Coronavirus help and support
Discover the latest updates, support and guidance about COVID-19 and how we’re supporting our customers.
Last updated: 11 January 2021
We know that during this difficult period you may have a number of questions about COVID-19 and how our services and products can support you during this difficult time.
We’ve created one place with health advice on everything from dealing with COVID-19 to looking after yourself and others, plus top tips on a range of health topics from our experts.
What you’ll find in this hub:
With the NHS under pressure across the UK as COVID-19 cases surge, some hospitals may be delaying some private treatment. We’re updating Finder daily with hospitals’ latest availability. Hospitals are taking extra precautionary steps to keep patients safe, such as asking them to take a COVID-19 test and then isolate before admission. If you’re due to see a Bupa recognised healthcare professional, we recommend you ask them whether your treatment is likely to be affected.
Accessing private healthcare during Covid
Watch the video of our Director of Healthcare Management, James Sherwood, with the latest on private hospital availability in the UK (recorded 8 January 2021). To check availability of all Bupa recognised hospitals visit: Finder.Bupa.co.uk
The new COVID variant first caught
the attention of scientists in early
December, and they were investigating
a rapidly rising infection that was
in the Southeast of England. The new
variant is much more transmissible
and has quickly spread around the UK.
NHS hospitals in almost
all regions of the country are now
managing a higher number of COVID
patients than at the peak of the first wave.
New admissions to hospitals are continuing
to rise and they're likely to continue to
do so for a few more weeks until the
recently introduced lockdown measures
have slowed the spread of the infection. The
outlook for independent hospitals and
services is unclear at this point.
Currently we're aware that 12 private
hospitals have suspended surgeries
that require a general anaesthetic.
These are hospitals that don't have
their own ICU and rely on their
local NHS trust to provide this as
a backup service where the NHS ICU
is now at capacity with COVID patients.
We're also aware that a number
of the London hospitals have
started taking additional NHS
patients to free up capacity
in the NHS for COVID cases.
However, they report that private
services are unaffected at this point.
So right now, the impact on independent
hospitals have been pretty limited and
the majority of hospitals are continuing
to provide a full range of services.
We are updating finder with new
information as the situation changes.
Therefore, at this point, please
don't delay contacting us
if you have a health concern. Continuing
to authorise care for our health insurance
customers with consultants and therapists
available to see new patients, either
face-to-face or by phone or video.
Also our full range of Bupa From Home
health services continues to be available.
This offers remote access to
GP and nurse consultations
along with specialist help for
mental health, cancer and physiotherapy.
Our family mental health line is also
available to support customers worried
about their children's mental health.
Please don’t delay contacting us if you’ve a health concern. We’re continuing to authorise care for our health insurance customers, with consultants and therapists available to see new patients either face-to-face, or by phone or video.
Our full range of Bupa From Home health services continues to be available and offers remote access to GP and nurse consultations, along with specialist help for mental health, cancer and physiotherapy. Our Family Mental Healthline is also available to support customers worried about their children’s mental health.
We’ve put measures in place to make sure all our dental and health clinic services are conducted in a COVID-19 safe environment. Bupa Health Clinics remain open and appointments continue for everyday health needs. If you’ve any questions about visiting a clinic,
please call 0345 604 061^ between 8.30am and 6pm Monday to Friday and our team will be happy to help.
^We may record or monitor our calls.
Introducing Bupa From Home
We want you to know that you can still speak to the same consultants, nurses, therapists and clinicians from your home. In these uncertain times, we’re by your side, helping you access care and advice whenever you need it.
Get the most out of your health insurance
Whether you need to talk to a GP or a specialist consultant, you can now access a full range of remote services as a part of your health insurance policy.
Are you looking for mental health support?
We’ve also created lots of useful information about mental health and wellbeing. Anyone can use it, even if you don’t have health insurance with us.
Are you preparing for your treatment?
We know it’s a difficult time to be undergoing treatment. We have a range of services and health information to help support patients preparing for treatment and with their recovery. This includes advise from Bupa experts across a number of clinical areas, providing helpful guidance and support whilst you wait for treatment.
Support for intermediaries, employers and employees
Access information, FAQs and resources for employers, employees and intermediaries
Advice and guidance for employers and employees
Read up-to-date information about what Bupa is doing to support you and your employees.
Advice and guidance for intermediaries
Read up-to-date information about what Bupa is doing to support you, your clients and their employees.
Health and wellbeing services for employees
Improve your employees’ wellbeing with our range of health and wellbeing solutions.
Check if you have coronavirus symptoms
Get the latest health advice from the NHS on what to do if you think you may have symptoms of, or have been exposed to, coronavirus (COVID-19).
Latest updates to our products and services
Do you need urgent dental treatment?
We’ve now reopened our practices for face-to-face care. Find out the latest information on our safety measures and how you can book an appointment at one of our practices.
Looking for pay as you go private healthcare?
Our Bupa health centres are now open for business providing a wide range of services, including physiotherapy, dental treatments, private GP services and coronavirus (COVD-19) testing.
Are you looking for an update on our care homes?
As always, the care and safety of our residents and our staff continues to be our priority. Read the latest updates on the measures we’ve been taking in our homes.
Need to make a travel insurance claim?
Whether you’re looking to make a claim or just want to find out more about out travel insurance, we’ve got you covered.
Looking for updates on your cash plan?
Find out all the lastest updates on how coronavirus (COVID-19) has affected cash plans, and what services you can now access.
Hear from our experts
We’ve created a selection of videos, articles and tools written by our experts, to help you manage your health and wellbeing under these difficult circumstances.
Latest health articles
Bupa Global
Information for international health insurance customers
Bupa Cromwell Hospital
Information for Bupa Cromwell Hospital patients
The situation with coronavirus (COVID-19) is continuously changing. To ensure you have the latest information, advice and guidance explore these external links and resources.
World Health Organization
Read the latest updates from the World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
UK Government
Find out more about the UK Government response from Department of Health and Social Care and Public Health England
https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response
NHS England
Read NHS information about how coronavirus is spread and how to avoid catching or spreading germs.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Travel information
If you are looking for information on how the coronavirus outbreak may affect your travel plans, please follow the guidance of the Foreign and Commonwealth office.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus
Get advice about travelling abroad, including the latest information on coronavirus, safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings.
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
For the latest situation reports, and a map of affected areas see the latest from the
World Health Organization.
Read previous updates from Bupa
03 April 2020
Bupa UK Insurance: our pledge to customers during this national crisis
23 March 2020
Bupa UK COVID-19 update: Supporting our customers, patients, residents and their families
22 March 2020
Bupa's response to COVID-19
Bupa health insurance, dental insurance, cash plan and travel insurance are provided by Bupa Insurance Limited. Registered in England and Wales No.3956433. Bupa Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Arranged and administered by Bupa Insurance Services Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales No. 3829851.
Bupa health assessments, Occupational Health services and Bupa Private GP services are provided by Bupa Occupational Health Limited. Registered in England and Wales No. 631336. Registered office: 1 Angel Court, London EC2R 7HJ
Bupa Dental Care is a trading name of Oasis Healthcare Limited. Registered in England and Wales No. 03257078. Registered office: Bupa Dental Care, Vantage Office Park, Old Gloucester Road, Hambrook, Bristol, United Kingdom BS16 1GW
We'd like to advise patients that many images and videos used throughout our website were taken and produced before the COVID-19 outbreak. Therefore social distancing rules and extra levels of PPE are not displayed.
