Health insurance

[Joanne1]

Hi, My DD (16 years old) has just started full time dance training. She has asked about health insurance. Does anyone have any recommendations on who to go with. Thanks in advance.

[Jan McNulty]

Hello Joanne,

 

I've added the tag "Insurance" to the top of the thread.  If you click on that a variety of older threads show up that may contain useful information.

 

I am sure that other members will be able to chip in with up to date information.

[Mjdb]

Hi there,

My daughter is with AXA. The insurance was taken out in my name but dd is the only insured person.

So glad we did this as we needed MRIs, consultants & physio appointments last year so it was a very good investment.

 

Make sure whatever or whoever you chose to go with that everything you think you will need is covered. Lots of things can be added & different levels of cover taken out just make sure it all works for you. 

 

Mj

[MCOS]

Do most dancers in full time training take out health insurance?  DD just starting, but I haven’t organised any.

[Justkeepsmiling]

My dd is with Aviva and I would definitely recommend getting private health care. We have needed it! Injuries led to physio, MRI, injections and also private GP appointments- all that we would’ve had to wait a long time for on the NHS. 

[Laburnum1]

After reading some of the other threads I would make sure any health insurance covers both physical and mental health .

[mum5678]

Just a little something to consider... I can only speak for the mental health world, but a lot of practitioners are moving away from Axa, and more recently Bupa as their pay rates tend to be below the going rate. There are still plenty of practitioners but it's a diminishing number (especially for AXA) so you ay have less choice / availability if you do need to see somebody (it's not unusual to have waiting list in excess of 6 months to see a private therapist). It's probably not so much of an issue outside of London where appointment fees are generally lower. 

 

Practitioners are happier working with Cigna, Aviva and WPA, who pay rates more akin to the 'going' rate. 

 

That said, DS is with Bupa and we have always managed to find a practitioner (even a dance specialist one), however he's not London based. 

[Joanne1]

Thanks for the info, just looking at all options at the moment.

[Millicent]

Cigna has closed down and is no longer operating.

[Mjdb]

Just our experience but AXA has worked for us over the last cpl of years. My dd is going into her 3rd n final year fingers crossed she doesn't need to be using the insurance this year. First year we had physio but 2nd year she had to sit out & needed MRI scans consultant & a 2nd opinion & more physio no problem being seen within the matter if a week or so. So no lengthy waits. I feel we had excellent service, which is why we chose them again this year, yes premium increased but that's the same as everything when you claim it was to be expected. 

 

Mj

[Mamaderuby]

For my DD, now in year 3 of 3 of full time vocational college, we have used BHSF as a "top up" for NHS. I realise this may not be for everyone, but has worked for us.  BHSF is  a cash back health plan, which we accessed through OneDance UK.  She has used it mostly for regular physio treatments, pays privately, uploads receipt online and receives 75% back in her account in a couple of days. She has also been able to receive both physio treatment and MRIs through the Dance Injury Clinic (Birmingham was her closest, but there are others), covered by NHS. OneDance UK is a fantastic source of information for services for dancers. Student membership only £20 per year.