If you need Shoulder 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 Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
Shoulder Osteoarthritis & Rotator Cuff Arthropathy
Glenohumeral osteoarthritis causes the smooth cartilage lining the shoulder joint to erode, producing grinding pain and progressive loss of movement. Rotator cuff arthropathy develops when a long-standing massive rotator cuff tear causes the humeral head to migrate upward, wearing away the joint surface – a condition that can only be corrected with a reverse shoulder replacement. Both conditions leave patients unable to lift their arm above shoulder height and in constant pain, particularly at night.
How private health insurance can help with Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Private insurance covers your specialist shoulder consultant, diagnostic imaging, the surgery (total, partial, or reverse replacement), hospital stay, and a full course of post-operative physiotherapy – reducing your wait from over a year to a matter of weeks.
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.
