These grants are available to fund or, partly fund the cost of medical treatment and will be appropriate to non-urgent (elective) specialist/consultant led treatment.   

It is important to note that any medical emergency will be dealt with by the NHS and is not considered appropriate for application to the Fund.  If your G.P. suspects you may have cancer you will have a maximum of two weeks waiting time to see a Specialist on the NHS.

NHS Procedure - What you should know

If you are referred on the NHS by your G.P. for a physical or mental health condition, you have a legal right to start non-urgent consultant led treatment within 18 weeks of your referral. In some circumstances this period may be longer and, the delay may be difficult for you because your medical problem is impacting on your quality of life.  It is in these circumstances where the Fund may be able to help but, it is important to note that you do not have private medical cover.

Failure to read and comply with the procedures for application will result in you being responsible for the payment of any costs incurred.  You should contact the BTPF office if you do not understand the instructions for application.

Non-Urgent (Elective) treatment may be, though is not limited to the following areas:

Procedure for Application to BTPF

Applications will be considered by the trustees for non-urgent (elective) treatment in these circumstances:

  • All applications must be made in advance of any treatment or tests.
  • You have visited your G.P. to discuss the medical problem and/or been seen by a Consultant/Specialist and have confirmation (in writing) that the medical treatment or tests required are not available through the NHS OR there would be a lengthy wait to obtain the treatment needed.
  • You have written evidence of the medical condition, the full and itemised costs of the treatment/procedure as provided by the Specialist or medical practitioner, these documents included with your application

All applications for assistance for medical treatment will first of all be referred to the Fund’s medical advisor who is retained by the trustees to advise them on all medical applications.  You may be required to visit the medical advisor before he reports on your application to the Fund.

  • The trustees may ask you to obtain a second opinion where there is any doubt as to the appropriateness of treatment or cost.
  • Beneficiaries should be aware that the trustees provide assistance entirely at their discretion and the benefits provided should not be viewed as a form of private medical insurance. 

Admissions to clinics or hospitals

An appointment to undergo any test, scans or treatment or be admitted to hospital for treatment should not be made until a grant has ben confirmed to you.  If you commit to an appointment, treatment, or surgery without having a grant award in place you will be liable for all costs incurred.

Urgent requests for medical treatment

  • Any urgent medical treatment will be dealt with appropriately on the NHS and is not normally considered appropriate for application to the trust. 
  • The procedures and instructions above must be adhered to in all cases.

Application forms

If you wish to apply for a consultation or medical grant, you can download the printable application form by clicking the link below. Use the Medical Grant Application Form for all requests for medical treatment or procedures.

Medical and Consultation Grant Application Form  

If you wish to apply for Fertility Treatment, click on the relevant link below:

Fertility Treatment Grant Application Form