“Podiatry, an underused benefit of your Private Medical Insurance” (PMI)
Are you making the most out of the benefits that your private medical insurance offers?
Many people in the UK have access to private health treatments, provided by their own insurance or through their corporate policies from their employers.
Private Medical Insurance (PMI) offers numerous advantages, such as expedited access to treatment, a more comfortable care setting, and access to a wider range of specialists and facilities. These services typically encompass dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropractic, osteopathy, and podiatry. Furthermore, there has been an increase in the number of insurers offering podiatry as a core benefit. However, despite these advantages, the utilisation of podiatry services among PMI holders remains relatively low.
Podiatrist visits are typically covered by insurance when they are related to the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions affecting the feet or ankles and are deemed medically necessary. Conditions such as foot and ankle sprains, heel pain (including plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendonitis, infections, chronic conditions like arthritis, or foot problems related to diabetes, as well as issues like ingrown toenails, are all examples of conditions that typically necessitate professional care by a podiatrist.
If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes that increases the risk of foot complications, insurance may cover routine podiatrist visits for preventive care.
In cases of injury or accidents, such as foot or ankle injuries resulting from sports activities or falls, insurance may cover podiatrist visits for assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
Additionally, insurance may cover custom orthotics prescribed by a podiatrist to address foot or ankle conditions. However, coverage for orthotics may be subject to specific criteria or limitations.
To fully understand the specifics of your insurance coverage, it’s crucial to review your insurance policy or contact your insurance provider directly. They can offer information on your benefits, reimbursement rates, and any other relevant details regarding podiatry services.
Before scheduling any appointments, we advise you to contact your insurance provider to confirm the scope of your coverage. It is common for insurance providers to require that services are provided by a podiatrist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
At VS Podiatry all our podiatrists are HCPC registered and can provide you with a receipt, following payment, that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. The coverage extent may differ based on your policy, potentially covering some, none, or all your charges. Please be aware that we do not provide payment plans and require payment for all services at the time of your visit.
Having a discussion with your podiatrist prior to receiving treatment can assist you in making informed decisions regarding the management of your healthcare expenses.
To book an appointment, please give us a call on 07976 250870