If you need Sinus Surgery (FESS), 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 Sinus Surgery (FESS)?
Chronic Rhinosinusitis & Nasal Polyps
Chronic rhinosinusitis is inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses lasting more than 12 weeks, causing nasal congestion, facial pain, loss of smell, and recurrent infections. Nasal polyps – soft, benign growths in the nasal passages – exacerbate obstruction and are strongly associated with asthma and aspirin sensitivity. When nasal steroid sprays and antibiotics fail, functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) removes the obstruction and restores drainage.
How private health insurance can help with Sinus Surgery (FESS)
Cover funds ENT consultation, CT sinus imaging, FESS day-case surgery, and post-operative care – ending months of facial pain, congestion, and lost sense of smell without waiting almost a year for an NHS appointment.
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.
