Close Button
Home / Arranging treatments /

Privately insured employees

Fast access to treatment for your privately insured staff

Fast access to treatment for your privately insured staff

If you offer private medical insurance, your employees can get prompt diagnosis and treatment at Benenden Hospital, supporting their wellbeing when it matters most.



We can help your employees on the road to better health

Your people are your biggest asset and – by putting their physical and mental wellbeing at the heart of your business – they’ll be healthier, happier and more productive.

Private medical insurance (PMI) offers employees faster access to diagnosis and treatment, at a time and location that suits them. Offering PMI as a benefit shows staff that you care and helps employees return to work more quickly, minimising time off work and potential loss of income through illness.

Treatment at Benenden Hospital

If you offer private medical insurance as a staff benefit, your employees can access a range of treatments and services - delivered by our highly respected Consultants who are supported by compassionate and experienced teams - including:

Joint pain

Prolonged sitting, repetitive movement and carrying heavy objects at work can contribute to a rise in work-related musculoskeletal conditions. We’re the first choice for private hip and knee replacements in Kent (PHIN, 2024) and offer a range of treatments for joint pain.

Varicose vein removal

Varicose veins can cause significant discomfort, especially for employees who sit or stand for long periods of time. Our specialist Consultants have carried out thousands of procedures, using non-invasive laser treatments to minimise pain, with no overnight stay required.

Cataract surgery and special lenses

As cataracts develop, they can affect eyesight and cause problems for people who require clear vision in their job. We’re the number one provider of private cataract surgery in Kent and Sussex (PHIN, 2024), and our UK-trained ophthalmic specialists perform thousands of operations every year.

Ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgery

Conditions such as sleep apnoea, chronic sinus problems and hearing loss can affect focus, energy levels, and efficiency. We offer a range of modern diagnostic facilities and the latest treatments for ear, nose and throat conditions.

General surgery

Abdominal problems, from acid reflux to irritable bowel syndrome, hernia and gallstones, can lead to discomfort and distraction at work, affecting performance. Our General Surgeons use a wide range of knowledge and skills to deal with a variety of general surgical conditions.

Treatment for male and female health conditions

Male health and female health conditions can significantly affect quality of life, impacting both mental and physical health and contributing to lower morale and absenteeism. Our Consultant Urologists and Gynaecologists offer a range of treatments in a comfortable and discreet environment.

Diagnostic tests and scans

Health concerns can be worrying and affect morale and attendance in the workplace. Our specialist diagnostics suite provides rapid access to tests, scans and examinations so your employees can get the results they need.

It’s easy for your employees to arrange treatment. Our guide below outlines four steps to getting back on the road to recovery.

An employee's guide to requesting treatment using private medical insurance

1. Request a GP referral

To claim on their private medical insurance, the employee will need to ask their GP or other health professional for a referral to Benenden Hospital.

In some instances it's possible to self-refer, such as when requesting physiotherapy, but they should always check with your insurer.

2. Contact the insurance company

Before they attend hospital for consultation or diagnostic tests, it’s essential that the employee gets authorisation from their insurance company by asking the following questions:

  • Is my condition covered?
  • Is each stage of my treatment covered?
  • Am I covered for the planned treatment at Benenden Hospital, including my first outpatient appointment?
  • Does my insurance company recognise the Consultant I've chosen?
  • Is there an excess payable on my policy?

Medical insurance companies

We're recognised by the major insurance companies listed below. If an insurance provider isn’t listed below, your employee should contact them and ask for a referral to Benenden Hospital.

  • Aviva Health
  • AXA Health
  • Bupa
  • Cigna Healthcare
  • The Exeter
  • Freedom Health Insurance
  • General & Medical Healthcare
  • National Friendly
  • Saga Health Insurance
  • Simplyhealth
  • Vitality
  • WPA

3. Book an appointment with us

Once they have a GP referral, and have contacted their insurance company for authorisation, the employee can call our Private Patient Team on 01580 363158. They'll share all the information needed about the available treatments, Consultants and booking details. If the employee has a pre-authorisation reference please pass it on to the team.

Before admission, we’ll write to your employee asking for the following details:

  • A claim form, if your claim form is already with the chosen Consultant, GP or insurance company, they should let us know
  • The name of the insurer
  • The membership or policy number
  • Confirmation of eligibility such as a pre-authorisation or claim number (some insurers give a different reference to the treatment, and authorisation of a consultation does not necessarily mean that they have authorised the treatment that results)
  • Any excess applying to their policy (most insurers will ask you to pay that direct to us)

The employee should bring these details to their first appointment. It’s vital that we have this information before admission because insurers may refuse to make a payment, they haven’t pre-authorised. In that case, the employee would be liable for the entire bill.

Get in touch

Page last reviewed: 16 June 2025