Frequently Asked Questions

 Insurers usually require a GP referral before they can authorise any appointments or treatment.
For Self-Pay patients, depending on the Consultant you wish to see, you may be asked to obtain a referral from your GP. If you know the name of the Consultant you would like to be treated by, we would advise you contact the hospital in the first instance and we can advise you. If you do not have a preferred consultant contact us and we can help you understand the options available to you and who would require a GP referral.

For Self-Pay patients we have a number of guide prices shown here . You can also contact our Self-Pay team for a no obligation quote.

Whether you are funded by your private health insurance, the NHS or are self-funding at One Ashford Hospital we aim to ensure that the financial aspects of your visit to the hospital are dealt with efficiently, transparently and confidentially. The registration document which you sign upon arrival forms your contract with the hospital for services and facilities.

There are a number of ways to pay for treatment at One Ashford Hospital, the main ones are:

• Through private or company supported medical insurance.
• Funding your own treatment through one of One Ashford Hospital’s self-funding options.

Insured patients

If you have health insurance we always advise that you check with your insurance company that the proposed treatment is covered by your policy prior to attending your appointment.

We also recommend that you liaise closely with your insurance company throughout the course of treatment to ensure your treatment is eligible, as each provider has slightly different requirements.

When you come to the hospital please bring with you your Insurance Registration documents containing your membership number, a completed claim form (if applicable), and pre-authorisation number. If required by your insurance policy, please make sure that your claim form has been signed by your GP.

If you do not have all your insurance details with you, it may be necessary for you to settle your account in full upon admission to One Ashford Hospital. In order to meet the admission requirements of many insurance companies, we may need you to provide the date when your symptoms first developed and the date that you subsequently visited your GP.

We have agreements with all the major insurance companies and the hospital will invoice them directly. However, if you receive any invoices from your Consultant after discharge, you will need to forward these to your insurance company for payment.

Many insurance companies have an excess payment policy and it is advisable to check if there is any excess that you will be liable to pay for any treatment.

Please note that take home medicines (apart from your own medication which is returned to you) and physiotherapy aids are not usually covered by medical insurance and you will therefore be asked to make payment for these where applicable.

Self-funding patients

If you are not covered by medical insurance (or if your policy does not cover your required treatment) and are self-funding the cost of your treatment, you will be required to pay the agreed cost in full prior to your admission. If you are being admitted under any of the hospital’s self-funding options you will receive a detailed quote, along with a copy of our Terms and Conditions – in advance of your treatment. This quote will identify what you need to pay and exactly what is included or excluded from this price.

Consultants will usually charge separately for their fees to the hospital and so you may see two invoices for each stage of your treatment. Please contact us if you have any queries.

Yes, payment by credit or debit card can be made by telephone prior to your admission.

Unfortuantely we no longer accept cheques at One Ashford Hospital.

Yes, a visitor’s car park is located directly in front of the hospital. This is free of charge to patients and visitors.

We know how important it is that your friends and family can visit you in hospital. Our visiting hours are between 10am and 8pm.

Yes, we have a café in the main reception of our hospital.

Opening at 8am we offer light breakfast options and tea, coffee and soft drinks and refreshments throughout the day.

At lunchtime, we offer freshly made salads, sandwiches and paninis.

Friends and relatives can contact the nursing ward directly on 01233 423 258 to speak to our inpatient nurses about loved ones’ recoveries.

Property may be handed into our hospitality staff for safe keeping.

Yes, our hospital is fitted with an induction loop.

Smoking is prohibited within the hospital premises.

Coming into hospital is always an opportunity to consider giving up smoking, it may be useful to discuss nicotine replacement therapy with your GP and/or pharmacist prior to your admission.

Yes, internet services are available throughout the hospital for patients and visitors.

Each Inpatient room offers free wifi and a large screen wall-mounted TV.

Active vacancies are published on the jobs page of our website, in the Careers section.

What you tell us matters. Our aim is to give you the best possible experience whilst you undergo your diagnosis and/or surgery and treatment. Please contact the hospital directly with any concerns or complaints.