Published on 26 May 2026
If you’re in your 60s and 70s, work can still play an important part in your life - not just financially, but socially and personally too. Health conditions affecting your mobility, such as hip, knee and shoulder pain – or your vision, such as cataracts or glaucoma - can impact productivity and increase the likelihood of time off.
Staying mobile and maintaining clear vision play a vital role in being able to get to your job, work comfortably and stay focused. By addressing health problems earlier, you can make a real difference - staying active, maintaining your routine and continuing to work with confidence and independence.
If you hold private medical insurance (PMI), either through work or personally, it can help you access diagnosis and treatment at Benenden Hospital without long delays. Below, we outline common joint and vision conditions that may affect your working life, the care we offer, and how your PMI can be used to arrange treatment.
Stay mobile at work with timely care for joint conditions
Good joint health is essential for many working adults, particularly as mobility issues become more common with age. Conditions affecting the knees, hips, shoulders or hands can make everyday tasks at work increasingly uncomfortable.
When your joints are painful, or movement feels restricted, regular activities such as commuting, standing or sitting for extended periods, or carrying equipment can become challenging.
We offer diagnosis and treatment for a range of orthopaedic conditions affecting the hips, knees, shoulders, hands and upper limbs, feet and lower limbs and more.
While hip or knee replacement surgery may require an overnight stay, many orthopaedic procedures are now carried out as day case surgeries, supporting a smoother recovery and an earlier return to normal activity and work routines.
Clear vision to support everyday working life
Good vision plays a key role in supporting everyday working life, particularly as detailed or screen‑based tasks become more demanding over time. Changes in vision through the development of cataracts or glaucoma can impact driving, reading and concentration, often leading to fatigue or reduced confidence at work.
Cataract surgery or treatment for glaucoma are typically straightforward day case procedures, with no overnight stay and a relatively quick recovery, making it easier for you to plan treatment with minimal disruption and return to your usual routines sooner.
How can PMI help minimise disruption to work and daily routines
Using your insurance to access treatment can help address these problems - before they begin to affect your life in or outside of work. With appointments available within two weeks at our hospital (availability may vary), private healthcare also allows you to plan appointments around your working life.
Plus, seeing the same consultant from initial assessment through to treatment (depending on your level of cover) can also offer reassurance and continuity.
Making the most of your private medical insurance
Making the most of your private medical insurance starts with understanding what it covers and how it works. Many PMI policies typically cover consultations, diagnostic tests and treatment for common conditions, but may not cover specialist equipment such as crutches and wrist braces, so it’s important to check limitations and exclusions with your insurer before you call us.
Our helpful video guide walks you step-by-step through how to use your cover.
Using your private medical insurance to access treatment at Benenden Hospital
Discover how you can use private medical insurance provided by your employer or individual policy to access private diagnosis and treatment without the wait at Benenden Hospital.
Have you got private medical insurance through your employer, or an individual policy? Did you know that you can use your insurance to arrange a consultation, diagnostic tests and treatment at our hospital - safe in the knowledge that payment will be made directly by your insurer?
Using your private insurance means that you could get seen by one of our experts within days. Enjoy fast access to any tests and scans you need and avoid long waiting times for treatment.
Benenden Hospital is located in a tranquil countryside setting, easily accessible if you live in Kent, East Sussex or London. We offer highly respected consultants, modern facilities, comfortable private rooms with en-suite wet room facilities and free parking.
You can access outstanding care in three simple steps. Step one, contact your GP. When you have an appointment with your GP, or other health professional, let them know that you have private medical insurance and want to be referred to Benenden Hospital. If you know which consultant you'd prefer to see, ask them to add that to the letter.
Step two, contact your insurer. Once you have your referral details, they'll need to confirm that your condition is covered, your chosen consultant is covered, and whether each stage of your journey - from initial appointment through to treatment - can be carried out at Benenden Hospital.
Step three, contact us. Once you have your GP referral and your insurer has given you an authorisation code, you can book your initial consultation with us by calling 01580 242521. Visit our website today to find out more.
Use your PMI at Benenden Hospital
If you have private medical insurance, either through your employer or an individual policy, you can enjoy fast access to diagnosis and treatment at Benenden Hospital. Speak to your GP or health professional or contact our Private Patient team by phone on 01580 363158, or by requesting a callback, for more information.