Paying with private medical insurance

If you would like to use your private medical insurance to pay for your treatment at Royal Papworth Hospital, you will need a referral from your GP (see below).  

We will need to check in advance with your insurance company that you are covered for treatment at each stage (e.g. outpatient consultation, followed by day-case surgery). Please remember that you are responsible for the costs of your treatment so it is important you understand the cover your insurer will provide.

Claims processes differ from insurer to insurer and your insurer will guide you through the process. If your cover is provided by your employer you will follow the claims process specific to your scheme.

Useful tips

  • Contact your private health insurance company and check that you are covered for the planned treatment, including your first outpatient appointment. If you do not have a claim form, ask your insurance company to send one to you. They may ask for a provider number - Royal Papworth Hospital's provider number is 60003279.
  • Advise our Private Care team of the pre-authorisation reference your insurer has provided you with.
  • Your insurer may require you to bring a claim form - please check with them if this is the case.
  • To make things easier for you, we have direct settlement arrangements with the major UK insurers and your insurer will normally settle your bills from Royal Papworth and your consultants directly. You will need to pay any insurance excess or shortfall.

How to obtain a GP referral

Simply visit your GP and ask them to refer you to a consultant who practises at Royal Papworth Hospital. Your GP will write a letter of referral and then either you or your GP can contact us to arrange your first outpatient appointment.

If you're claiming on your private medical insurance, your GP may need to complete some sections of your claim form and may make a nominal charge.

Paying for your own treatment

You can choose to pay for your own treatment at Royal Papworth Private Care for most types of operations, procedures and tests. If you do not have insurance, we can offer a customised package price. The price will include all medical and nursing care, accommodation and meals.

You will normally be required to settle payment 7-10 days prior to your treatment. The hospital accepts debit card payments and all major credit cards except American Express, as well as payment by BACS. The Trust does not accept payments by cash or personal cheque. 

Written estimates can be requested from the Private Care team by telephoning 01223 638818. Hospital prices are normally subject to annual review.

Consultant fees will normally be invoiced separately.

Sponsored patients

If a company, employer or other third party agrees to settle your account, they will need to provide a letter of guarantee along with a deposit prior to the commencement of your treatment. We accept direct settlement arrangements only with third parties with whom we have a prior arrangement.