General Aftercare Policy

Please read the following information carefully, as it includes terms & conditions relating to your aftercare policy which affect the coverage that we offer. If you do not comply with the terms and processes mentioned in the General Terms and Conditions as well as this Aftercare Policy, you may not be entitled to any such further care. If there is anything in this policy that you do not completely understand, please contact us on (+44 20 3411 9171), so we can clarify it.

Capitalised terms defined in the General Terms and Conditions have, unless expressly defined in this policy, the same meaning in this policy.

Please be advised that your Medbelle Patient Care Adviser (PCA) will support you throughout your aftercare by answering your questions, liaising with your medical team and arranging any appropriate appointments.

1. Post-Surgery Care and Recovery Support

Directly after surgery, the medical team will support you in starting your recovery as soon as possible. They will make sure that you are given appropriate medications (painkillers, anti-inflammatories, others..) and advise on wound care when required.

In the weeks and months after surgery, based on your Surgeon’s advice, you will be required to attend one or more post-surgery check-ups to make sure that everything is healing as expected.

Please remember that at any time, you will be able to call your PCA if you have any questions. And, of course, if needed, your PCA can request additional appointments for you to see your surgeon.

If needed, you will be referred to a physiotherapist to support your rehabilitation out of the hospital. The hospital team will provide you with walking aids if needed (crutches, walker or walking stick) along with any other medical equipment to support you in your recovery before discharge.

2. Complications and Risks

Medbelle, the Hospital and your Surgeon will endeavour to ensure your procedure is completed to the highest standard. However, the results of any surgery cannot be guaranteed with complete certainty.

2.1. During your initial consultation, your Surgeon will explain all risks and complications associated with your procedure. You must make sure you acknowledge, understand and accept all associated risks before consenting to have your surgery.

2.2. Occasionally, unanticipated medical complications arise following, and as a result of, the procedure (Postoperative Complication(s)). Sometimes these may require further medical attention or a return to theatre.

2.3. In some instances, procedures may not achieve the intended outcomes. If this is not a result of a complication, any subsequent readmissions or additional care will not be covered under this aftercare policy.

3. General Terms for the cover of Complications

All recommendations for the provision of your care as outlined in these terms will come from the surgeon, including whether the care can be safely managed within the private sector or the NHS.

Cover will be applied as below:

Part A: NON-INSURED PATIENTS

(This section will apply if you are paying for your own care - including Medbelle Care Programme patients - and after we offer you a fixed price).

3.1. In the event that a Surgeon suspects a complication, Medbelle shall cover the costs of investigative tests deemed necessary by the Surgeon to assess and address the suspected complication.

3.2. If your surgeon confirms you have suffered a Postoperative Complication as a direct result of your procedure, the costs arising due to such treatments/readmissions/extended hospital stays are covered within a maximum of 12 months from the original surgery, provided that you have followed the instructions of your Surgeon and our Aftercare policy. Postoperative Complications related to pre-existing medical conditions or external factors will not be covered:

3.2.1. Extended stays - extended stays due to unexpected complications(surgical or medical) during the initial admission for surgery will be covered by Medbelle.

3.2.2. Outpatient Treatment and Readmissions - Medbelle covers outpatient treatments and readmissions for directly related postoperative complications. Such complications shall be treated within a maximum of 12 months from the original surgery.

3.3. Any revision surgery which is not considered a direct complication of your treatment will not be covered.

3.4. The decision as to whether a complication is related to the procedure rests with your Surgeon.

3.5. In cases where the results of the Procedure originally provided have, in the opinion of the Surgeon, been compromised due to the patient's non-adherence to the postoperative guidelines, instructions, recommendations or advice regarding Postoperative Appointments or care and lifestyle, Medbelle cannot commit to providing treatment or corrective/revision procedures at special, reduced or nil rates.

3.6. Occasionally, your Surgeon might refer you to other Clinicians to manage your complications; coverage for this care will be assessed and provided under this policy.

3.7. Medbelle will not cover any treatment of complications, including, but not limited to, additional stays, admissions or surgeries arising as a result of:

• External factors/accidents not related directly to the treatment.
• A medical condition that is not confirmed to be directly associated with your treatment.
• A medical condition that arises from personal injuries or accidents, e.g. falling; or sports injury.

3.8. Medbelle shall not provide replacement prosthesis required for reasons of normal wear and tear or any non-medical, at-home or other long-term care that may be required.

3.9. Where we are unable to manage your clinical complications, we will make the most appropriate alternative arrangements to provide the right care for you, which may include the NHS.

3.10. If you have any treatment without prior Medbelle approval, then this aftercare policy does not apply, and Medbelle will not be responsible for any cost incurred.

3.11. If further treatments were done by another surgeon, who you were not referred to by Medbelle, and you are unhappy with the outcome, Medbelle will not be responsible for any related costs.

3.12. Medbelle will not cover the costs of care when prostheses are found to be defective, as liability will fall to the implant manufacturer.

3.13. Failure to follow the instructions is deemed as non-compliance with the terms in place between you and us and our aftercare policy, and any costs incurred for further surgery, treatment or hospital readmission as a result of this will not be covered by Medbelle, the surgeon, or the hospital.

3.14. Where a complication occurs and a return to the Hospital is required, you agree that no expenses in relation to travel, accommodation, or time off work will be recoverable from us for you or a chaperone, a family member, or any other person. This includes (but is not limited to) circumstances where you or the surgeon have relocated.

3.15. Delayed recovery following a procedure does not necessarily imply the presence of complications. In cases where recovery takes longer than anticipated but there are no complications, any extended treatment or care beyond what was initially outlined in the treatment plan will be considered an additional service and may incur extra costs. This includes, but is not limited to, additional consultations, medications, or therapies aimed at improving recovery time beyond the standard course of care.

Part B: THIRD PARTY PAYER PATIENTS

(This Section applies if you are covered by Private Medical Insurance or other Third Party Payers)

3.16. Coverage for Post-Operative Complications:

If a directly related postoperative complication arises from your procedure, the associated costs of readmissions may be covered by your Third Party Payer. Medbelle will, when possible, liaise with your Third Party Payer to request coverage for complication-related costs. However, if funding or authorisation is denied, options are to cover the costs privately or seek care through the NHS. If the procedure has already taken place, you are liable for the costs.

3.17. Limitations of Third-Party Payer Coverage:
Your Third Party Payer policy may exclude certain admissions or items, or may only partially cover these costs. You are responsible for any expenses or additional charges not covered by your Third Party Payer.