You don't always need to see a GP first
Most of our health insurance options include our Direct Access service. This means you can speak to us about some symptoms before seeing a GP.
You can call us directly if you’re worried about:
- cancer,
- mental health,
- muscles, bones, and joints.
We'll check that your issue is covered and let you know if you can get treatment without a GP referral. We'll explain your next steps and could even refer you to a specialist on the call.
If you do need to speak to a GP, we’ll let you know.
We may also accept referrals from other healthcare practitioners. See a full list of referrals we accept.
What can we help you with?
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms and you have Direct Access, call us directly. We’ll check that your symptoms are covered and explain how you can get help. You may be able to get treatment without a GP referral.
Remote mental health support
If you’re concerned about mental health, we’re here to listen. Call your usual member services helpline, this won't count as a claim. We'll then help you with your next steps. If you need treatment outside of your cover, you can opt for a self-pay method or use an NHS service.
We can usually arrange a telephone consultation with one of our mental health practitioners. They’ll listen to your concerns and discuss options to help you on the road to feeling better. This may include online cognitive behavioural therapy.
Mental Health Direct Access is not available to under 16s.
Experiencing cancer symptoms? You can speak to us directly over the phone
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 your symptoms, they could refer you for an appointment with a consultant there and then.
Cancer Direct Access is not available to under 18s.
Get advice from home on muscle, bone and joint injuries
If you’re suffering from a muscle, bone or joint injury you can call us. Our advisers will check your symptoms and they’ll explain your next steps. If you need treatment outside of your cover, you can opt for a self-pay method or use an NHS service.
We can usually arrange a telephone consultation with a physiotherapist. They’ll assess your symptoms and recommend the most suitable course of treatment for you.
They may recommend self-help exercises. Or they could refer you for face-to-face treatment with a specialist.
MSK Direct Access is not available to under 12s.
Not insured by Bupa?
To use the Direct Access service, you need Bupa health insurance. We have two levels of cover available, Comprehensive, and Treatment and Care. Check out our comparison page to find the right cover for you.
Yes, if you have private health insurance, a GP can refer you to a specialist or consultant. If you have Bupa health insurance, you don’t always need to see a GP first. If you’re worried about cancer, mental health or a muscle, bone, and joint condition, you can call Bupa directly. Our trained advisers will check your symptoms and explain your next steps. Whilst on the call, they may refer you to a specialist without the need to see a GP.
We may also accept referrals from other healthcare practitioners. See a full list of referrals we accept.
If you need an onward referral this will need to be covered by your policy. We’ll check that any referrals for consultations, tests or treatment are covered. This means we’ll look for anything we can’t cover and if the costs are within your allowances. You can also find these details in your policy guide and certificate in My Bupa. You'll still need to pay your excess and any fees that your policy doesn’t cover.
If it’s not covered by your policy you can choose to self-pay or use an NHS service.
You don't need to have private health insurance to see a private GP. You can pay for one-off private appointments with us. If you would like to see a GP, you can use our online appointment booker or call us on 0330 057 6317. Lines are open 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday. We may record or monitor our calls. You may be able to book an appointment for the same day.
Many of our health insurance customers can get video calls with GPs through our Digital GP† service in the My Bupa app. If this is included in your policy, you can book remote appointments within 24 hours. Speaking to a GP on this service won’t count as a claim.
The base prices for a face-to-face consultation with a private Bupa GP are:
15 minutes – £79
30 minutes – £140
45 minutes – £200
60 minutes – £250
The base prices for video and telephone GP appointments are:
15 minutes – £59
30 minutes – £99
45 minutes – £140
If you need more time for your appointment, this can be arranged. This is subject to availability.
Many of our health insurance customers can get video calls with GPs any time of day or night. They can do this through our digital GP service. If this is included in your policy, you can book remote appointments within 24 hours. If you have Comprehensive Bupa By You cover, with no limits, you can access face to face GP appointments at your local Bupa clinic for £20. Please check your policy documents to see whether you have access to this
Anyone is welcome to book a private GP appointment with Bupa.
If you don't have health insurance with us, you can book and pay for a one-off appointment. Use our online appointment booker or call us on 0330 057 6138. Lines are open 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday. We may record or monitor our calls.
Many of our health insurance customers can get video calls with GPs any time of day or night. They can do this through our Digital GP service in the My Bupa app. If this is included in your policy, you can book remote appointments within 24 hours. You can also access a private GP through a Bupa health subscription. For more information see www.bupa.co.uk/subscriptions.
Usually, private GPs can make referrals to NHS services. This can be done providing the patient is eligible for an NHS referral and NHS treatment.
Get a health insurance quote now
Our health insurance is designed to suit you. You can get a personalised quote by chatting to us and answering questions about your health and lifestyle.
Get a quote online
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We may record or monitor our calls. Lines are open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday.
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†Some corporate schemes don t include access to digital GP, so please check your scheme documents or give us a call.
Digital GP Services are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority or the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Bupa Digital GP services are provided by Bupa Occupational Health Limited. Registered in England and Wales with registration number 631336. Registered office: 1 Angel Court, London EC2R 7HJ.
The My Bupa App is provided by Bupa Insurance Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Registered in England and Wales at 1 Angel Court, London, EC2R 7HJ. Its company number is 3829851. VAT Registration Number: 239731641.
Bupa health insurance is provided by Bupa Insurance Limited. Registered in England and Wales with registration number 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 with registration number 3829851. Registered office: 1 Angel Court, London EC2R 7HJ.
