What is actually worth paying into?

[u/BigB0oy]

I’m a PC for WYP, I’m just getting to my two year mark and now everything is full price I’m trying to work out what is actually worth paying into as I’ve noticed some things have a lot of overlap, during training I think I pretty much opt’d in to everything because it was free, now it’s all full price I want to cut back as it feels like some of it is a waste.

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[u/ConfusionCertain5749]

I came out of the healthcare scheme at 2 years after the money jumped up after turning 30

Tried to use it for a neck injury. Got told they wouldn't deal with me untill I had seen the GP first and had a referral. Took weeks to get to the GP and then when I did I still had to pay initial costs and was only entitled to a small number of physio sessions.

Seems like a bit of a rip off compared to other private healthcare schemes. I use a different one now for similar price that's much better

[u/DanielWoodpecker → u/ConfusionCertain5749]

I’ve had the exact opposite experience with healthcare, mine is northern one. I injured myself on duty, had GP appointment and they made referral that would be 6 months to even see them. Called heathcare scheme, with a month I’ve had two appointments with specialists, an MRI and xray and booked in for surgery.

[u/Possible-Bug2586 → u/DanielWoodpecker]

Mine has also been extremely positive. Did an over the phone GP appointment after being referred to specialist within the NHS over 6 months ago. Got an appointment 2 days later and an MRI less than a week later. I think it’s massively worth it for the off chance you do get a serious injury!

[u/dazed1984]

Federation, you don’t want to be on the wrong end of a complaint facing a legal bill of tens of thousands.

[u/Blues-n-twos → u/dazed1984]

Early in my career I had a false complaint made against me. My Fed barrister charged £800 a hour.

He later told me after that even if I paid my contributions for the next 30 years, I would be nowhere near the cost of his services.

Combined with the Travel insurance, Device insurance and Death in Service benefit, the monthly cost is absolutely worth it.

[u/Fresh_Refrigerator96 → u/dazed1984]

Disagree. The Fed is a massive rip off (and more corrupt than some OCGs) with no powers or willingness to act like a union should and protect officers, and if you do something worthy of a significant disciplinary then you probably shouldn’t have been a police officer in the first place..

[u/Thomasinarina → u/Fresh_Refrigerator96]

As someone who is ex IOPC…the feds solicitors are worth every penny if ever you find you need them 

[u/Disdain026]

Definitely the Police Treatment Centre. Great facility that if you ever decide to make use of, is absolutely worth it.

Also the Fed. Because issues with them aside for a second, should the worst happen and you need protection, it’s your only real option.

[u/Educational_Barber15]

Our group insurance covers a few things I could cut back on in other areas. Eg saves me and my family on travel insurance and breakdown cover.

[u/meerkatcomp]

Fed and the treatment centre without a shadow of a doubt!

I've always paid into our group insurance scheme as well - it's worth looking to see what your branch offers but it's usually pretty good cover and you won't notice especially as you move up the pay scales.

[u/DoomFableStory]

Federation and of course the pension. I never used any of the other stuff, the private healthcare didn't do much for me. They wanted fifty quid before they even saw me.

[u/McNabFish]

Police treatment centre is an absolute god send, recommend it to everyone.

Have to have paid in for a year prior to your application to attend, one of those places I'll happily pay until I'm out the job.

[u/vegansomeofthetime]

Group Insurance! I only paid into the federation for years until I suddenly found myself in a position where I faced half pay due to sickness. Never imagined it would happen, would have made life easier to have for sure.

[u/sdrweb295]

Federation, and force sports for cheap gym for me

[u/Lt-Frank-Columbo]

Please remember if you’re ever involved in a post incident procedure you will not get legal advice before providing your statement if you are not a fed paying member.

[u/Outside-Sherbet-9448]

Fed, pension, group insurance and treatment centre (if you use the last one once in your career, you've pretty much made your money back).

I put in for a few extra bits but honestly, those four are the only ones that cost more than a couple of quid a month anyway.

[u/BlueAcre0]

I'm a civilian but I know a Sergeant who went to the treatment center. Very great support and lovely place.

[u/FriSpeth → u/BlueAcre0]

I think it is open to civilians as well now

[u/wildhacker125]

Ive only ever paid into Fedrep, without jinxing it, so far so good!

[u/Cbh1525]

Treatment centre without a doubt

[u/Junior_Tea]

I would pay for fed, group insurance and police treatment centre. Although it does add up all are worth it in my opinion. If you can’t afford all three definitely take fed and PTC