Healthcare problem.. continuous coverage..!?!?

[WelshDave86 0]

Hi

Having had my healthcare coverage start the turn of the year, I thought things were fine.

But today, I had a letter through stating that my pre-existing conditions (asthma, acne) would not be covered for the first 6 months because they say I didn't have any previous coverage. I explained that as a UK citizen, healthcare is a given but they have so far refused to accept this as I don't have proof of having had coverage (except for a Tax Credits exemption card for my dental).

Has anyone else encountered this problem, or have any advice?

Thanks for any help guys & gals,

Dyfed

[Kirsten UK 2]

Not sure, just thinking of any possibilities, have you got a NHS medical card? They are usually given out at birth but you could probably get a copy? It has your NHS number on it and is proof of entitlement to NHS care. I would contact your GP in the UK and ask for one. Good luck!

[Justine+David 218]

I would (politely, but firmly) ask to speak to a manager and keeping going up the chain if aren't making progress. Do NOT let them take you for a ride! I'm sure the entry-level lackeys don't understand about the UK health care system. They are out there for a profit and you have to fight for what you want.

I know everyone has their own healthcare stories and all that, but I'm a nurse and I was furious when I was told by my healthcare that getting HPV wasn't considered preventative therefore I'd have to pay for it out-of-pocket, especially by someone who wasn't a healthcare professional. I made a huge fuss and finally they agreed to pay for it.

A vaccine not preventative? The UK not having healthcare? Good freaking everything, what will they think up next?

Edited January 15, 2010 by Justine+David

[Kathryn41 3,205]

I had the same situation coming from Canada. I obtained the information from the Ontario Health Insurance Plan website showing all coverage for residents, plus copied my health card. The website lists what is covered - medical stay, doctor's appointments, etc. As I also had private coverage through an employer for prescriptions, I got a letter from them on letterhead stating the date my coverage started to the date it ended. You may be able to get something official from the NHS showing what is covered under the National Health Service for all UK citizens. Health insurance is health insurance whether it is private or public. Get used to this - the private insurers will try to find any excuse they can not to cover your medical costs - this is how they get the obscene profit levels that they do - by denying coverage but still accepting premiums. Don't hesitate to fight them on it - if you have proof you will get the coverage.

[Lisa and Ian 7]

Get the pre-existing clause from the benefit book they should have given you (they are required to give you something to explain how benefits are paid under the policy) and let me take a look. I worked for an insurance company writing insurance language for 12 years.

Normally, a pre-existing clause will say an illness is not covered for a particular period of time if you have seen a doctor for that condition or had prescription drugs for that condition within the last x number of months.

Whether you had coverage before or not shouldn't enter into it, unless they have some odd verbiage for pre-ex.