If you need Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy), waiting for diagnosis and treatment can be stressful. This guide explains the conditions that commonly lead to it and how private medical insurance can help you get seen and treated sooner.
What conditions lead to Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy)?
GERD, Gastric Ulcers & Barrett's Oesophagus
Gastroscopy involves passing a thin flexible camera through the mouth into the stomach and upper small bowel. It diagnoses acid reflux causing Barrett's oesophagus (a pre-cancerous change), gastric and duodenal ulcers (often caused by H. pylori infection), and oesophageal cancer. Barrett's oesophagus affects around 375,000 people in the UK and requires regular surveillance gastroscopy to detect malignant change early.
How private health insurance can help with Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy)
Cover provides rapid gastroenterology consultation, priority gastroscopy, and biopsy results within days – providing peace of mind and early cancer detection without a months-long NHS diagnostic wait.
Depending on your policy, cover can include:
- Faster access to a specialist consultant
- Diagnostic scans such as MRI, CT, ultrasound and X-ray
- A choice of consultant and private hospital from your insurer's list
- Surgery, hospital stay and, where included, post-treatment physiotherapy or rehabilitation
Cover, limits and exclusions vary between insurers and plans. Most policies don't cover pre-existing or chronic conditions, and you'll usually need a GP referral before claiming. Always check what your policy covers before starting treatment.
How it works
- Get a quote – tell us about yourself and what you want covered, using the form on this page.
- Compare policies – an adviser compares plans from leading UK insurers and recommends suitable options.
- Get covered – choose your plan and start cover once your insurer confirms it. Claims are then made through your insurer.
Want to know more? Read our guides to individual health insurance and family health insurance.
