More insurers offer access to Best Doctors ‘expert medical opinion service’

Clients often ask us how their employees can be sure that they are getting the best treatment from the best doctors. In days gone by, GPs would be relied upon to ensure that patients were referred to the most appropriate specialists, but now not everyone is prepared to trust their judgement. Furthermore, the Government lends some support to the idea of self-reliance with its policy that the NHS should offer five choices of hospital and specialist for every operation.

Best Doctors is an international company that addresses this issue by offering people suffering from serious medical conditions the opportunity to confirm, query or obtain further independent opinions on their diagnoses and/or treatments via a worldwide network of some 50,000 leading medical specialists nominated by other doctors as best in their fields.

Best Doctors does not offer its service to the general public, but tends to operate through insurers who provide it as a complimentary service to members and their immediate families covered by a particular benefit. We are aware of the following insurers that offer the service in conjunction with group business:

• Canada Life – with group income protection schemes
• Generali – with group income protection schemes
• Medicash – across its range of health cash plans
• Vhi Healthcare – with health insurance in Ireland

In addition, we know of a few insurers, including Bupa, which offers the service alongside critical illness policies sold to individuals.

The limited feedback that we have seems positive, and it fits well with the aims of giving employees choice, expert advice and encouragement to take responsibility for health and well-being. Best Doctors is prepared to offer its services direct to large employers, and we feel that a UK health insurer could probably benefit by adding the service as a worthwhile differentiator from its competitors. If the service is of interest, please contact us.

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS OF A GENERAL NATURE ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS ADVICE IN ANY SPECIFIC SITUATION

For further information, please telephone your usual contact at Buck Consultants (Healthcare):

Tel: +44 (0)118 955 7700
Fax: +44 (0)118 955 7701
Email: healthcare@buckconsultants.com
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