Book a Private Gynaecology Appointment Using Insurance (UK Guide)
Step-by-step guide to using private health insurance in the UK for a gynaecology appointment. Includes excess explained and insurer contact numbers.
If you’re booking a private gynaecology appointment in the UK and want to use insurance, this simple guide explains:
- How the process works
- What “excess” means
- What to check if your insurance is through work
- Who to call for approval
Step 1: Check If You Have Cover
| What You Need To Do | Simple Explanation |
|---|---|
| ✅ Log into your insurer’s online portal or app | Search your email for your insurer’s name (e.g. Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality). In that email, you should find your membership number. Log into your insurer’s website or app using your email/membership number and password. |
| 🔎 Check if outpatient specialist consultation is covered | Look for wording such as “Outpatient Cover” or “Specialist Consultations”. This confirms your appointment with a private gynaecologist is included. |
| 💷 Check if there is an excess | Your policy will state an “annual excess” (e.g. £0, £100, £250). This is the amount you pay first before insurance contributes. |
| 📄 Check if you need a GP referral | Many insurers require a GP referral letter before approving a specialist appointment. |
| ☎ Check if you need pre-authorisation | Most insurers require you to call them before booking so they can approve the consultation. |
| What Is an Excess? | Simple Explanation |
|---|---|
| 💷 Definition | An excess is the amount you pay first before your insurer pays the rest. |
| 📊 Example | If your excess is £100 and our consultation costs £310: • You pay £100 • Your insurer pays £210 |
| 🔁 How Often Do You Pay It? | You usually only pay the excess once per policy year, not per appointment. |
| 📍 Where to Find It | • Your online insurance account • Your policy schedule document • By calling your insurer directly |
Step 2: Do You Need a GP Referral?
Most UK insurers require a GP referral before seeing a specialist.
This means:
- You see your GP (NHS or private)
- They write a referral letter to a gynaecologist
- You use that referral to get authorisation
Some policies allow self-referral — but always check first.
Step 3: Call Your Insurance Company for Authorisation
Before booking your appointment, call your insurer and say:
“I have a GP referral for a private gynaecology consultation. Can I get authorisation?” if you have not been to a GP and still wish to call, you can do, some insurers accept that and some don’t.
They may ask:
- What symptoms are you experiencing?
- Which consultant are you seeing?
- Where is the appointment taking place?
They will then give you:
- An authorisation code
- Confirmation of what is covered.
Without authorisation, your claim may be declined
Step 4: Book Your Appointment
Once authorised:
- Contact the clinic
- Provide your insurer name
- Provide your policy number
- Provide your authorisation code (if given)
The clinic will then invoice your insurer directly (in most cases). At London Gynaecology, our team can book you in with a consultant covered by your insurance provider or you can search their profiles on our website here.
What Does Health Insurance Usually Cover?
✔ Specialist consultations
✔ Diagnostic scans (ultrasound, MRI if needed)
✔ Blood tests
✔ Procedures that are medically necessary
✔ Smear tests
*AXA does not cover HPV testing and ThinPrep cytology in their policy benefits. Consequently, all AXA‑insured patients requiring either of these investigations must be charged on a Self‑Pay basis. London Gynaecology is not able to invoice AXA directly for these tests. There are times when this can be covered but at the discretion for AXA.
Most UK private medical insurance covers:
| Insurer | Member Services Number | What to Call For |
|---|---|---|
| Bupa | 0345 609 0111 | Authorisations, claims, existing member enquiries |
| AXA Health | 0800 169 7593 | Authorisations and 24/7 health support line |
| Aviva | 0800 158 3105 | Health insurance customer support |
| Vitality Health | 0345 601 0072 | Member services and treatment approval |
| Cigna UK | 01475 788182 | Policy enquiries and authorisations |
| Allianz | 0800 561 7929 | Corporate and international health plans |
| Aetna | 0800 056 3069 | Employer and international cover enquiries |
| Simplyhealth | 0370 908 3481 | Cash plan claims and reimbursements |
| Healix Health | 020 3376 2000 | Claims administration and approvals |
Contact numbers are correct at time of publishing but may change. Always check your insurance policy documents or provider website for the most up-to-date details.
Book Your Appointment with London Gynaecology Today