited to one year. It can usually reimburse 80% or more of your medical expenses.
2. Contact the GP for a letter of support
This step is necessary for most private hospitals. Especially if you are paying for your medical expenses with health insurance, you must get a letter from your GP before visiting a private hospital.
Suppose you’re paying entirely out of pocket, and it’s inconvenient to get a letter from your GP. You can call and explain this to the private hospital in that case. Some hospitals will waive this letter for you now. It is still advisable to see a GP first, time permitting.
3. Make an appointment
Generally speaking, the official websites of private hospitals allow you to make online appointments. However, it is recommended that you call customer service directly to make an appointment. This will make it easier for you to explain your situation clearly, and you can also tell the customer service which aspect of service you want or even which specific doctor you want to see.
Private hospitals are very efficient. Basically, the appointment time can be ensured within a week, and some even the same day.
Once you have an appointment, you should remember to go on time. If you can’t go because of something temporary, reschedule or cancel in advance.
4. Go to the hospital
When you arrive at the hospital, you should report to the reception of the Outpatient Department first. Then you can sit and wait. When it’s time for your appointment, your attending doctor will come out and call you. The attending doctor will set up a file for you to keep a detailed record of your condition. The doctor will also ask you to return for your next follow-up appointment as often as appropriate.
As medical records are kept by doctors in the UK, it is advisable to see the same doctor when you have the same type of problem in the future.
5. Get examined or pick up medication
Small tests can be done on the same day, while some complicated tests may need to be done a few days later. Before you have a complicated test, such as an ultrasound, you will be greeted by a nurse first. The nurse will ask you some questions to confirm that you are indeed the patient they want to examine. The nurse will then inform you of the precautions to be taken. Then, the doctor will come to examine you.
You can either go to the pharmacy or buy them from the hospital for medication. In the UK, medicine and drugs are separate, and the NHS controls the price of medicines.
6. Pay the bills
You usually pay for your treatment in private hospitals after seeing a doctor.
You can go to reception to pay the bill immediately after your visit or pay it after leaving. Sometimes, medical bills are collected from the doctor’s account rather than the hospital’s.
So it’s best to go home, wait for the invoice, and then transfer the money to the designated account after you get it.
Conclusion
Seeing a doctor in a private hospital is simple. Many private hospitals in the UK are excellent, but due to their size, they may not be equipped to provide emergency care. In certain emergencies, the patient must be transferred to another hospital. Therefore, if you plan to get a private hospital for a major operation, look for a large one.
FAQ
Tourists can be charged for a hospital visit, but it is up to the hospital or GP to decide whether or not they need to spend money.
Payment is usually required in advance as long as the patient can pay. Whether or not you can see a doctor for free in the UK is based on something other than nationality but how long you stay in the UK. As long as you have a UK visa for more than 6 months, you are considered a UK Resident and can enjoy free medical treatment in the UK. Even for tourists, A&E and GP are free in some hospitals.
“GP” stands for “General Practitioner”. The UK uses the Residence-Based Healthcare System. So, if you are not feeling well, you should go to a community clinic (GP) first and then go to a hospital or a specialist through the recommendation of the GP in the community.
Every GP has different working hours, so please check the time before making an appointment. When booking an appointment over the phone, the staff will tell you the next nearest Appointment. If it’s difficult to get an appointment with a doctor in time, the NHS recommends that you call the helpline on 111 to get help. If your situation is an emergency, call the UK police emergency number 999.
