Hello Everyone,
I have not been on this site in ages and will try to visit more as I have been living here 2+ years now and have more to offer the newcomers in the way of advice.
MOST OF ALL - I have spent the last year dealing with a life threatening illness. I have found my medical care with BUPA to be exceptional. In fact, if I move back home, I will keep an international policy so that I can see my doctors here.
I have to admit at first I was really frightened not knowing the doctors or the system here, but I was able to get second opinions from family docs back home who are top notch cancer experts and they concurred with everything my docs were doing here.
One of the most important things I have learned through this experience is that my docs also treat NHS patients and you do have access to top notch professionals both on the NHS and private.
In addition, I have found the medical community treats you much more holistically than alot of places. My doctors were very supportive of the alternative things I have been doing to manage my health and my health insurance pays for many treatments that would not be paid by insurance in the U.S.
I am certain I would have received equally as good of care back home, but for those of you who are nervous about the medical system here- I wanted to tell you that it can be a positive experience. I am thankful to have private insurance and highly recommend it, but if you can't afford it or don't have access and face a major illness you will have access to good medical practioners, facilities, and progressive treatment.
