Your healthcare is our priority
Last year we were awarded a 99% satisfaction rate by our membership for the services we provided. As a Benenden Healthcare member you too could benefit from fast, efficient healthcare, including quick diagnosis from local specialist consultants, prompt treatment and surgery in either Benenden Hospital or one of our 15 leading regional hospitals and round-the-clock reassurance of a 24 hour GP Advice Line.
Prompt access to healthcare
Protecting your health is as much for the benefit of your family as your own. If the unexpected happens, Benenden Healthcare can provide you with quicker access to healthcare. That's because our healthcare is designed to complement the care you receive through the NHS, reducing your waiting times and offering you timely diagnosis and treatments.
Tried and trusted healthcare
To be voted the UK’s Most Trusted Healthcare Provider 2011 gives us a real sense of pride in what we do. It spurs us on to keep building on our achievement so we can not only maintain our level of customer care but improve on it too.
Benenden Healthcare members benefit from access to a range of discretionary healthcare services. We complement the NHS by providing our members with access to prompt services and treatment when they need it most – especially when members feel that the wait they face on the NHS is too long.
Up to £1,500 for fast, local consultations & tests
We understand that when you’re ill, waiting for a diagnosis can be very distressing. So if your consultations and tests are delayed through the NHS and you become anxious, we may be able to get a faster diagnosis for you.
We will assess your needs and may respond by offering an appointment at our Benenden Hospital or at one of our 15 approved regional hospitals or by giving you up to £1,500 towards the cost of diagnosis by a local consultant.
How to access this service if you are a member
- First visit your GP. They will decide if specialist consultation or tests are needed and will advise you on the NHS help available and the waiting time.
- If the wait causes you distress, call us on 0845 052 5701*
- Further information on how our services work

"An appointment was arranged for me to see a consultant within the week."
Janice Harper
Physiotherapy Service
Our physiotherapy service can help you get prompt treatment from qualified physiotherapists.
Benenden Healthcare work in partnership with RehabWorks and BMI Healthcare to offer self management treatment and face to face treatment at one of over 450 clinics.
If self-management is recommended, you will be provided with bespoke exercises containing full instructions on how to perform them along with a helpline number in case you have any questions.
Face to face appointments are usually arranged within 48 hours at your nearest clinic.
All payments will be handled directly by Benenden Healthcare.
How to access this service
- First visit your GP. They will decide if treatment is needed and will advise you on the NHS help available and the waiting time.
- If the wait causes you distress, call us on 0845 052 5701 (Lines open 8am - 8pm, Mon-Fri (excluding bank holidays))

"My wife needed orthopaedic care followed by physiotherapy and the treatment she received was first class. The whole process was dealt with quickly and efficiently and Benenden confirmed and acknowledged all the details along the way."
Charles Nunn
Up to £300 for psychology
When you need some extra help our psychology services can offer the positive support you need to get back on track.
A qualified psychologist can help you on a one-to-one basis to help you understand your thoughts, emotions and behaviour. Our psychologists use a wide range of treatments to help with mental health problems, performance enhancement, learning difficulties, self-help, counselling, bereavement and clinical psychology.
How to access this service if you are a member
- First visit your GP. They will decide if treatment is needed and will advise you on the NHS help available and the waiting time.
- If the waiting time causes you distress, call us on 0845 052 5701*
- Further information on how our services work

"I could not have made a better choice in terms of my healthcare needs and as a consequence three generations of my family are now all Benenden members"
Richard Dixon
Prompt treatments and surgery
We can help you gain quicker access to a wide range of treatments and surgical procedures if you’re in pain or distressed by waiting times.
If your GP has recommended that you receive treatment or surgery but the NHS waiting list is too long, we could help by funding your prompt admission, surgery and treatment at Benenden Hospital or one of our 15 affiliated hospitals throughout the UK.
How to access this service if you are a member
- First visit your GP. They will decide if treatment is needed and will advise you on the NHS help available and the waiting time.
- If the waiting time causes you distress, call us on 0845 052 5701*
- Further information on how our services work

"Anyone with the slightest doubt about surgery should just pickup the phone and ring Benenden as everything is dealt with, with great consideration, great kindness and in an extremely friendly manner."
Mike Ryan
Up to £300 for counselling
There may be times when you need some extra help to get back to leading an active and healthy life. Our Counselling service is here to support you as you make that positive choice to get the help that you need to get you back on track.
Your personal counsellor will support you as you take positive steps towards moving forward and achieving your goals. Counselling treatments are usually brief and centre on practical ways to overcome behavioural patterns including bereavement, depression, stress, eating disorders, bipolar disorders and much more.
How to use this service
- First visit your GP. They will decide if treatment is needed and will advise you on the NHS help available and the waiting time.
- If the waiting list causes you distress, call us on 0845 052 5701*
- Further information on how our services work

"Benenden is there to help all its members and as a mutual society Benenden exists to serve its members and this is reflected in the care and attention you receive."
Keith, former Sergeant in the Military Police
Up to £5,000 financial support for cancer or TB patients
If you’re living with cancer or TB, Benenden Healthcare can offer financial assistance to strengthen the help offered by the NHS and Social Services.
We could help you or your family pay for hiring a home help, travelling to and from hospital, extra heating and specialist equipment hire and more - all as part of a support programme tailored to your individual needs.
How to access this service if you are a member
- To ensure you get the right help, first assess which services you can get through the NHS, Social Services and other support organisations such as MacMillan Trust.
- If you’d like to discuss your options with us, simply call 0845 052 5701* to get the right help for you.
- Further information on how our services work

"The financial support we have been offered from that initial contact has gone above and beyond our expectations"
Maria Scott
Helping our members: Jack and Maria Scott Round the clock GP advice, 365 days of the year
We understand doctor’s appointments aren’t always available when you need them and could result in lengthy delays. However, with our 24-hour GP Advice Line you’ll have the round-the-clock reassurance of knowing you can speak directly to a qualified GP any time, day or night. Giving you access to fast, professional and confidential help wherever you are in the world, 365 days of the year.
The UK based GPs can provide medical advice when you most need it and are qualified to recommend a course of action. You can request advice on behalf of yourself or family members.
How to access this service if you are a member
- Call 0845 050 5247* from the UK or +44 845 050 5247 from abroad to to specify your 15 minute time-slot for a GP to call you back
- Further information on how our services work

"Your GP's advice probably saved my husband's life"
Janice Invaray
24/7 advice on coping with stress and anxiety
When you're in danger of becoming very stressed and over-anxious, some calm, experienced, independent advice can be just what you need to help you through. Our qualified counsellors are available to offer immediate information about, and signposting to, suitable local services that may provide further help.
You can seek help on a range of topics including;
- Relationship problems
- Money worries
- Unemployment
- Bereavement
How to access this service if you are a member
- Simply call 0845 050 5247* from the UK or +44 845 050 5247 from abroad. Someone is available whenever you call, day or night, to offer advice and put your mind at rest.
- Further information on how our services work

"I went for many years without having to use any of Benenden Healthcares Services but I always felt that for such a small contribution it was well worth having as a back up to the National Health Service, when waiting times became elongated"
Keith, former Sergeant in the Military Police
Helping you make an informed decision about long-term care
We know it can be a very difficult and emotional decision to move you or your family members to long-term care at home or elsewhere. So our Long-term Care Advice Service helps to relieve your worries by assessing your circumstances and giving you the information you need to make an informed decision.
The Long-term Care Advice Service provides everything from basic advice to detailed reports on care providers and much more, including:
- The pros and cons of home care, sheltered accommodation, residential or nursing homes
- Assessing care requirements
- Selecting the best care provider
- Short-term care following treatment.
How to access this service if you are a member

"I cannot thank Benenden enough for their prompt professional response"
Neville Windsor
Help with a range of lifestyle and medical issues
Knowing where to go to find help, information and advice on your health can be difficult. Our health concern advice line is there to offer you help with a range of lifestyle and medical issues including;
- Ongoing medical conditions
- Smoking cessation
- Weight loss
- Vaccinations you need for travelling abroad
- Learning difficulties
- Complementary or alternative medicine
We have a vast, constantly updated database of recommended helplines and specialist health support groups, so that when you call, we can point you in the right direction.
How to access this service if you are a member

"Benenden is there to help all its members and as a mutual society Benenden exists to serve its members and this is reflected in the care and attention you receive."
Keith, former Sergeant in the Military Police
A range of additional discounted services are available to members
25% off fertility treatments at the Benenden Fertility Centre
Your Society membership gives you access to prompt consultations and fertility tests at Benenden Hospital. The Benenden Hospital Trust can offer you, as a member of the Society, 25% discount off your initial treatment cycle*.
You can use this service as soon as you become a Society member. Simply call 01580 24 24 25 for details (Lines open 8.30am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday) or visit the Benenden Fertility Centre website
*Does not include initial consultation, blood tests and drugs.
The Benenden Fertility Centre - based at Benenden Hospital 25% off Orthopaedic treatments at Benenden Hospital
We understand how distressing and painful it can be waiting for a major joint replacement. So if you are diagnosed as requiring a hip or knee replacement, the Benenden Hospital Trust can offer you as a member of the Society, 25% discount off orthopaedic treatments at Benenden Hospital.
You can use this service as soon as you become a Society member, and following a GP referral. For further information call Benenden Hospital on 01580 24 25 15. (Lines open 8.30am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday) or visit the Benenden Hospital website.
Discounted health screening, provided by BUPA
The health screening service is carried out by BUPA and as soon as you become a Society member, you'll be able to enjoy specially reduced rates on BUPA's comprehensive Wellness Health Screening Service.
Call Benenden Healthcare on 0845 052 5701* to arrange a screening.

"Nothing was too much trouble for the Fertility staff at Benenden Hospital."
Amy Jupp
Award-winning Benhealth magazine
At Benenden Healthcare we know it’s important to look after our members even when you’re fit and healthy. So each quarter we produce ‘Benhealth’, a healthy living magazine exclusively for our members.
Informative and easy-to-read, each issue is packed with news stories, healthy living advice, delicious recipes and much more. And we’re proud to say Benhealth has won numerous awards for its well-informed and comprehensive content.
How to access Benhealth

"Since Grace has been discharged her life has changed for the better, she is virtually pain free, her mood swings are a thing of the past and she has secured many interviews for a Paramedical Science Course at University. I can honestly say that without the article in your magazine none of this would have happened."
Nuala Sayers
Download our Personal Healthcare Services Brochure
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So much protection for so little cost
No matter what age you are or what medical history you have, Benenden Healthcare costs just £1.50 per person, per calendar week.
There's no need to call for a quote, or complete any medical questionnaires, because we offer one flat rate for all our members.
There's also no restrictions to the number of people you can add to your membership and you can rest assured the price won't rise when you use our services.
We make personal healthcare affordable, and that's the way it'll stay.
How we keep our prices low
We are a not for profit, mutual society. Without shareholders we can focus on delivering quality healthcare on a discretionary basis ensuring help is available when you need it most. By delivering a range of quality services in return for affordable contributions we believe we can offer our members a better level of care and support.
Access is quick straightforward
For the simple cost of £1.50 per person, per calendar week, each Benenden Healthcare member benefits from the same comprehensive range of discretionary services, giving you swift access to information and wellbeing services as soon as you join and as often as you require it. This includes our GP 24/7 advice line. All you have to do is call the advice lines detailed in your membership pack and quote your membership number.
Once you have been a Benenden Healthcare member for 6 months you can seek help from us to establish a diagnosis or arrange a treatment. We ask that in the first instance you consult your GP to obtain a referral and also to determine the NHS waiting times. If these waiting times cause you distress, we recommend that you simply call our friendly member services team to discuss your individual needs and requirements.
If you feel that your quality of life or health is at risk as a result of the current NHS waiting times, we can look to help by gaining you faster access to prompt local diagnosis, physiotherapy, counselling, psychology, surgery and treatment.
We request that you consult Benenden Healthcare in advance of arranging any treatment and you must obtain a referral from your GP.
Existing Benenden Healthcare members can find out more about accessing services on our members' webpage.
To keep our prices low there are some services we do not offer. Please take a moment to review our exclusions.