Private health and protection insurance expert and editor
Bupa Private Client is the flagship product of this global name aimed at high-net-worth individuals and families. It promises to give unrivalled access to private medical and wellness institutions, going far beyond the responsive treatment of private medical insurance, offering preventative care too. In this review, we explain the key differences between Bupa private care and typical health insurance and provide an independent analysis of the product and company.
Bupa Private Client is coined as more than mere healthcare; it's "lifecare". Being Bupa's top tier, ultimate offering for health and wellbeing services, it should go without saying that it gives you award-winning medical cover, but alongside that, access to private specialists and facilities without ever having to wait for a GP referral.
A significant differentiator between Bupa Private Client and private medical insurance (PMI) focuses on preventative care. PMI, by its nature, is responsive; you call upon it when you become unwell, whereas, with Bupa Private Care, the aim is to prevent as well as cure. Ultimately the service is aimed to help you not just fix problems as they occur but to thrive in life and wellness.
Private health insurance is becoming increasingly popular in the UK, what with the well-publicised NHS backlogs and waiting lists. While private medical insurance provides a significant number of benefits, it's certainly not without limitations. To give a few examples, here are some of the things that aren't covered by a standard PMI policy:
Bupa Private Care aims to fill the gap between private medical insurance and NHS services, giving those who join everything they need from a health and wellness perspective. Of course, this comes at a cost, and as we have pointed out, these policies are aimed at high-net-worth individuals. Still, the coverage is extensive and gives those who can afford it arguably everything they need to look after themselves and their families.
While things like "total wellness solution" sound great, they don't tell us precisely what you get and why this service is worth its weight in gold. In this section, we look to detail each of the primary benefits of the service so you can see why the annual premiums tend to be significantly higher than that of PMI.
Unlike PMI, where the claim process typically involves calling generic numbers and call centres to progress things, with Bupa Private Client, you get what they call a "Lifecare Concierge", who is on hand to not only make sure you get the most out of your plan but to support you when you need to get treatment or care. One phone call or email and your Lifecare Concierge will take it from there, helping you quickly and efficiently getting the care you need without disrupting the rhythm of your life.
With Bupa Private Client, you don't need to see or wait to see a GP to get referred. You get direct access to the private specialists you need and a first-class service from start to finish.
Bupa Private Client doesn't limit you to treatments in the country you primarily reside. If, for example, a specific treatment is available in the US, but you're in the UK, you're the cost of travel and treatment will be covered. As with all of these things, limitations apply, and the treatment and expenses need to be authorised, but significantly, you aren't fundamentally restricted to medical services in the UK.
While most PMI policies don't cover routine pregnancy, it's included with Bupa Private Client. From 10-months onwards, you or your partner can benefit from exclusive private maternity care, giving your baby the very best start in life.
This part of the service gives you unlimited access to a global network of doctors via phone, in-app video or by appointment with the Cromwell Hospital Virtual Care. Regardless of where you are in the world or the timezone, you're in; you can be safe in the knowledge that first-class care and advice is on-hand when you need it.
Once you've been a member for ten months, you'll get access to annual health screenings aimed at keeping you at your peak performance. Screenings and preventative care include vitamin therapy, cryotherapy, Covid-19 antibody tests, and genetic cancer screenings.
As with all of Bupa Private Client, their mental health and wellbeing cover is extensive, ensuring that you and your family take the best care of not only your body but your mind too.
Extensive dental and the optical cover is included as standard with Bupa Private Care, even to the extent of laser eye surgery when required,
As you can see, in addition to the standard benefits you might enjoy with PMI, Bupa Private Client gives you access to the next level of private medical treatment and preventative care.
Bupa is perhaps the best-known health insurer in the UK, maybe even globally, but their Private Client service is less well known. While Bupa UK has amassed some 11,555 reviews at the time of writing, there is little in the way of third-party customer validation of their Private Clients offering, perhaps owing to the sensitive nature of many of their clients.
Here at myTribe, we have several clients that have opted for this top level of care from Bupa and from what we understand from them and their representatives, the service has been exemplary. Indeed, with Bupa starting to push these elite, higher-end offerings, we don't doubt that they will place even more emphasis on developing the highest possible service in the weeks, months, and years to come.
So, with a standout review, market-leading, elite-level offering, the question is how much does it cost? The good news is that you can now get pricing for Bupa Private Client via myTribe and compare it against other options in the market. Request a quote, and one of our expert health insurance brokers will be in touch to speak about your requirements.
Disclaimer: This information is general and what is best for you will depend on your personal circumstances. Please speak with a financial adviser or do your own research before making a decision.
Chris Steele is myTribe’s resident expert in private health insurance and healthcare, with over a decade of experience in the field. As a Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) qualified professional, he has helped countless consumers navigate private medical insurance. Regularly quoted by national media, Chris is a trusted voice in the UK insurance industry, with his insights featured in leading consumer finance publications.
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