Can patients pay for private GP appointments with insurance?

What private GP services are covered?

All private healthcare policies are different, and it is important that your patient understands what is and isn’t covered in their policy.

Not all services are covered so your patient needs to know if their policy covers:

What if the patient is unable to pay upfront and claim back?

If the patient is unable to pay for their appointment upfront and claim back with their insurance, they will need to arrange for a ‘Guarantee of Payment’ (GOP)to be sent. A GOP confirms that the patient's insurer will pay for the fees incurred.  

You should ensure you have the GOP before the patient attends their appointment and add it to the patient's record so you have it available should you need to chase payment with the insurance company.

The GOP will outline any restrictions in which the insurers aren’t willing to pay for, such as medical reports or contraception.

It is important to be aware of what the insurers will pay for to make sure the patient is charged for anything which falls outside of their insurance policy.  

What about overseas patients?

For patients from overseas or using travel insurance, you will not be able to invoice without a GOP so ensure you have this from them before their appointment.