If you're considering private healthcare for cancer diagnosis or treatment in the UK, this guide explains what to expect and what it might cost. Whether you're looking for faster access to specialists, more treatment options or greater comfort during care, private healthcare can offer a different experience.
Key takeaways:
You can choose private healthcare for a cancer diagnosis. This can be done through a private provider or with private medical insurance. Many people go private to get faster access to tests and specialists, which can lead to a quicker diagnosis. You may also have more choice over who you see and could access treatments that aren’t available on the NHS.
Private healthcare can give you access to a wide range of cancer treatments, including:
Some private plans may also cover more complex treatments, such as stem cell or bone marrow transplants. You might also be able to access new drugs and therapies that aren’t yet available on the NHS.
Private cancer treatment differs from NHS care in a few key ways. With private treatment, you pay either out of pocket or through health insurance. While NHS treatment is free, going private may offer some added benefits.
With NHS care, you may experience:
Private care offers some differences:
You can combine NHS and private cancer treatment if you wish. For example, you might go private to get a faster diagnosis before receiving treatment through the NHS.
Several factors can affect the cost of cancer treatments, such as:
There are many cancer charities in the UK that provide information and support, including:
Many private medical insurance policies do include cancer treatment. However, what’s covered can vary depending on your provider and the details of your policy. Some treatments may be excluded, so it’s important to check your policy documents carefully.
The timing of your diagnosis also matters. Most insurers won’t cover cancer treatment if you were diagnosed before taking out the policy, as this is considered a pre-existing condition.
At Saga, three of our HealthPlans – Super, Secure, and Saver Plus – include essential cancer treatments like radiotherapy and chemotherapy at private hospitals. You can also choose Extended Cancer Cover, which removes limits on drug treatments for cancer. This option also covers treatments aimed at preventing cancer from coming back or maintaining remission.
Explore what Saga health insurance covers in our guide.
Saga Health Insurance is a unique product designed by us specifically for our customers and it is only available through us. Together with our underwriter, Bupa Insurance Limited, we are committed to providing high levels of quality, service and choice. That's why we offer a range of policies that can be tailored to suit your needs and budget.
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