Healthcare from anywhere: Everything you need to know about a Digital GP

General practitioners are usually our first port of call for any illnesses or injuries we need advice, tests, or medication for. Often getting a GP appointment can bring long wait times and with GP appointment caps being considered, it might be worth considering the benefits of a digital GP.

The NHS England GP Patient Survey 2024 identified that in the past year, 31% of patients had to use an NHS service when their GP practice was closed and they needed care or advice. This doesn't have to be the case though, health insurance policies typically offer digital GP services that are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. This makes them a valuable benefit for policyholders, being able to access a qualified doctor whenever they need it.

The report also highlighted 14.2 million patients felt they were “waiting too long” for a GP appointment.

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.

How to access a digital GP?

Many health insurance policies offer digital or remote GP services. Companies such as Bupa, AXA, Aviva, The Exeter, and Vitality all offer this service. This service typically 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.

Pay as you go private GP services are available, which can be priced at around £59 for a remote 15 minute appointment, and up to £140 for a remote 45 minute appointment. However, it's worth considering a health insurance policy which would give you unlimited consultations with a digital GP as well as access to private healthcare facilities if you need them.

How does a digital GP service work?

Each digital GP service offered by insurers will work in slightly different ways. But generally the steps 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 for child care.

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

If face-to-face is your preferred approach, that may also be an option in some locations and with certain insurers. For example, Vitality offer face-to-face appointments in London, Birmingham, Guildford, St Albans and Glasgow. They require a £20 upfront payment each time a consultation is booked.

What are the benefits of a digital GP?

A multitude of benefits come along with a digital GP. These include:

• Accessible appointments - appointments available 24/7 means you can fit it into your lifestyle and can take the call from anywhere that suits you.
  
  
• No queues - no need to call at a specific time or wait in long queues at a surgery to book appointments.
  
  
• Quicker access to appointments - if available, Aviva can offer appointments within 30 minutes. Bupa, on the other hand, offer appointments within 24 hours.
  
  
• Choose your GP - some health insurers allow you to choose your GP and will provide detailed bios to help you make your decision.
  
  
• Reduced travel – If you're feeling under the weather, you won't need to leave the house
  
  
• Unlimited consultations each policy year - meaning you have access whenever you need it, however often you need it
  
  
• No affect on your claims status - Using a digital GP provided by an insurer doesn't affect your claims status

What services can a digital GP offer?

Digital GPs are able to provide you the same service you’d get from visiting your usual GP practice and typical outcomes from a digital GP appointment can include:

• Private prescription medication to be delivered to your home or place of work (the cost of the prescription is not covered).
  
  
• They can offer you an open referral letter – this is what you’ll need if you need to begin a claim on your insurance policy and book in for treatment or to see a specialist. An open referral is when your GP doesn’t specify a particular consultant by name. Instead, it will state what specialism is needed e.g. gynaecology
  
  
• They can email and issue a private fit note to you, if required.
  
  
• They can refer you to a specialist or therapist.
  
  
• They can give you medical advice and that information will stay in the app so you have records.

How to book appointments with GPs online

Insurers vary, but you can easily book appointments through the app or website. You can often call for an appointment too if that’s your preference. When you take out a health insurance policy, your policy provider will send you all the details you need to get set up and book appointments, along with details of how their process works. 

Insurer digital GP services

Aviva:

• Powered by Square Health through the Aviva Digital GP app.
• Appointments in as little as 30 minutes and 24/7
• Repeat NHS prescriptions
• Choice of GP (select gender of GP and review bios to find one most appropriate for your needs)
• View advice given and consultation history in app
• Pediatric consultations for members’ children under 16

AXA:

• Doctor@Hand provided by Doctor Care Anywhere.
• 20 minute appointments
• Diagnosis and Referrals to specialists
• 24/7 access
• Delivery of prescriptions available
• Advice available from home or abroad

Bupa:

• Powered by Bupa Blua and available to all Bupa health insurance customers.
• 24/7 access to GP
• Same day appointments. Usually connected within 2 hours
• Faster referrals
• Prescriptions delivered to your door
• Symptom Checker

Freedom:

• GP24 virtual GP service delivered in partnership with Medical Solutions UK Limited
• Phone access to a GP 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year from wherever you are
• Online video e-consultations between 8am and 10pm, 7 days a week (except Christmas Day)

The Exeter:

• GP on demand with HealthWise
• GP on demand and prescription service
• Second medical opinion (up to 2 consultations each year)
• Physiotherapy (up to 6 consultations each year)
• Mental health support (up to 6 consultations each year)

Vitality:

• Vitality GP app
• Book a video GP consultation within 48 hours
• View your video GP consultation history
• Access trusted physical or mental health information
• View your health insurance plan information
• Plus, also access a 24/7 telephone GP advice line

WPA:

• Remote GP Services
• Private GP helpline 24 hours a day
• 7 days a week
• 365 days a year
• Convenient video or telephone consultations with a private GP

Digital GPs are a great benefit that comes with a health insurance policy. It means you can have peace of mind and quick access to care and advice, from wherever you are and whenever suits you. Digital GPs ability to provide an open referral, can contribute to a smoother and quicker journey to getting private healthcare treatment.