Key facts

1. The Benenden Healthcare Society Limited (Registered No: 480F) is a mutual not-for profit friendly society owned by and run for our members.
2. Membership is only available if you work, or have worked, in the public sector, for a registered charity or other approved organisations whose aims and objectives are deemed compatible with those of the Society.
3. The Society is not a private medical insurer. We provide healthcare services on a discretionary basis, except treatment for TB, which is a contractual service.
4. Our services may vary according to the needs of the member, the resources available or over time.
5. Significant exclusions to our services are: appointments with podiatrists, radiologists, dentists, opticians or complementary therapists; IVF treatment; treatment for mental health problems; cosmetic, breast, plastic, sterilisation, nerve, dental or maxillofacial surgery, or surgery for transplants; surgery for arterial, cardiac or complex orthopaedic problems; diagnostic consultations with consultants who do not have an NHS post or who are not registered with a royal college such as the Royal College of Surgeons or Physicians.
6. Some of our services have a six-month qualifying period.
7. Service restrictions apply to members and nominated family and friends living outside the UK.
8. Members and nominated family and friends must call our Member Services Team on 0845 052 5702* for prior authorisation to make sure we can support the help required.
9. Members have 14-days from the day they receive their welcome pack and membership card, to cancel their membership.**
10. Membership of the Society will continue until such time as a member decides to cancel or until their membership contribution stops being paid. A member may cancel their membership at any time without incurring penalty charges.
11. Members may become actively involved in how the Society is run by attending branch meetings.
12. If you work or have worked as a civil servant you can choose which branch you belong to. If you belong to one of our National Branches but would prefer to join a branch nearer home, you can transfer to a Local Branch. Or if you have been allocated to a Local Branch but would prefer to rejoin colleagues in a National Branch, please just let us know. You can e-mail thesecretary@benenden.org.uk or write to The Secretary, The Benenden Healthcare Society Limited, Holgate Park Drive, York YO26 4GG.
13. If you are not satisfied with our service, you should call us or write to us so that we can learn from any problems that occur. However, if you have been through both stages of our complaints procedure, and you are still unhappy with our response, you can take appropriate matters to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
14. This summary does not contain comprehensive information about the Society and its services. Please refer to any additional information we have provided. Full terms and conditions are contained in our Rulebook (pdf) and our Guide to Society Services (pdf) or on request by calling 0845 052 5720*.

* If you're abroad, please dial +44 845 052 5702, +44 845 052 5720 or +44 845 052 5899 accordingly.

** You are entitled to cancel your membership of The Benenden Healthcare Society Limited within 14 days of receipt of this Welcome Pack. If you do decide to cancel your membership, you can do so by writing to the Member Services Department, The Benenden Healthcare Society Limited, Holgate Park Drive, York, YO26 4GG. Alternatively you can e-mail the Society at membershiprelations@benenden.org.uk or call 0845 052 5899*. Please include your membership number in all correspondence. Cancellations beyond the 14-day cancellation period will not result in reimbursement of contributions already paid.