1.00/5.00

"Not best pleased..."

I damaged my right shoulder in October 2017 somehow. My GP referred me to a musculoskeletal clinic. There was a twelve week waiting time. I asked Benhealth if they could reduce mywaiting time by sending me to one of their consultants. They said no, they don't assist members with MSK problems. I pointed out to Benhealth that they offered help with orthopaedic problems and the definition of orthopaedics reads "˜ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEONS DIAGNOSE AND TREAT A WIDE RANGE OF CONDITIONS OF THE MSK SYSTEM. THIS INCLUDES BONES AND JOINS AND THEIR ASSOCIATED STRUCTURES-LIGAMENTS, TENDONS, MUSCLES AND NERVES'. So Benenden assist with orthopaedics but not MSK? It's nitpicking and penny pinching... Still, Benhealth used their "œdiscretionary decision" and refused to assist me. These decisions are unchallengeable and this is part of my complaint against Benenden. They are not accountable to any authority or body. With my wife, we have been members for over fifty years and at today's prices paid around £12000 (twelve thousand) into Benhealth's coffers. I'm sure that in over fifty years we have received assistance no more than five times. My final interpretation of events is the BenhealTh would rather a 79 year old member (me) suffer shoulder pain for ninety days and would rather compose letters of around 2000 words trying to justify their their decision than offer support. The expression "˜taking money under false pretences' comes to mind... Benhealth have done very well out of me. On the other hand, I have been poorly treated.

1.00/5.00

"Unacceptable Service Levels"

I've been a member of Benenden since 2002 and was always pleased with the level of service I had received...until they began to use RehabWorks for their physiotherapy services provision. I have had a number of issues before using this service since the change to Rehab Works but thankfully its been a few years since I have had to use this service. Unfortunately I had to contact Benenden today in order to access physiotherapy as I have been referred to the NHS by my GP for lower back pain, but advised that there is a minimum 14 week waiting period. When I contacted Benenden to avail of the service I was advised that it would be a 2 week wait for RehabWorks to contact me for the 'triage' call and that I could only use the physiotherapists prescribed by RehabWorks. When I complained that this did not meet the level of service provision I expected I was told "Well its better than a 14 week wait on the NHS". I am disugusted that Benenden's levels of customer care and service have deteriorated in such a dramatic manner and am seriously considering moving to another provider.

5.00/5.00
Verified Purchase

"Procedure at Benenden."

At 0830 hrs on 26/05/18 I had an appointment with Dr Subramanian for very minor surgery. He and his team were entirely first class in every aspect. As near as a pleasure as a visit to hospital could possibly be. Punctual, polite, expert and the most superb manner. Many thanks. DH.

5.00/5.00

"There when I needed them"

About 6 months ago, I had been going through a difficult time both at home and at work. I didn't really have anyone to talk to but my mental health was suffering. As we had Benenden healthcare through work, I rang the psych wellbeing helpline and after an initial consultation, I was referred for short term therapy sessions. I had the choice of having the sessions by phone or face to face. The therapist was brilliant and took the time to help me work through my issues, find my triggers and develop a mental health first-aid kit. The process was easy and barring a small wait between initial consultation and the therapist getting in touch, all went through seamlessly. I'm a lot better for it and would definitely recommend them.

5.00/5.00

"Fast, efficient and caring"

I joined Benenden through my husband's work scheme as he was with them, mainly "˜just in case'. But that's just what I needed when a few months later I was facing a long wait time on the NHS for an MRI scan. I rang Benenden who authorised this quickly at my local Nuffield, and also a follow-up scan. This took a weight off my mind during this difficult time so was really glad to have had this cover.