If you need Heart Valve Replacement Surgery, 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 Heart Valve Replacement Surgery?
Aortic Stenosis & Mitral Regurgitation
Aortic stenosis – narrowing of the aortic valve – forces the heart to work harder with each beat, eventually causing heart failure, chest pain, and fainting. It is most commonly caused by age-related calcification or a bicuspid aortic valve. Mitral regurgitation – where the mitral valve leaks blood backwards – causes the left ventricle to dilate and weaken. Both conditions progress relentlessly and ultimately require valve replacement or repair.
How private health insurance can help with Heart Valve Replacement Surgery
PMI covers cardiology consultation, echocardiography, the valve surgery (open or transcatheter TAVI), cardiac ICU stay, and comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation – preventing dangerous deterioration while on an NHS waiting list.
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.
