Having to wait for diagnostics or treatment can have more serious consequences than being off work for an extended period. Without early intervention, many conditions become more difficult to treat. Health plans are designed to complement the NHS by putting you in control of your and your family’s health. Your options will include:
Referral process: Your GP will discuss the private care options available and you are usually seen within a week or so. Alternatively, for certain conditions, you can now experience an even swifter service by opting to:
For diagnostics:
![]() |
refer yourself to BreastHealth UK for OneStop breast cancer diagnostics |
![]() |
|
![]() |
For treatment:
![]() |
|
![]() |
refer yourself to a wide range of mental health and emotional wellbeing support services |
![]() |
Click here for more information on all self-referral treatments and partners.
Where to be treated: You can choose from a wide range of private and NHS hospitals. NHS hospitals often have private units so you may choose to be treated in the private wing of an NHS hospital. A private room can have home luxuries such as an en-suite bathroom, wi-fi, menu options, flexible visiting hours and a widescreen TV.
When to be treated: You can choose an appointment time to suit - including evening appointments to accommodate working hours. Importantly, you will be seen at the set appointment time which means no waiting on the day.
Who treats you: In the NHS the procedure is carried out by a member of the consultant’s team. Private care means you will be treated by the consultant themselves, and you will remain in their care. You can choose which specialist consultant treats you.
The care you receive: You can get drugs and treatment that you might not otherwise have access to on the NHS.
The Cigna difference: Your health is at the heart of everything we do. We focus on helping you to access appropriate care at the right time, in the right setting and at the right cost to ensure the best clinical outcome. This nurse led approach is called care management.
Our Cigna nurses will support you every step of your health journey with us. They’ll work with you and your consultant to find and arrange the best treatment options. This may involve treatment in the private sector, the NHS, specialist care delivered at home or domestic help at home.
If you have a named consultant, we’ll negotiate fees on your behalf to help limit shortfalls. We understand that this choice might seem overwhelming and you may prefer some assistance. Our navigated referrals service offers to help you to find a consultant and guarantees consultant and anaesthetist fees will be covered in full for eligible treatment.
Our care management approach gives you choices along with nurse support and guidance to ensure that the care you receive is right for you. You’ll benefit from the best clinical outcome, a quicker return to health, and less out of pocket expense.
Click here to download our care management flyer
Your Cigna nurse helpline is available Monday to Friday, 8am – 8pm, Saturday 9am to 12pm.
Legal disclaimer | Privacy | Security | Accessibility | Cookie policy
© 2017 Cigna