When you buy a private medical insurance policy your chosen provider may request a GP report to support your application. The same applies when you make a claim, your insurer may request a GP report to clarify medical information. This is not always the case however it is specified within the application that you sign. You confirm you give authorisation for your insurer to contact your GP for medical information if needed.

How does your Health Insurer obtain medical information?

Your chosen insurer may want information about your medical history before enrolling your application or authorising a claim. The information is either obtained either directly from you by asking a series of questions, or from your GP or consultant via a report.

In order for an insurer to obtain a medical report from your GP or consultant they need your consent. Insurers include a declaration within their application forms asking for this consent.Not all applications or claims need a GP report to be processed. However, if the insurer does require it, your insurer can request the information from your GP providing you have signed in agreement. This is the quickest way for them to obtain the information. Your insurer cannot be held responsible for any delays because of your GP surgery.

What happens if you do not allow your insurer to request a GP report?

You can refuse to provide your consent, however, in doing so the insurer may not be able to process your application. You have the right to request a copy of the medical information before it is sent to your insurer. This can delay the enrollment of your application or the authorisation of a claim, however you may want to review the information before it is passed to a third party.

How much does it cost for your GP to provide a GP report? 

Some GP’s will charge a small fee for providing a report. The fee’s can vary between different surgeries. It is unlikely that you will be able to claim the cost of the GP report back from your health insurance policy. You will need to check your terms and conditions to be certain as some add-on options may have cover for a GP report.

At SMP Healthcare we can help you find the right Private Medical Insurance policy for your needs. We ensure that you understand the cover you are going to buy and assist you with the application.

Although we do not make claims for our clients we can help if you have a problem. You do not have to deal with claim issues alone. If you would like to know more about the services we provide, please get in touch.

Please contact us today to see how our team can help you.

Telephone 01245 929129/ 0800 047 0127, alternatively email enquires@smphealthcare.com.