Using your private medical insurance

If you have private medical cover, physiotherapy here can usually be billed to your insurer rather than paid by you. There are a couple of things your policy will want in place first, and this page explains exactly what they are.

Call 01428 642577Book online
Doctor palpates bent knee and lower leg of patient wearing light-blue hospital gown

What your insurer will ask for

An authorisation code

Almost every insurer asks you to ring them before treatment starts and gives you a claim or authorisation number. Without it, they may refuse the invoice even when you are fully covered.

A GP referral, sometimes

Some policies require a GP referral before physiotherapy is authorised, and others let you self refer. Your insurer will tell you which applies to you when you ring for the code.

A number of approved sessions

Insurers usually authorise a set number of sessions at a time and then review. We will tell you where you are against that number as we go, so nothing comes as a surprise.

Your excess, if you have one

If your policy carries an excess, that part is payable by you directly. Your insurer will confirm the amount when they authorise the claim.

Not sure whether you are covered?

Ring reception on 01428 642577 with your insurer and policy details and we will talk you through what to ask them. It takes a couple of minutes and it saves an awkward conversation later.

Call 01428 642577

If you are not insured

Most of the people we see pay for their own treatment, and that is completely straightforward. An initial physiotherapy consultation is £72 and each follow up treatment session is £62, paid at the end of the appointment by card or bank transfer. There is no membership, no registration fee and no block of sessions to buy up front. Some employers and cash plans will reimburse physiotherapy on production of a receipt, so it is worth asking at work even if you do not have full private medical cover.

Book online

How an insured appointment works

1

Ring your insurer first

Tell them you want physiotherapy, and ask whether you need a GP referral and what your authorisation code is. Write the code down along with the number of sessions they have approved.

2

Book your appointment

Book online or ring reception. Mention that you are claiming on insurance so we can note it on your record before you arrive.

3

Bring the details with you

Bring your insurer name, policy number and authorisation code to the first appointment. Reception will take a copy and set the claim up on our side.

4

We invoice the insurer

In most cases we invoice your insurer directly. In some rare cases, we will charge you at the point of your appointment and give you a receipt, which you can present to your insurer, who can reimburse you.

Insurance questions

Do you accept private medical insurance?
Yes. We can invoice many insurers directly once your claim has been authorised. Ring reception on 01428 642577 with your insurer and policy details and they will confirm what is needed for your particular policy before you book.
Do I need a GP referral to claim?
It depends on your policy. Some insurers allow you to self refer for physiotherapy and others require a GP referral first. Your insurer will tell you which applies when you ring them for an authorisation code.
What is an authorisation code?
It is the reference your insurer gives you when they approve treatment. Insurers use it to match our invoice to your claim, and they can refuse an invoice without one, so please ring them before your first appointment rather than after.
How many sessions will my insurer cover?
Insurers normally authorise a set number of sessions and then review whether more are needed. We will tell you how many of your authorised sessions you have used as we go, and we will provide any report your insurer asks for.
What if my insurance runs out mid treatment?
You can continue as a self funding patient at our standard fees, or we can stop there. We will always tell you honestly whether we think further appointments are worth paying for.
Do I have to pay an excess?
If your policy carries an excess, that portion is payable by you rather than the insurer. Your insurer will confirm the amount when they authorise the claim.
Can I claim for podiatry or massage?
Cover for therapies other than physiotherapy varies a lot between policies. Ask your insurer specifically about the treatment you want, and ring reception if you would like help wording the question.

Talk to reception before you book

Two minutes on the phone with 01428 642577 will confirm whether your policy needs a referral and what to bring. You can also email reception@healthflex.co.uk with your insurer name and we will come back to you.

Call 01428 642577Email reception