Frequently Asked Questions (General) | Excess » | NHS »
1a. Who can apply to join the Police Healthcare Scheme?
The scheme is open to all Police Officers, Police Staff, PCSO’s and their immediate family.
1b. Can I Join the scheme as a Retired Officer?
You must have at least two years service remaining to join the PHS. You would then be able to remain in the scheme as a Retired Officer.
2. Who can a member cover on their policy?
Spouse/Partner (co-habiting) and dependent children (including step-children) up to the age of 18 years.
3. What happens when a child reaches 18 years of age?
They are invited to join the scheme in their own right and are entitled to the same benefits as serving officers.
4. Can I join the scheme and immediately receive treatment?
We cover treatment for any new condition from day one. However, treatment for any pre-existing condition will not be covered for the first two years of your membership, providing that you have gone for one year without medical attention for the condition.
5. What is classed as a pre-existing condition?
Any medical condition that you are aware of within five years prior to joining the scheme, even if medical advice has not yet been sought.
6. Can I use any private hospital?
We have preferred provider contracts with particular hospitals and will endeavour to use them in all circumstances. However, if a procedure is not available at one of these hospitals authorisation will be considered for elsewhere.
7. I have seen a specialist in the past however, they now do not work from one of your preferred hospitals, can I still see them?
You would be able to see them at a different hospital on a consultation only basis. We would not cover any tests or treatment with them. If treatment was required you would need to transfer to a different specialist.
8a. Can you recommend a specialist for me to see?
We don’t recommend particular specialists, you are free to use anyone at one of our preferred hospitals.
8.b. Can you recommend a physiotherapist for me to see?
We do not keep a list of physiotherapists, members are free to use any state registered clinic for their treatment.
9. How do I claim?
The full claims procedures can be found on our claims section of our website or by simply telephoning the office on 0121 700 1110 and we’ll explain this for you.
10. If I’ve been admitted to a NHS hospital as an emergency can I transfer to Private?
No, you must complete your treatment through the NHS. We can only become involved if at any point you are placed on a waiting list of six weeks or longer.
11. Can I claim any benefits for being in a NHS hospital?
Cash benefits are only available for planned NHS admissions and must be at least a one-night stay. You must have waited at least 6 weeks between your first consultation and your date of admission.
12. Can I increase my cover to entitle me to higher annual limits?
No, there is one level of cover only and the annual limits apply to every member of the scheme.
13. Do you cover dental treatment?
We do not cover dental treatment or orthondontics.
14. Do you cover cosmetic surgery?
No, we only cover surgery that is recommended for medical purposes.
15. Do you cover weight loss operations/slimming plans?
This is not routinely covered on the scheme.
16. Do you cover operations for snoring?
We will cover sleep study tests but do not cover the operation (Somnoplasty).
17. Do you cover chiropody?
We do cover podiatry treatment but not chiropody.
18. Do you cover cancer?
We cover consultations, tests and operations with a surgeon in relation to cancer but do not cover chemotherapy, radiotherapy or consultations with an Oncologist as these are readily available on the NHS.
19. Do you cover any infertility treatments, pregnancy related treatment or vasectomies?
No, this type of treatment is not covered on the scheme.