Speak to a specialist. Whenever you need it.
If you’re worried or experiencing symptoms for the conditions listed below, our Direct Access service is here to help. As long as your symptoms are covered under your policy, you can call us directly for advice and treatment usually without the need for a GP referral†.
Cancer symptoms
Watch this video to find out more about our cancer Direct Access service, including insight from Bupa’s Alex Perry (CEO) and Dr Steve Iley (Medical Director).
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
Mental health
If you’re concerned about mental health, we’re here to listen. Call your usual member services helpline and we’ll 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‡.
Mental Health Direct Access is not available to Under 16s
Muscles, bones and joints
If you’re suffering from a muscle, bone or joint injury simply call us and we’ll arrange a telephone consultation with a senior physiotherapist.
They’ll be able to assess your symptoms and recommend the most suitable course of treatment for your needs‡.
Options can include self-help exercises or referral for face-to-face treatment with an appropriate specialist‡.
MSK Direct Access is not available to Under 12s
Learn more about private health insurance
Our useful guides are here to help you understand the fundamentals of health insurance. We also cover a number of key health topics – such as looking after yourself as a parent and taking care of your children’s health.
Getting health insurance when you’re self-employed
If you’re self-employed you may be considering health insurance to give you peace of mind for your business.
Will I need an excess on my health insurance policy?
Health insurance policies often include an excess. This is fairly standard with most insurance policies, but it’s worth understanding the impact excess can have on your cover.
In-patient vs. out-patient cover
When you’re looking at health insurance policies you may come across terms like in-patient and out-patient cover and not fully understand what these include.
Private health insurance exclusions
Before you take out health insurance, it’s important that you have a thorough understanding of what is and isn’t covered.
Do I need private health insurance?
If you’re considering private health insurance, you may be weighing up if you need it or not. We’ve broken down the benefits so you can see if suits your personal needs.
Call us
01134950976^
^ Lines are open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6pm. We may record or monitor our calls.
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
^ 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 five years in the case of mental health). We can then refer you to a consultant or therapist through the Direct Access service. Always call us first to check your eligibility.
‡ Your out-patient allowance will be used to fund treatment after your direct telephone consultation.
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
