Mike's story

“I can’t help but think how lucky I was to have Bupa cover.”

Mike, who works as part of the Clinical Support Team at Bupa UK, faced a Christmas of worry and distress when he noticed bruising which felt sore on his chest. However, using his Bupa cover, he made a quick call and was able to see a consultant on the same day. Here, he shares his experience.

Mike received the all clear on the same day he first spoke to us about his symptoms.

“A few days before I was due to finish for the Christmas holidays I noticed some bruising on my chest, which felt sore and seemed raised. I asked one of the oncology nurses who work on my floor to have a look, and they advised me to get it checked out. I felt a bit panicked. During my lunch break I rang Bupa, who asked me a few short questions about my symptoms. I was then offered an appointment at one of Bupa’s new Specialist Centres for breast cancer the same day, which was a massive relief.

In my role at Bupa UK, I talk to people who are concerned about cancer symptoms or who have just been diagnosed every day, which made me overthink everything. My manager could see I was worried, so let me go home early.

I was seen by the consultant at 5.30pm the same day. I was referred for an ultrasound, just to make sure, and the consultant confirmed the results were fine. I was in and out of the hospital in less than two hours.

I can’t help but think how lucky I was to have Bupa cover. Even if I’d managed to get a GP appointment just before Christmas, the wait to see a consultant could have been much longer. I’d have spent the holidays worrying and it would have ruined Christmas. Not needing to see the GP first† and being able to get an appointment so quickly and being reassured everything was fine made such a big difference to me. It meant that I was able to enjoy Christmas with the family knowing I was okay. It’s the best Christmas present I could have wished for.”

Find out more about fast advice on worrying cancer symptoms

This quote reflects the specific experience of one customer (as told to us in April 2019). The cover you choose will be subject to specific terms and conditions that may apply to your policy. Pre existing conditions are normally excluded.

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^†Any onward referrals for consultations, tests or treatment are subject to the benefits and exclusions of your cover. For example, if your cover excludes conditions you had before your cover started, we may ask for further information from your GP. Please check your guide and certificate for further details or contact us to check your eligibility.

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

You can find independent information about the quality and cost of private treatment available from doctors and hospitals from the Private Healthcare Information Network: www.phin.org.uk

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