Get help with moles and skin lesions
Remote skin assessment service
Noticing changes to a mole or skin lesion can be concerning and we understand that you'll want to get it sorted as soon as possible.
Melanoma skin cancer is the 5th most common cancer in the UK, and we know that early diagnosis saves lives. This is why we're offering fast detection of skin cancer from the comfort of your home, and usually without the need for a GP referral†‡.
Watch the video to see how our remote skin assessment service works.
Not available to under 18s.
At Bupa, we understand that finding a mole or skin lesion that doesn't look right can be worrying and you'll want to get it checked as quickly as possible.
With over 16,000 new cases every year, melanoma skin cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, and we know that early diagnosis saves lives.
That's why we've developed our remote skin assessment service for fast detection of skin cancer from the comfort of your own home, without the need for a GP referral.
This service is available nationwide and you'll get your results back within three working days from the time you register.
That's on average three times faster than seeing a dermatologist in person.
Here's how it works.
If you're worried about a mole or skin lesion, you can call our cancer direct access team where you'll be offered the remote skin assessment service.
You'll be sent a link by text or email to register for the service where you'll also be asked to answer a few questions about your medical history to help the dermatologist with their assessment.
After registering you'll receive your kit in as little as one working day.
This kit will include a dermatoscopic lens and a smartphone so you can take high resolution photos of up to three moles or skin lesions.
A dermatoscopic lens is a magnifying lens, which she is high quality images that help the dermatologist to make an accurate assessment of your moles or skin lesions.
This clips onto the back of the smartphone in your kit.
Once you've uploaded your images to the secure app on the phone, a dermatologist will review them alongside your medical history.
If your result is nothing to worry about, you will be sent a link to their report within 24 hours.
If further investigation is needed, you'll receive a call to discuss your next steps.
Bupa will also be made aware that you need an onward referral so we can help you with this.
This service is now available for all Bupa customers.
If you have a mole or skin lesion that doesn't look right.
Call our cancer direct access line today on 0800 012 1305. English (United Kingdom)
How does our remote skin assessment work?
Step one: Call us
If you find a mole or skin lesion you're concerned about, you don't need a GP referral to call us.
Call our Direct Access† Team and our trained advisers will assess your symptoms and recommend our remote skin assessment service, if it’s suitable for you††.
We’ll send you a link to register for the service, and you’ll need to answer a few questions about your medical history. This helps the dermatologists with their assessments‡.
You can contact the Cancer Direct Access team on 0345 609 0111^. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 8am to 4pm. We may record or monitor our calls
Step two: Receive and use the kit
You’ll receive your assessment kit within one working day of registering. (Next working day delivery guaranteed if you register before 2pm.)
In the kit, you’ll find a smart phone and a dermatoscopic lens. You can use these to take high resolution photos of up to three moles or skin lesions for the dermatologist to review.
Upload your images to the secure app on the phone, and a dermatologist will review them alongside your medical history.
Step three: Receive your results
Your results will be available within 2 working days. If your results are nothing to worry about you'll receive the dermatologists report by email.
If further investigation is needed, you'll receive a call to discuss the results and next steps.
We'll be made aware that you need an onward referral and we will call you to help with this.
Treatment help and support
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You can find information and advice on different procedures in our A to Z.
Specific questions about your cover, benefits, or getting treatment with Bupa? Call us on 0345 609 0111^
Our cancer promise
Watch this video to find out more about our cancer Direct Access service.
If you’re worried you might have cancer, you can call us directly and speak to someone about your symptoms. Our trained advisers will give you clear advice on what to do next. Depending on your cover and the nature of your symptoms, they could refer you for an appointment with a consultant there and then. Cancer Direct Access is not available to under 18s
When it comes to diagnosing and treating cancer, we know that fast access to specialist care is crucial.
That's why at Bupa, we've developed our unique cancer direct access service, which allows Bupa customers to contact us directly if they're worried about cancer symptoms using the latest clinical guidelines our team of specialists advisors can assess customers over the phone.
And depending on the nature of their symptoms and their policy, they can arrange an appointment with a specialist consultant there and then. Cancer direct access is just one example of how we're helping our customers access the right care at the right time.
Because when it comes to cancer, every second counts.
We want to hear from you
We’re always looking for ways to improve our service, but we can’t do that without you. Let us know what you like about Bupa, and how we can improve.
^Lines are open 8am - 8pm Monday to Friday, 8am-4pm Saturdays. We may record or monitor our calls.
†Direct Access telephone services are available as long as the symptoms are covered under the policy. If your cover excludes conditions you had before your policy started, we'll ask you to provide evidence from your GP that your symptoms are not pre-existing for a period of up to two years from policy start date (or up to five years in the case of mental health). Always call us first to check your eligibility.
†† This service isn’t suitable for all moles and skin lesions.
‡ This is a chargeable service and is subject to the benefits and limitations of your policy.
Bupa health insurance is 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. Registered office: 1 Angel Court, London EC2R 7HJ
