Feeling like “rubbish” today, as the Brits would say. I suppose it was only a matter of time. We went from 90+ degree weather in Katy, Texas to mid 30’s on a daily basis. I’m putting to use my ice scraper that hadn’t been touched in 6+ years. I’m not surprised I’m sick and it’s the throat kind. Praying it’s not strep and just turns into a cold in a day or 2, but it really does force figuring out healthcare and how to schedule a private doctor appointment.
We have Cigna International but I don’t believe the process varies by insurance.
How to schedule a private doctor appointment in the UK:
1 – Find a doctor
2 – Make an appointment
3 – Call your insurance company and request an authorization. Only the parent or patient (if over 18) can request an authorization for data privacy issues. I was trying to be a good wife last week and get an authorization for the hubs, but no bueno.
4 – Call your doctor back and provide the authorization number. This way there are no surprises with regard to how much the visit will cost if anything at all.
Authorizations are only required for private doctor appointments.
NHS doctors are “free”, but you must pre-register in order to have an appointment.
Figure out who your doctor will be so you aren’t in a bind like me once you’re really sick. And if it’s an NHS doctor you plan to see, you have to pre-register with their office. Appointments are difficult to get (read about my experience here) if you need to see someone fairly quick, so don’t put it off.
Or, there is always tea.