A Lump in My Neck Changed Everything: Why I’m Passionate About Private Medical Insurance

In early 2021, during the height of the Covid pandemic, life threw me a curveball. I was working from home one Friday afternoon, winding down after a busy week, when I rested my head in my hands and felt something unusual—a large lump on the right side of my neck. I hadn’t noticed it before, and it unsettled me. Over the weekend, I couldn’t shake the worry. By Monday morning, I was on the phone to my GP as soon as the lines opened.

The GP couldn’t see me in person due to Covid restrictions but promised a call-back. True to their word, a doctor rang me that afternoon. After describing the lump, they insisted I come in despite the restrictions, provided I had no Covid symptoms. At the surgery, the GP examined my neck, looked in my mouth, and said, “We need to refer you to the hospital.” That’s when I mentioned my Private Medical Insurance (PMI). I asked, “Can you refer me to Spire Healthcare Group plc Hospital at Murrayfield?” They agreed, and by Thursday, I was sitting with Iain Nixon , an exceptional ENT surgeon specialising in head and neck cancer.

From there, things moved fast. Mr Nixon was upfront: “Prepare yourself—this is almost certainly cancer.” Within two weeks, I’d had a CT scan, MRI, and an ultrasound-guided biopsy—all delivered at Spire Murrayfield. The diagnosis confirmed oropharyngeal cancer in my right tonsil, which had spread to the lymph nodes in my neck. Soon after, I transitioned to the NHS for a tonsillectomy, neck dissection, and six weeks of radiotherapy. Today, in 2025, I’m still attending regular NHS check-ups and, so far, remain clear. I’m grateful every day for that outcome.

Why I’m Passionate About Private Medical Insurance

My story fuels my passion for PMI. As a Healthcare Partner with WPA, I’ve always believed in its value, but living through this experience made it personal. The NHS is a cornerstone of healthcare in the UK—its expertise and dedication saved my life during treatment and continue to support me now. But during those early, uncertain days of the pandemic, PMI gave me something invaluable: speed and choice. It fast-tracked my diagnosis when time was critical, complementing the NHS’s extraordinary care.

Cancer doesn’t wait, and neither should we. In the UK, 1 in 2 people will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. That’s a sobering statistic, and it’s why I advocate so strongly for having PMI in place. It’s not about replacing the NHS—it’s about enhancing it, giving you options when you need them most.

The Benefits of Being Prepared

Private Medical Insurance isn’t just a safety net; it’s a proactive step. Here’s what it can offer:

• Rapid Access to Diagnostics: In my case, PMI shaved weeks off the process, getting me from discovery to diagnosis in record time.
• Choice of Specialists: I was able to see a leading expert like Iain Nixon quickly, which gave me confidence from the start.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing I had cover in place meant one less thing to worry about during an already stressful time.

Had I not had PMI, I genuinely wonder if my outcome would have been the same. The NHS was stretched thin during Covid, and delays could have changed my story.

Let’s Talk

I share this not to alarm anyone, but to inspire action. If you’re curious about how PMI could fit into your life—whether for yourself, your family, or your employees—let’s have a no-obligation chat. As a Healthcare Partner with WPA, I’m here to answer your questions and explore what works for you. You can reach me via LinkedIn or my website. After all, being prepared isn’t just about facing the worst—it’s about securing the best possible care when it matters most.