Bupa has launched a new online calculator that will enable people to look up the average cost of a hospital medical procedure, such as a hip replacement, and also any likely out-of-pocket medical fees.
Cindy Shay, director of Bupa’s Health Partnerships and Innovation, said the tool had been developed in response to concern amongst the insurer's members over how much a procedure may cost.
“We know that it’s common to undergo a medical procedure in hospital without knowing how much it will cost. We’ve heard our customers’ concerns and frustrations about unexpected fees and bill shock, and so we have created a calculator that will help inform our customers about the average cost of a hospital procedure,” said Ms Shay.
“This costs calculator will enable customers to have a far greater understanding about what their medical procedure will cost, and if they will be out-of-pocket. This calculator shifts the balance of power back towards customers in their discussions with doctors and hospitals.”
Ms Bray continued, “This specialist doctor search tool shows not only which doctors are a part of Bupa’s Medical Gap Scheme, but also the percentage of cases in which they have charged a gap fee to our customers."