Worried about GP and hospital wait times?
Health on hold? Not anymore. Why the appeal of digital, same day appointments is persuading people to go private.
It's fair to say health insurance is in the news for all the right reasons.
Going private is a personal choice, but easy access to the treatment you need at a time that suits you is not only convenient, it can reduce the days or even weeks of worrying while you wait for a diagnosis.
Same day digital appointments, online treatment and health hotlines - speedy private healthcare services could get you back to your A-game.
So, how long can you expect to wait for private health treatment?
GPs without the faff
The first port of call for your health is usually the GP. While you can still speak to your regular GP for a referral, you might get a faster appointment with the Aviva digital GP mobile app. It’s so speedy you could get an appointment with a private GP in as little as 30 minutes. In fact, 88% Footnote [1] of patients who use the app are offered appointments at their preferred time or within six hours of first contact.
Not tried a virtual GP before? The appointment will be around 15 minutes over the phone or via video and there’s no faffing around. Amongst other things, your GP will be able to provide you with prescriptions, medical advice, and refer you for further treatment with a specialist if you need it. While it does not replace your existing GP, the digital GP service does help you access your private healthcare quicker.
So, without having to leave the house, you’ll be able to take the first (and possibly last) steps to getting yourself better.
Please be aware that the benefits of the app don’t form part of your cover, and they could change or be removed, in the future. This is a non-contractual benefit Aviva can withdraw at any time.
Waiting times in hospitals
No one likes hanging around, especially when it comes to your health. Fitting your treatment around your life, and not the other way around, can be a major reason why people sign up for private health insurance. Just ask, Graham, aged 42.
“I’m the main earner in the household and have a high-pressure job, so it was important for me to get seen quickly and take as little time off as possible. I’ve had bad experiences in the past where I’ve had to wait months for the treatment I needed – it was very stressful. Going private helped me take control of things, which was a massive confidence boost, and it was quick and easy to arrange appointments with the doctors”.
Your health should always be a priority and with health insurance you’re likely to experience shorter wait times for your treatment than if you didn’t go private.
Procedure wait times with Aviva health insurance Footnote [2]:
Consultations: 15 days
Often the first step after speaking to your GP will be to speak to a specialist. They’ll assess your needs and determine the next best course of action, clearing a pathway for you to get further treatment if you need to.
Diagnostics: 27 days
Running diagnostic tests can help paint a picture of your health and any issues you might have. Tests, X-rays and ultrasounds are examples of the sorts of diagnostics you might be recommended during the course of your treatment.
Surgery: 64 days
Surgery may be deemed necessary to get you back to better. Whether it's surgery for cancer or a knee or hip replacement, health insurance can ensure you spend less time worrying about when you'll be seen and more time living life on your terms.
Physiotherapy
Bad back? Tennis elbow? Aches and pains are a part of life, especially if you’re hunched over a desk all day.
It can be tempting to think ‘oh that’ll fix itself eventually’ or ‘I’ll start a yoga class in January’, but these sorts of injuries can have a habit of cropping up at the most inconvenient moments.
Physiotherapy is the go-to treatment for musculoskeletal issues and luckily, if you’re an Aviva health insurance customer, you’ll have easy access to physios, as well as osteopaths or chiropractors if you need them.
Wellbeing at your fingertips
We all get down about things. Anxiety, stress, depression can all hit us when we least expect it and having the tools to cope with that can make a positive difference to your life.
Wellbeing is something that shouldn’t have to wait and that’s why Aviva health insurance includes a variety of wellbeing tools that you can access when you need them.
These include:
- Access to offers at health and fitness clubs nationwide – never underestimate the endorphin-driven power of a good workout.
- Mental health support – resources to help you when things become too much.
- 24/7 Stress Counselling helpline – trained counsellors if you need someone to talk to.
- Online health and wellbeing assessments – diving deeper into your health.
Perhaps the biggest slice of wellbeing you get with Aviva’s health insurance is the peace of mind in knowing that your health is in good hands and you won’t be sitting on a waiting list for what feels like an eternity.
Getting a quote online today can take as little as five minutes. Just be prepared to share some information about your medical history and have your personal details to hand. To get started head over to our health cover page.
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