All LION consultants are registered with the major UK insurers and in most cases can invoice the insurer directly on the patient’s behalf.

Professional fees vary according to the type of procedure and take into account the complexity, time and the consultant skill involved in your treatment. The LION secretary will always confirm to you before each treatment or appointment what the fees are, however it is important to remember that these may change on the day of treatment if your procedure turns out to be different from what was planned. 

Getting Referred to a LION Consultant

Most insurance companies require a referral from a GP (General Practitioner) or another Medical Consultant in order to authorise treatment. Your Consultant, Physician or GP will write a referral letter to us and ask one of our consultants to see you.

As interventional oncology treatment is highly specialised the LION Consultants need to have all your medical information in order to evaluate your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment, so it’s important to send all your recent scans and medical reports to LION in advance of your first appointment. In most cases your treating Consultant will do so on your behalf, but if in doubt, you should check with them before attending your first appointment.

Confirming Cover with your insurer

Each insurance company has its own claims process, so it’s important you contact them at any stage during your treatment and inform them of any planned appointments, treatment or surgery. They will guide you through the process of claiming for your treatment and advise you on your policy limitations if there are any.

Each company and each policy is different and may not always cover the Consultant’s Professional Fees in full due to limitations or the type of policy. Your insurer will advise you on your specific policy.

Some insurers will issue the patient with a pre-authorisation number; If they do, then it will assist LION if you let us know the number. Other insurers may issue patients with a claim form. If that is the case then please ensure you bring the form with you to your outpatient or inpatient treatment and hand it to your consultant to complete and sign.

Billing and Payment

LION charges for the Consultant Professional Fees only. Your Hospital will charge your insurer directly and your Anaesthetist may either invoice your or your insurer directly.

In order for LION to invoice your insurer directly we require the following information

• Insurer name
• Policy Number
• Pre-authorisation number (if given)

Helpful Tips

• Contact your insurer before each treatment or appointment to advise them of the details and to check for the eligibility of the treatment you looking to have
• Check the limits and other features such as excesses or restrictions on types of treatment of your policy and discuss any queries you may have with your insurance claims adviser
• Obtain a claim form or pre-authorisation number from your insurer BEFORE your treatment
• Keep a written or email record of all your correspondence with your insurer related to your treatment as a reference