Health Insurance Guides
Does health insurance cover GP appointments?
Key takeaways: Does health insurance cover GP appointments?
The way health insurance covers GP appointments will depend on your insurer and the way your plan is set up. With some insurers you’ll get access to an online GP service. An online GP service offers you the convenience of being able to book appointments with fully qualified GPs that fit in around your other commitments.
You’ll usually be able to have phone or video consultations through your smartphone, tablet or computer. Most online GPs can issue prescriptions and fit notes, just like an NHS GP. If you have an appointment with an online GP, you can still see your NHS GP.
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Jump to sections:
Does health insurance cover GP appointments?
What do you get with an online GP service?
Are online GPs fully qualified?
How does an online GP service work?
Can I get a prescription from an online GP?
What happens if I don’t want to use an online GP service?
Can I still see my NHS GP if I use an online GP?
Will the online GP share information with my NHS GP, and vice versa?
Does health insurance cover GP appointments?
Having quick access to GP appointments can give you some peace of mind when something’s wrong. So many health insurers offer an online GP service which can provide fast and convenient access to a GP.
It can be tricky to get an appointment with an NHS GP, and so some health insurers now offer a private online GP service to help you get the medical advice you need.
If you want to be able to see a private GP face to face, the way health insurance covers these appointments will depend on the insurer and how your plan is set up. Many health insurance plans don’t cover seeing a private GP in person, or you may have limited cover for this.
If being able to access private GP appointments is important to you, it’s a good idea to check and compare how different insurers cover them.
At AXA Health, we don’t usually cover the cost of face-to-face GP appointments. Instead, you’ll have access to an online GP service as standard with all our plans.
In an emergency, call 999
Don’t wait to speak to a GP if you think you need emergency medical care.
What do you get with an online GP service?
The NHS provides healthcare that’s free at the point of use for all UK residents, funded by taxes. With private healthcare, you pay for healthcare yourself or a health insurer pays for it. You’ll usually have treatment at a private hospital or clinic, although some NHS hospitals also offer private care.
What you get with an online GP service will vary depending on your health insurer. With AXA Health’s online GP service:
- Our GP service is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including weekends and bank holidays. You’ll be able to choose from available appointments at a time and place that fits in with your work, family and other commitments.
- You won’t usually have to wait long for an appointment.
- You can have a video consultation using the internet on your computer or an app on your mobile phone. If you don’t want to use video, you can have a phone appointment instead.
- Appointments are around 20 minutes long, so you’ll have plenty of time to ask questions.
- You can choose who you want to see. For example, you could choose a male or female GP, or a GP you’ve seen before if they’re available.
- The online GP can issue a fit note or prescription – there’s more information about prescriptions below.
- You can also have appointments with Advanced Clinical Practitioners. They’re available between 8am and 10pm.
- Each person on your membership can use the service. If the appointment is for a child, their parent or guardian will need to sign up for this on their behalf.
Are online GPs fully qualified?
All the GPs available through AXA Health’s online GP service are fully UK trained. They have experience working in the NHS and are trained in giving online consultations.
If you’re using another health insurer, they’ll be able to tell you more about their service.
How does an online GP service work?
You’ll usually have to register and go through an identity check before booking an appointment. It’s best to register in advance so that you’ve got everything set up for when you need it.
If you want an appointment for a child, their parent or guardian will need to sign up for them.
Your health insurer will be able to help you get set up if you have any problems registering or using the service.
Once you’re set up, you’ll be able to book appointments. You’ll usually be able to share information and photos with the GP before the appointment. The GP will not have access to your NHS records, so you may need to tell them some of your medical history when you speak to them.
Can I get a prescription from an online GP?
Your online GP can give you a private prescription for any medication they think you need. They can usually arrange for it to be delivered to your home or a pharmacist.
This will be a private prescription. There isn’t a standard cost for private prescriptions, so your medicine may cost more than the NHS’s standard fee. Your health insurance may not cover this cost.
What happens if I don’t want to use an online GP service?
If you don’t want to use an online GP service, and your health insurer doesn’t cover you to see a private GP face to face, you can either see an NHS GP or pay for a face-to-face appointment yourself.
Can I still see my NHS GP if I use an online GP?
Yes. You’ll still be registered with your NHS GP. Using an online GP won’t affect this.
Will the online GP share information with my NHS GP, and vice versa?
If you give permission, the online GP will be able to share their medical notes from your consultation with your NHS GP. However, the online GP won’t be able to see your NHS records.