If you've searched Google for private health insurance that covers lymphoedema then you are probably for looking for established UK based health insurance providers that will cover your lymphoedema.
Our advice when looking for private medical cover that covers lymphoedema is to speak to a insurance broker. Health insurance is incredibly complicated and if you want absolute certainty that lymphoedema is covered by your policy you should talk with a health insurance broker who can explain which providers will cover this medical condition and which will not.
There are many advantages to using a broker but the biggest by far is that you're using their insurance training at no cost. They are paid by the insurer (Aviva or Bupa etc) rather than by you so it costs you no extra to use their services.
- Do you reside in many different postcodes? Some will give you a cheaper policy premium than offers. A broker will be able to advise whats best.
- Do you have a hobby that may invalidate your insurance claim? A broker will know this critical information.
- If you are a couple and one of you has claimed on your insurance policy this year would it be cheaper to separate you both onto two different policies?
- You've developed a certain medical condition and want to know which policy provider offers the biggest amount of cover for it. A broker will know this instantly saving you so much time and effort.
You can call around every health insurance provider you can find and ask if they cover lymphoedema, however this will be a very time consuming process. Each insurer will ask for your medical history because its not normally a simple yes or not if a medical condition is covered or not.
Its much quicker to speak to one health insurance broker which will know which providers on the market cover lymphoedema and under what terms they do or don't cover it.
Lymphoedema Information
Lymphoedema is a chronic (long-term) condition that causes swelling in the body's tissues. It can affect any part of the body, but usually develops in the arms or legs.
Other symptoms of lymphoedema can include an aching, heavy feeling in affected body parts and difficulty moving them.
Lymphoedema can get worse if it's not treated, so you should speak to a doctor if you think you may have the condition.
Read more about the symptoms of lymphoedema and diagnosing lymphoedema
Lymphoedema is caused by a problem with the lymphatic system. This is a network of vessels and glands distributed throughout the body. Its major functions are helping to fight infection and drain excess fluid from tissues.
Abnormal development of the lymphatic system, damage to it, and/or an increase in fluid in the body tissues can all lead to lymphoedema.
There are two main types of lymphoedema:
Read more about the causes of lymphoedema
A recent study has suggested that over 200,000 people in the UK may be living with lymphoedema.
Secondary lymphoedema has been shown to affect approximately one in five women after breast cancer treatment.
Primary lymphoedema is less common than secondary lymphoedema, and is estimated to affect around one in every 6,000 people.
There is no cure for lymphoedema, but it is usually possible to control the main symptoms using techniques to minimise fluid build-up and stimulate the flow of fluid through the lymphatic system.
These include wearing compression garments, taking good care of your skin, moving and exercising regularly, having a healthy diet and lifestyle, and using specialised massage techniques.
Read more about treating lymphoedema and preventing lymphoedema
The build-up of fluid in the tissues of people with lymphoedema means they are more vulnerable to infection.