Private medical insurance

gaz tred said:

Just wanted to know if there are any more conclusive tests that I can have to test my liver and pancreas that prove I have type 2 diabetes. I have comprehensive private medical insurance I wanted to know if there is anything I could ask my GP to refer me for to get this convulsive proof?

Bothy fasting tests were boarder line and my hba1c was 50, however as discussed in a previous thread I think these were effected by my intake the night before. I would also like a GTT as well.


Sent from the Diabetes Forum App

Click to expand...

Most PMI policies, including large affinity schemes (often large company schemes) exclude diabetes, on the basis the condition is chronic. Provided you were insured before diagnosis, at least you don't have any potential pre-existing conditions hurdles to address. Your grey area would be the diagnostic nature of the tests you would like to have done.

As you probably know, you need a GP referral to access most private services, via your insurer. You could gain direct access to a private GP, who might be more accommodating to a referral, but very, very few policies underwrite private GP costs. Leaving policy conditions apart, if your GP feels he has made an adequate diagnosis, he may resist any referral to a "higher" body, on his budget.

In the first instance, I would ensure I was speaking to someone at the practise who has an interest and experience in dealing with diabetes. Most practises have such a person. You should do your own research and go armed with what you want and why. Not just "I want more tests because I don't believe what that other idiot told me". Once you have their ear, and can demonstrate an engaged interest in your condition (as opposed to denial), you will at least be able to engage in an informed discussion.

On word of warning though. Should your GP be willing to make the referral, please ensure your insurer will pick up the tab, for the initial consultation, and any subsequent tests. Your GP making the referral does not necessarily mean your insurer will pay. In your documentation, you will have a helpline number somewhere. And, actually, as a member, you probably have access to healthcare advice on a free ad-hoc basis, over the telephone.

PMI is absolutely wonderful, bit it isn't necessarily a blank cheque.

Some sort of imaging of your pancreas/liver would be helpful if you want to find out if you have fatty deposits. Seems pretty clear from Prof Taylor's work that visceral fat is a precursor to Type 2. It certainly was in my case. I'd love to have a follow up test to find out if 2 years on LCHF has cleared the fat, but unlikely to be able to convince the GP unless some other issue comes up.