Digital GP Services Compared: Wait times, Appointments And What’s Included

General practitioners are usually our first port of call when we have any concerns about our health. But often getting an NHS GP appointment can come with long wait times.

In England, the number of open and active GP practices has fallen by over 1,000 in the last ten years, making GP appointments increasingly more difficult to access.

This doesn't have to be the case though, health insurance policies typically offer digital GP services that are available 24 hours, seven days a week. This makes them a valuable benefit for policyholders, being able to access a qualified doctor whenever they need it.

45% of adults in the UK reported being dissatisfied with GP services in the UK last year. So, with accessing GP services proving more difficult, how does a digital GP compare?

Here’s everything you need to know about digital GPs and their benefits.

What Is A Digital GP?

Many health insurance policies offer digital or remote GP services. Companies such as Bupa, AXA, Aviva, The Exeter, Freedom Health, Vitality and WPA all offer this service as part of their health insurance benefits.

A digital GP often operates 24/7 and can be accessed through a phone or video consultation. The GPs on the other end are fully qualified, experienced healthcare professionals.

Each digital GP service offered by insurers will work in slightly different ways. But generally you can expect the steps to involve signing up to an app or online service or calling a dedicated phone number whenever advice or care is required.

You can schedule digital GP appointments at a convenient time for you, making the service extremely accessible. You can also have a phone or video call from anywhere, so there is no need to leave the house, take time off work, or arrange childcare.

Some online services also offer access to nurses, physiotherapists, mental health nurses and other health professionals.

How Quickly Can You See A Digital GP?

How quickly you can see a Digital GP varies by the health insurer providing the service. Here's a look into what you can expect from the UK's leading health insurance providers.

AXA Health Insurance

AXA Health's digital GP service typically offers same day appointments, usually within four hours. You can also benefit from:

• Unlimited 24/7 access to their digital GP service
• 20 minute video or phone appointments
• Private prescriptions where required
• Open referrals where required

Aviva Health Insurance  

With Aviva's digital GP service you can often get an appointment in as little as 30 minutes. In addition, you can benefit from:

• Unlimited 24/7 access to GP services
• A 15-minute video consultation with a GP
• Choice with your GP, choose things like to have a female GP or a specific clinical background 
• Private prescriptions where required
• Open referrals where required

Bupa Health Insurance

Provided by Bupa Blua, Bupa's GP services is usually available within 24 hours of booking. Additional benefits include:

• Unlimited access to GPs or advanced practitioner nurses Monday to Friday between 6am and 10pm and weekends and Bank Holidays between 8am and 10pm
• A 15-minute video or phone appointment
• Private prescriptions where required
• Open referrals where required

Freedom Health Insurance

Available through the Kry App, here's what to expect from Freedom's digital GP service:

• Unlimited 24/7 access to phone and video appointments
• Access to your consultation notes to share with your NHS GP
• Private prescriptions where required
• Open referrals where required
• Flexible bookings, choose the next available clinician or book for a time and date that suits you

The Exeter Health Insurance

With a health insurance policy with The Exeter, appointments are usually available within a few hours, or on the same day. You can also expect:

• Unlimited GP consultations each year
• Private prescriptions where required
• Open referrals where required
• 24/7 access to 10 to 15 minute phone and video appointments

Vitality Health Insurance

With Vitality's digital GP service appointment availability can be the same day or within 48 hours. The service also includes:

• Unlimited consultations per policy year
• Video appointments available between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 4pm on weekends and Bank Holidays
• Private prescriptions where required
• Open referrals where required

WPA Health Insurance

Remote GP services with a WPA health insurance policy include:

• Unlimited phone or video GP consultations
• 24/7 access to the service
• Private prescriptions where required
• Open referrals where required

What Can Happen During A Digital GP Appointment?

Digital GPs are largely able to provide you the same service you’d get from visiting your usual GP practice.

Some of the most common outcomes of a digital GP appointment can include:

• Getting a private prescription to be delivered to your home or place of work (the cost of the prescription is not covered).
  
  
• Receiving an open referral letter. This is required if you need to begin a claim on your insurance policy. An open referral will ensure you can get choice of hospital and specialist.
  
  
• A fit note can be provided if you need time off work illness. This can be issued electronically.
  
  
• Receiving medical advice which will stay in the app so you have records for future use or to share with your NHS GP.

Are Digital Appointments Included With Health Insurance?

Most of the time, yes. All insurers that Usay Compare work with offer access to digital GP services as part of their core cover or benefits. This provides peace of mind over any health concerns or ensures early steps can be taken towards getting your health back on track. 

With difficulties booking NHS GP appointments and longer waiting times, digital GPs are a great benefit of an insurance policy in getting fast access to advice and support when needed.

Can A Digital GP Refer You For Private Treatment? 

Yes, digital GPs can refer you for private treatment. This can often be an open referral, which is usually required when moving forward for treatment with an active health insurance policy.

The open referral gives flexibility over where you're treated and with which specialist, meaning you can choose to go to a hospital or facility that suits you and see the specialist of your choice.

This will also provide you with the information needed for pre-authorisation when making a claim. This open referral then needs to be sent to your insurance provider so they can authorise your claim to the next steps. This ensures you are covered for the required treatment by your policy.

How Important Is Digital GP Access When Comparing Health Insurance? 

How important digital GP access is comes down to personal preference. However, if quick access to GP services and peace of mind is important to you, it's worth comparing what's available across the insurers.

Digital GP access can be beneficial in providing accessible appointments that fit around your schedule, more choice over GPs, quicker access to appointments and support from the comfort of your own home, or even when you're on the go.

An expert adviser can help you to understand more about digital GPs, whilst comparing what's on offer to help you find the best health insurance policy for your needs. Get in touch today on: 01285 864670