Date: 20.07.2009
From: Karen
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Subject: Private health care
Hi guys, Been looking into getting private health care, do any of you have it? I believe there are only a few companies who will insure your current health problems(RA for me) I can't receive any treatment/consultations etc in the first 2 years for my RA but after that I can. Obviously this isn't ideal but seems to be the only option if you want it covered privately. Would like to hear from anyone who has went private and what they actually get specific to arthritis. The advisor told me I would recieve immediate treatment for flare up's and surgery if required. Thanks guys x
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Date: 20.07.2009
From: Elaine
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Subject: Re: Private health care
Hi Karen I had private health care for 6 of my 8 years with arthritis but I was diagnosed whilst already on the scheme. With the two companies I used it depended on what you pay to how much treatment you are entitled to. On the most basic cover I used to get up to 3 consultations a year with my annual allocation but it does depend on how much your consultant charges. X-rays and other treatment came out of a seperate allocation and hospital stay & surgery a seperate one again. My health insurance company would not pay for 'follow-up' consultations so I used to tell my consultant not to put 'follow-up' on his payment invoice...just 'consultation'. I decided to go back to the NHS 2 years ago because my private hospital did not have all the facilities I needed. I am definately better off with the NHS and am now very lucky; being treated at a specialist Orthopaedic hospital close to home that has it's own hydrotherapy pool which I can use regular...a godsend for me. Elaine
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Date: 21.07.2009
From: Karen
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Subject: Re: Private health care
Thanks for getting back to me Elaine, think you have helped me make my decision, to be honest I couldn't see what more I would get for my arthritis other than quicker appointments, consultations etc.. I suppose if worst case scenario happened and you required surgery then not having to wait on the NHS would be a benefit but does that justify the monthly cost?? I don't think so. Ohh my nightly luxury is a hot radox bath with spa lights but now that sounds lame compared to a hydrotherapy pool, sounds fab ? Thanks Elaine x
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Date: 21.07.2009
From: Jill
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Subject: Re: Private health care
Hi Karen, paying private is goood just for the waiting times, but I beleive that is all...I cloudnt justify the cost either....also the same NHS docs r private paid too...as long as u find a great NHS Specialist u will be fine....have u had to have any corrective surgery? Also Elaine u r sooooooooo lucky, we do have a hydro pool here, but only allowed to use it after ops, or thru injury...masive waiting list too....I dont like using local swimming poools, scared of catching something else....
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Date: 21.07.2009
From: Karen
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Subject: Re: Private health care
Hi Jill, no I haven't had any surgery, only diagnosed 1 year ago. Some may see it as fearing the worst, maybe I am, however we all know what the NHS can be like and for us who frequent hospital regularly I'd like to receive the best service I can. Haven't completely ruled it out, but im not yet convinced. x
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