Before booking, contact your insurer to confirm that your policy covers your condition, treatment and chosen HCA Healthcare UK location. Your insurer will also be able to advise whether any policy limits, exclusions or excesses apply.

In most cases, yes. Most private medical insurers require a referral from a GP or another healthcare professional before they’ll authorise specialist consultations, tests or treatment. If you're unsure whether you need a referral, you can ask your insurer before booking.

An authorisation number is confirmation from your insurer that they agree to fund a specific consultation, test or procedure.

Many patients will need this authorisation before they attend an appointment – especially for diagnostic tests and scans, procedures and inpatient treatment.

Your insurer may ask for the HCA Healthcare UK location, consultant name and details of your proposed treatment. We recommend confirming that:

• Your chosen location is included within your hospital network or hospital list
• The consultation, test or treatment is covered by your policy 
• You’ve received an authorisation number (if required)

An excess is the amount you agree to pay towards the cost of your treatment each policy year, or per claim, depending on your policy. Your insurer can explain whether an excess applies and how it will be collected.

A shortfall is an amount you may need to pay if the cost of your treatment exceeds your insurer's approved fees or benefit limits. If you're unsure whether a shortfall may apply, please contact your insurer before treatment begins.

You may need to pay an excess, co-payment or any charges that fall outside your policy benefits, for example if you exceed an outpatient limit.

If your insurer pays only up to a set fee or has a limit in relation to consultant fees, you may be responsible for any shortfall.

Depending on your circumstances, you may need:

• Your policy or membership number 
• Your insurer's authorisation or reference number (if issued) 
• Your referral letter (if required by your insurer) 
• Details of any excess on your policy and how it will be paid 
• Information about any benefit limits or restrictions that apply to your cover 

Important: Cover can vary by insurer and policy. You’re responsible for checking what’s included and what isn’t (for example, an excess, co-payments, or any shortfall where fees exceed your policy limits). If you’re unsure, contact your insurer before attending.

If your insurer doesn’t cover your treatment, or only covers part of the cost, you can still access care as a self-pay patient. Our teams can give you information about self-pay options and guide you through the next steps.

Not always. Consultants are recognised individually by insurers and your cover may vary. We recommend checking both your insurer and your consultant's team before booking.

In some circumstances, patients may choose to continue their care on a self-pay basis if insurance cover is not available or has been exhausted. Our teams can discuss the options available to you and explain any associated costs.

Yes. If your employer provides private medical insurance as part of your benefits package, you can usually use it to access eligible consultations, diagnostics and treatment. Your insurer will be able to confirm the exact level of cover available to you.

We recommend contacting your insurer first regarding cover and authorisation, and getting in touch with us for help with appointments, referrals and billing information.

If you have any questions about using your insurance at HCA Healthcare UK, we can help. Get in touch and we’ll explain what information we need for booking and billing. 

For questions about your individual policy cover, benefit limits, exclusions or authorisation requirements, your insurer will be best placed to advise.