FAQs
Most Private Medical Insurers usually require a GP referral before they can authorise any appointments or treatment. It is best to check with your provider in advance to avoid any potential delays.
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 to contact us in the first instance, and we can advise you.
If you have no preference over which Consultant you would like to see, we would recommend contacting your GP who will be able to guide you to the most suitable route of treatment.
As above, you’re likely to need a GP referral letter if you’re opting for private healthcare via a healthcare insurer.
Once you have a GP referral letter, you can get in touch with your preferred Consultant’s secretary to book a consultation. It’s usually as simple as an email or phone call (both details are available on your Consultant’s page).
Ashford
The Spencer Private Hospital in Ashford is located within the Arundel Unit of the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford (WHH).
There is a car park opposite the Spencer Private Hospital Outpatient unit for Private Patients. You will need to obtain a parking permit from the Reception Team to place in the window of your car to park here.
There is also parking within the Trust car park on site that is chargeable for all NHS Patients.
Find our Ashford hospital on Google Maps here or on Apple Maps here.
Canterbury
The Spencer Private Hospital in Canterbury is located within the Emergency Care facility at Kent & Canterbury Hospital (KCH), with the entrance located immediately left of the Minor Injuries unit, with an intercom to gain access.
You can use the Trust car park on site, which is chargeable for all NHS Patients and Private Patients can validate their parking with our Reception Team before returning to their car.
Find our Canterbury hospital on Google Maps here or on Apple Maps here.
Margate
The Spencer Private Hospital in Margate is located on the Ramsgate Road entrance to the main Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (QEQM) Hospital.
There is a car park opposite the entrance to the Spencer Private Hospital Margate unit for Private Patients. This is activated by a code to enter and exit the car park. All Private Patients will be contacted in advance with the code for the day of your appointment or treatment to gain entrance and exit.
For all NHS Patients, there are the Trust car parks on site that are chargeable for all NHS Patients.
Find our Margate hospital on Google Maps here or on Apple Maps here.
Private Medical Insurance
If you hold Private Medical Insurance, we recommend that you contact your provider in advance to advise that you plan to visit Spencer Private Hospitals to have your treatment. They will be able to confirm that your cover allows your proposed treatment and authorise your visit prior to you attending your appointment or treatment session, which will avoid any hiccups with providing care.
It is recommended that you keep in contact with your provider throughout your treatment with us, as each provider has slightly different requirements under their terms and conditions. They will be able to explain any grey areas in detail with you.
When you attend your initial appointment with Spencer Private Hospitals, please bring your Private Medical Insurance documents that contain your membership number and the given pre-authorisation number your provider will issue you at the start of your enquiry with them. You may be asked to complete a form by your provider, which has been signed by your GP — if your provider has asked for this, please also bring this document with you.
We are registered with all the major insurance companies, and we will invoice your provider directly. If you are unsure if we’re registered with your provider, please contact us and we will be able to confirm this.
If you receive any invoices from your Consultant after discharge, you will need to forward these to your insurance company for payment, please do not send these to the hospital.
Before starting any medical treatment, it's important to check with your insurance company to understand if there are any excess or out-of-pocket expenses you'll be responsible for. This helps you avoid unexpected financial surprises during your recovery.
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 Private Medical Insurance or your policy does not cover your required treatment, you have the option to become a self-funding patient to cover the full costs of your treatment.
You can be a self-funding patient all the way from the initial consultation with your Consultant through to your discharge, where applicable.
If you choose to be a self-funding patient, please contact your Consultant’s Private Medical Secretary (you will see this detail on the Consultant Profile on our website here) in the first instance. They will be able to arrange your first appointment and explain the Consultant fee and how your pathway will progress.
If you are recommended by your Consultant to have an operation, you can remain a self-funding patient for this. Your Consultant will complete Spencer Private Hospitals’ booking form with a code for your operation. This will be used to generate a fixed price quote for any Inpatient stays. You will be required to pay the agreed cost of this quote in full prior to your admission.
Consultants will usually charge you separately for their fees. This means you may receive two invoices for your treatment - one from Spencer Private Hospitals and one from your Consultant.
Friends and family can visit you whilst you are on the ward. We request that a maximum of 2 visitors are present at any one time.
Our visiting hours are:
| Location | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Ashford | 11am – 8pm |
| Canterbury | 11am – 8pm |
| Margate | 11am – 8pm |
Friends and family can contact the ward to speak to our Inpatient Nurses about your recovery.
For Ashford, please call 01233 616256.
For Canterbury, please call 01227 206702.
For Margate, please call 01843 234552.
For your comfort, please bring a dressing gown and slippers with you.
We do not recommend you bring money or any valuables into the hospital with you. Spencer Private Hospitals does not accept liability for any loss of money or personal belongings during your stay. Our cafes and kiosks usually accept card payments.
Yes, each of our hospitals has free internet access for you to use during your time with us.
The main benefit of private healthcare is choice. For whatever healthcare service you need, it’s up to you if you want to opt for a particular Consultant as well as, where availability & facilities permit, where you want your treatments to be carried out.
We love to get patient feedback – please use the Contact Us page to leave us a message, and one of our team will get in touch.