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