Review of Health Care Select 1 from Bupa
Bupa offer 5 levels of health care plans and their select 1 is the most comprehensive within their heartbeat range. Here’s our review.
If you’re looking for private family health insurance then the Bupa Health Care Select 1 plan is one of the most comprehensive covering almost anything that can go wrong and getting you fast access to private hospitals and consultant appointments.
Although it doesn’t provide unlimited coverage forever it can provide what you are looking for. Here’s a summary.
In patient care
- All hospital fees and charges
- All consultant and specialist fees
- All diagnostic tests
- Radio and chemotherapy
- Psychiatric treatment after 2 years of membership
Some limits apply if your chosen consultant is not on the approved Bupa partnership scheme.
Out patient services
- Consultations with Bupa recognised consultants and specialists
- MRI scans CT scans and PET scans
- Radiotherapy up to £1,000 per year
- Psychiatric treatment
As with in patient care some restrictions apply.
Other benefits with health care select 1 plan
- Access to a private ambulance limited to £60
- Parent accommodation when a child under 12 is in hospital
- Access to £250 worth of Bupa recognised complementary medicines
What’s not covered ?
As with all health insurance companies generally pre-existing conditions are not covered under the terms of the policy and you must note these on any application you make. However, some conditions will subsequently be covered once you have been a member for some years, the condition has lapsed and you speak to one of their advisors.
Other treatments you would expect not to be covered include (but not limited to) AIDS, HIV, birth control, rehabilitations post operation, deafness, dental treatment (there are separate plans for this), eye care, speech and sleeping disorders and overseas aid and repatriation which is usually covered by travel insurance. Read the Bupa website or their documentation for the complete list.
What’s the difference between this plan and the others ?
In reality there is little difference between the health care select plans as they all allow you :
- Fast access to treatment without waiting lists
- Extensive cancer cover
- An easy to use claims procedure
- 24 hour emergency hotline
- Access to consultants and specialists
The main differences between the plans are the value of some of the after care treatments (for example health care select plan 1 provides £1,000 worth of out patient therapies whereas the others are £500) and psychiatric consultations after 2 years membership. So if you don’t think you require these then you may just need the first level. But please do you own research as to what is best for you and your family’s circumstances.
What are the costs ? How do I apply ?
There is no online quotation form on the Bupa website and there are no average costs shown as yet so the best way is to give them a call to get a quotation. You may be able to get addition discounts if you are in certain jobs such as teaching so ask about these at the same time. Bupa does charge for each child you add to your policy whereas other health insurance companies cover children under 16 on your family policy for free. So check to see what cover you may require and get quotes from all the health insurance companies before making a decision.
