|
|
| |
How do I know which antenatal package is correct for me?
If you have several consultations (including the postnatal consultation) the full package is appropriate. The package starts after 12 weeks gestation.
If you become a private patient late on in the pregnancy when only a few consultations are needed, the second package is sufficient i.e. you would be charged for each consultation individually and the delivery separately.
In a normal pregnancy, it is usual to have about 10 antenatal consultations. You do not have to choose a package in advance but can assess which is suitable for you and you decide how many consultations you wish to have privately.
Can I have a single private consultation to discuss the pregnancy?
Yes, you can have a single consultation to discuss the pregnancy.
What happens if I want to have a private delivery but stay on the NHS for my antenatal care?
You can transfer over to being a private patient late on in the pregnancy. You would need a minimum of two consultations usually within 6 weeks before your expected date of delivery. Once you begin these private consultations you will be registered as a private patient. The Consultant will then deliver the baby and do a private postnatal check a few weeks later.
If I am an NHS patient can I have scans done privately?
Yes, you can have scans privately without being transferred over to full private care.
What should I do if I have private health insurance?
Generally, unless you have an international policy, insurance companies do not cover pregnancy unless a Caesarean Section is required for a medical reason or the pregnancy becomes high-risk. It is very important that if you have health insurance, you speak to your insurance company and ask them if your policy covers problems in pregnancy. If it does, they will usually issue pre-authorisation for consultation or delivery. It is also important to find out exactly how much the insurance company is going to pay as often they will not cover all the Consultant's fees and you would, therefore, be liable to pay the shortfall.
If I have private health insurance that agrees to cover the costs of a private delivery what should I discuss with them?
1. Hospital fees. It is initially advisable to check if the private hospital you wish to deliver at is covered under your policy.
2. Anaesthetist fee. If a private anaesthetist is BUPA registered i.e. charges within the guidelines of most insurance companies there would not be a shortfall to you . However it is important to check if this is the case. There is usually a shortfall at the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth.
3. Obstetrician fee. Check if your insurance company covers this fee and specifically ask if the total amount is covered. BUPA, for example, will not usually cover the full obstetrician fee for a caesarean section so you would need to pay the shortfall.
4. Paediatrician fee. If a Paediatrician is BUPA registered there would not be a shortfall to you if your insurance company agrees to cover this fee and the Paediatrician only charges within the BUPA guidelines. Please note that many insurance companies will not confirm cover for a baby until after it is born. It is important to check if in principle this fee is covered and usually you will then need to inform your insurance company when the baby is born in order to add the baby onto your policy.
5. Neonatal care.
It is extremely important to check the fees on the neonatal unit if your baby needs to spend time on this unit. Neonatal care is charged per night and can be very expensive.
|
|
