BUPA or NHS?

Hi Tim boat

Thanks for getting in touch, my name is Sarah one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan support line.

It is good to hear you had a positive experience with the NHS and have no complaints. With an option of private treatment through BUPA I understand the importance of making treatment decisions.

The differences can vary between the NHS and private treatment.

Most private hospitals who offer cancer treatments have Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS). Some insurance policies do not cover appointments with nurses but larger private hospitals with a CNS will usually offer this service without additional charges to the insurer.

Previously private hospitals did not have urgent care departments to allow them to take acute admissions. This is changing with some larger private hospitals now providing such centres with some being open 24/7 but others having set opening hours. Private Urgent Care Centres do not usually treat life-threatening illnesses. 

When you are on cancer treatment on the NHS you will have access to a clinical nurse 24 hours a day if you feel unwell or have symptoms which concern you. It is worth noting that if you become acutely unwell at home when receiving privately funded cancer treatment, you may need to attend an NHS A&E to receive urgent care. As your treatment has not been administered by the NHS, staff in A&E will not have access to records of your drugs or any other treatments you have received.

It may be helpful to find out which services are covered by your insurance provider.

I hope this helps as you think through the pros and cons of private and NHS treatment.

If we can help with anything else, please don’t hesitate to get back in touch.

Best wishes,

Sarah

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

Ref/ SS/BG

Thanks so much for this. Much appreciated