An update on Benenden Health services

Following the government's advice on COVID-19 we share a message from Bob Andrews, our Chief Executive Officer, on the impact to Benenden Health services

Dear Member,

Thank you for your continued loyalty and support to Benenden Health in these challenging times. Our thoughts go out to everyone who has been affected by this unprecedented situation.

For 115 years, Benenden Health has stood by its members, providing essential healthcare services. Our organisation thrives on being a mutual, where contributions from a membership of over 800,000 are used to support your health and wellbeing.

That won’t change. I have an amazing team at Benenden Health, who are currently working tirelessly to the best of their ability to continue our provision of services to you.

I do need to be realistic, though, as the pandemic has had a major impact on both the NHS and private healthcare. Restrictions are being put in place by providers nationwide regarding who can be seen, what conditions they can be seen for, and when. The NHS and the Independent Private Hospital network have agreed, rightly, to work together to support the British public and beat this virus.

I would like to reassure you that we will do everything we can to maintain a level of service and provision during the Government’s social isolation measures, to ensure that you can access advice and support during these unprecedented times.

Our helplines are available to you

Benenden Health's 24/7 GP helpline remains available to members for non-COVID-19 health concerns (0800 414 8247, press option 1) whilst our Mental Health Helpline (0800 414 8247, press option 2) is also available during this time of isolation and anxiety. Our Mental Health Support service can also provide assistance. Please do use these to support yourself and your family.

Remote consultations and support for physiotherapy

We are now offering members a fully remote service for consultations and support for Physiotherapy and other musculoskeletal concerns. Our Member Services team can support you with booking a session and ongoing treatment. In addition, members should check the website for further updates as we aim to enhance our digital and remote support services.

Update on other services

Whilst our wider membership services remain available at the present time the restrictions placed on us all will mean that access to services will take longer than normal. This is why we have temporarily lifted the restriction on completing any agreed diagnostic or treatment within 6 months and extended that to 12 months.

Our Social Care Planning and Advice service and our Financial Assistance are available as normal, with remote working to allow these services to continue.

Contacting Member Services

We will endeavour to continue to provide a service through our Member Services team for the duration of this crisis. As you can imagine this is difficult and we would ask that contact is kept to the necessary minimum. Our opening hours from today are 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday (except bank holidays).

Importantly, you can continue to read our latest service updates, alongside advice and information around COVID-19 on our website.

We know the coming days and weeks will be filled with uncertainty and we will do what we can to support you. We will beat this together and your membership of Benenden Health will continue to provide the healthcare peace of mind that generations of members have sought since 1905.

Take care, stay safe and look after each other