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31st December – Lines open at 9am and close at 3pm
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Medical Diagnostics
Let's talk about medical diagnostics
Your GP might suggest a specialised test or consultation to get to the bottom of your symptoms. But no one wants to wait around if they're not feeling well. So, if you face a wait longer than 3 weeks on the NHS, you can ask for our help covering a private diagnosis – up to the value of £2,500.
Medical diagnostics covers the tests or diagnostic consultations that can be useful if your GP can't work out exactly what's wrong, or what treatment would be most helpful.
Because they might involve and expert (think a dermatologist for a skin condition) or a high-tech piece of machinery (like an MRI scanner), you'll often have a long wait after you've received your referral.
So, if you've been a member with us for 6 months, you can ask for help if your wait on the NHS is longer than 3 weeks. If you're approved for a consultation or test, we’ll cover the cost up to £2,500.
How we can help
We can help with a lot of common medical diagnostics:
Tests including MRI and CT scans, X-rays, and camera test (such as endoscopy or colonoscopy).
Outpatient consultations, such as seeing an orthopaedic specialist or dermatologist*, or getting a blood test.
* For some specialty areas, if we approve a diagnostic consultation, we'll carry out an assessment to work out how we can best help.
When dealing with my initial request for help and subsequent diagnostic requests, Benenden Health's staff were all outstanding. All staff members I spoke to were extremely helpful, sympathetic, efficient and put me at ease. They were all a credit to Benenden Health. Highly recommended.
Gordon - July 2025
What's not included
There are a few restrictions on the medical diagnostics we cover.
We can only cover costs up to £2,500 and it might sound obvious, but we don’t cover any appointments that aren't for diagnosis.
We don't cover diagnostics tests including tests under general anaesthetic, related to pregnancy, monitoring an ongoing condition, cosmetic concerns or pain management.
And sometimes we might think it's safer for you to remain with the NHS (for example, psychiatry, a suspected cancer diagnosis, or when you might need long-term support).
Affordable private healthcare
We're not a health insurance provider. We're a not-for-profit who complement the NHS, and we're on a mission to make private healthcare accessible to all.
- No age limits.
- Everyone is accepted (all UK residents).
- No quotes, hidden fees, or excess to pay.
- No medical questionnaire required.
Only £15.85 per person, per month.
How to access Medical Diagnostics
You'll need to have been referred for diagnostics by a qualified NHS practitioner from your registered practice and have been a member for at least six months. You can check you’re eligible for diagnostics either in the Benenden Health App or in MyBenenden.
Available after six months of membership
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Referral
Before contacting us, please check you've got:
An NHS referral
Details of your symptoms
The consultant or test you've been referred for
Verbal confirmation that the NHS wait time is more than three weeks
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Contact us
Once you have all the information ready, you can:
Use the Benenden Health App or
Call our Member Services Team on 0300 304 5700 (8am-5pm Mon-Fri)
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Requesting diagnostics
Through the app:
Select Diagnostics and Surgical Treatment from the home screen to submit your request, which will include uploading a copy of your referral letter.
Calling Member Services:
Our advisor will ask for all the information and may ask for a copy of your referral letter.
We'll then review your request and let you know if it's approved.
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Authorisation
Once your request has been approved:
We'll provide you with authorisation to make any approved appointments at the appropriate hospital or clinic where it will take place.
If you need any follow-up tests or appointments, just get back in touch. Your original £2500 limit applies. You won't need to get a new NHS referral, but we will need to give you another authorisation.
Access via the Benenden Health App
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Did you know you can start your request for Medical Diagnosis through the app.
Simply choose 'Medical Diagnostics and Surgical Treatment' and follow the instructions.
Enjoy all your membership benefits on the go:
- Book a telephone or video consultation with a GP in just a few clicks.
- Easily request support via the 24/7 Mental Health Helpline
- Explore the Wellbeing Hub for videos, articles and classes for mental wellbeing, fitness and nutritional health.
- Access rewards and discounts.
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Calls to 03 numbers from UK landlines and mobiles cost no more than a national rate call to 01 or 02 numbers. If you receive inclusive free calls to 01 or 02 numbers with your landline or mobile tariff, calls to 03 numbers will also be included.
