BUPA is one of the biggest health insurance companies in the UK. It has just reduced the amount of money that it will pay to surgeons for doing operations like hip replacements, and has introduced a system of open referral. This means that BUPA will advise you which consultants are their preferred providers. They suggest consultants who have agreed to charge within their fee schedule and actively discourage patients from seeing consultants who might charge more. Some patients might well be quite happy with this arrangement, whilst others might wish to see a consultant of their choice, regardless of how much extra it might cost them. Many people see the value of going to a consultant who is highly experienced, a specialist in his field, and someone who has a good reputation. I am one of the few consultants in the country who does just hips, and I provide a very ‘hands on’ approach for my patients at all stages of their treatment. I charge more than many of the insurers reinmburse, which means that if you choose me to do your hip surgery, you might have to pay a £3-400 shortfall. Health insurance is an expensive product, particularly for people who are no longer working, and I realize that the shortfall is yet another expense to take into account, but I hope that you will think it represents good value. If you would like to discuss any aspects of my practice and your treatment, please get in touch. One of the best things about private health care is the ability the choose the consultant that you want to treat you.  If you are insured with BUPA make sure that you ask for the consultant that you want.