How do I become a public patient?

S

Shelleyb

Registered User
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49
Hi there,
I've been suffering from severe heart palpitations particulary at night and have been referred for an ECG and holter monitor. I have private health insurance but I cannot claim for it until the end of the year besides the excess is almost the same price as the treatment. Either way I cannot afford to pay for it at the moment (or ever) so my question is, can I get this done public and if so, how do I go about it? I could leave it but I'm a little worried...best to get it checked out.

Thank you ShelleyB
 
I imagine your GP could just refer to a heart specialist in the normal way. The question of your insurance would arise at the point at which you contact the hospital.

As a public patient, you may have to wait longer than otherwise, depending on the risk involved.
 
Strictly speaking, you should automatically be a public patient. Being a private patient is something you opt into. However, if you told your GP you have health insurance, s/he may have assumed you wished to go privately and booked the tests accordingly.

As Staples says, you GP should be able to re-arrange the appointment if you're not already going publicly.

BTW, if you're a PAYE worker, you can get tax relief at the standard rate for certain health expenese. So if you do choose to go privately for the tests, you can make a claim to Revenue for any costs that aren't covered by your health insurance.
 
maybe not a help but my kid had serious tonsils problems for years, on waiting list for years as public patient. decided to ask GP about goin private after many bouts of disrupted schooling, went to see private consultant and he booked her in for private operation at our own expense. Following monday told appointment for operation had come available on the public waiting list in two days time. Jumped at the chance, few years ago now...
 
Thank you everyone for your replies. I've now gone public with my GP, I know it will take a little longer ....many thanks - ShelleyB
 
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