Why go private?
According to figures from NHS England, over the last year, on average 50,000 patients every month waited beyond the two-week target to see a cancer specialist after a GP referral, with 25,000 patients waiting at least a month to start treatment after being diagnosed.
With one in two people expected to get cancer in their lifetime, there’s never been a more important time to access care as quickly as possible.
Accessing your private health insurance for cancer care not only enables you to be seen without delay, but it also helps relieve the overall burden on the NHS, meaning others can be seen quicker too.
Using your private health insurance for cancer care
Studies have shown that people who are diagnosed and treated early for cancer are more likely to have better outcomes. Whilst it can be a worrying time, it’s important to see your GP as soon as possible if you notice any symptoms, you think might be cancer. Often tests and scan results come back negative, but it’s best to get things checked and get the answers you need so if any treatment is required you can start as soon as possible.
Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or have already received a cancer diagnosis, you can ask your GP to refer you to one of our many cancer consultants or surgeons at your local GenesisCare outpatient’s centre. We treat every type of adult cancer, with treatment often starting within days of a diagnosis.
To use your private health insurance, follow these three easy steps:
- Ask your GP for a referral
- Check your policy covers what you need and call your health insurer for a pre-authorisation number. If you've not been referred to a specific consultant, we work with many experienced and leading expert surgeons and oncologists specialising in cancer diagnosis and treatment Meet our doctors
- Call our contact centre team and they can help you make an appointment. They’ll also explain what you’ll need to have ready, such as your insurer details and pre-authorisation number and the name of the consultant you want to see. Our team are here to help you with all the details
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If you want to know more about how private cancer treatment works or you're ready to make an appointment
Getting a diagnosis
If you’re concerned about symptoms, you can visit one of our consultant-led outpatient clinics. We’ll carry out any tests or scans you need to diagnose the cause of your symptoms and give you the results either during your visit, or we’ll arrange a follow-up appointment to discuss them once they’re back. A GP referral isn’t always necessary for these clinics.
Alternatively, if your GP suspects you have cancer, they can refer you directly to one of our expert doctors at you nearest GenesisCare centre for any pathology tests or imaging scans you need. We’ll send your results, usually within 48 hours, to your referring doctor, who will contact you to explain the results and discuss the next steps.
FAQs
Many people decide to get the treatment they need privately, even after a diagnosis or initial treatment, such as surgery in their NHS hospital. Usually, it’s because they want the choice of who they see and where, and to start their treatment without delay. The process is simple, just ask your GP or consultant to refer you to one of the consultants who work with us who’ll provide you with a personalised treatment plan.
If you’ve had cancer treatment elsewhere and would like to talk to another doctor, you can arrange a consultation with one of our experts. We work with many leading cancer experts including oncologists and surgeons who specialise in treating every type of adult cancer.
Your GP or consultant can refer you for a second opinion, or we can support you in finding one of our cancer specialists who can help.
If you have private health insurance, you’ll need to check if second opinion appointments are covered through your policy.
At GenesisCare we’re proud to be the UK’s leading independent provider of cancer care. From symptoms to specialist care and treatments, our expert oncologists, surgeons, and cancer nurses assess every patient and design treatment plans carefully tailored to ensure you achieve the best possible outcome.
Our 14 centres across the UK are equipped with the latest technologies and we work closely with regional and national cancer experts to introduce the latest ways to treat cancer from around the world which are proven to be safe and effective.
Because we treat you and not just your cancer, as a patient at GenesisCare you can expect to receive the very best care and a personalised treatment plan that incorporates life-changing approaches such as wellbeing therapies through our unique partnership with Penny Brohn UK and exercise medicine.
From diagnosis to survivorship, we’re here to support you.
Reviewed by:
Dr Eliot Sims
Chief Medical Officer for GenesisCare
July 2023
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David’s story
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Our doctors
GenesisCare works with many leading and experienced cancer doctors who share our commitment to providing excellent patient care
Centres
Our centres
With 440 centres across the world, we're continuing to diagnose and treat without delay, bringing specialist care closer to our patients in the UK, Spain, Australia and the US.
Cancer care
Exploring cancer care
We are the UK’s leading private provider of advanced radiotherapy and cancer care. We offer fast access to the latest technology and treatments that has been proven to make a difference.
Cancer care
How can we help?
Accessing world-class cancer care is easier than you think. Follow these easy steps to get treatment, tests and scans, or a second opinion at GenesisCare, and find out the different ways of funding your cancer care.
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Patient stories
We believe patients can be our teachers and trusted advisers, benefiting from their unique experiences.