If you need Varicose Vein Treatment, 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 Varicose Vein Treatment?
Chronic Venous Insufficiency & Varicose Veins
Varicose veins develop when the valves in the leg veins fail, allowing blood to pool and causing the veins to enlarge and become tortuous. They affect around 30% of adults and cause aching, swelling, and heaviness in the legs. Left untreated, progressive venous insufficiency leads to lipodermatosclerosis (skin hardening), venous eczema, and ultimately venous leg ulcers – which are extremely difficult and expensive to treat. Modern treatments use endovenous laser (EVLA) or radiofrequency ablation.
How private health insurance can help with Varicose Vein Treatment
Cover provides rapid vascular surgery assessment, duplex ultrasound mapping, and endovenous laser or radiofrequency ablation – treating a progressive condition before it leads to skin damage and leg ulceration.
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.
