You must visit your GP with any health concern before approaching BTPF
If your GP determines that you need to be referred to see a specialist for a non-urgent appointment, the cost of an initial private consultation, up to £300, may be met by BTPF.
Accessing a private consultant/specialist for an initial consultation
At your GP appointment you must request a referral letter to access a private consultation, a copy of this is required to be submitted with the BTPF grant application form. Details of the specialist you wish to visit, and the cost of the consultation must also be included on the grant application form. The application will not be processed without this information.
Your GP should be able to provide details of an appropriate specialist for you to approach and at which hospital he/she conducts their private work so that you can provide these details on the application form and obtain the cost of an appointment.
The trustees will normally provide a decision within two/three working days. An appointment to see a specialist can be made when you receive confirmation from us that your application has been approved. If you have had any diagnostic tests carried out by the NHS, you should inform the specialist's secretary at the time you book your appointment as they will be able to access these, you should not incur costs for them to be repeated.
If your GP has concerns that your problem may be serious, you will be referred as an emergency and seen on the NHS very quickly - in those circumstances, it will not be appropriate to approach BTPF for a private appointment.
It is important not to commit to any tests or treatment at your out-patient appointment because these will not be funded by BTPF
If you require further support following your consultation, please note that the trustees will need to be satisfied that the treatment is necessary and, that the NHS's inability to provide timely treatment is unreasonable. A further application process will be necessary.
You should ensure that the specialist knows that you DO NOT have private health insurance and you do not have any funds in place to proceed beyond the consultation.
Please ensure that you read and understand these instructions as failure to comply with them in full will result in you being responsible for any costs incurred that fall outside the consultation fee approved.
Application form
If you wish to apply for a grant you can download the printable application form by clicking this link. Medical and Consultation Grant Application Form
Return to Apply for a grant