Private Asthma & Respiratory Cover UK

PMI covers respiratory investigation and management — consultant respiratory medicine, spirometry, FeNO, allergy testing, CT chest and biologic therapy for severe eosinophilic asthma (mepolizumab, benralizumab, dupilumab) where NICE-approved. Ongoing inhaler prescriptions are excluded. Bupa, AXA and Aviva fund the fullest pathway.

Asthma & Respiratory Cover: what the cover actually does

Around 5.4 million people in the UK receive asthma treatment (Asthma + Lung UK 2024). Severe asthma affects around 250,000 UK patients and biologic therapy — mepolizumab, benralizumab, dupilumab — has transformed outcomes for eligible patients.

NHS respiratory outpatient waits sit around 12 weeks to first appointment (NHS England RTT Q1 2025). Private consultant respiratory medicine is available within 5–10 working days, with spirometry, FeNO and allergy testing complete inside the same visit.

PMI is particularly valuable for severe asthma requiring biologic therapy. Bupa, AXA and Aviva fund NICE-approved biologics as part of comprehensive cover; per-condition drug caps on some policies (WPA, Freedom) may make expensive biologic pathways challenging.

Key numbers our brokers work from

• UK people receiving asthma treatment: 5.4M (Asthma + Lung UK 2024)
• UK severe asthma patients: ~250,000 (British Thoracic Society)
• NHS respiratory first appointment wait: ~12 weeks (NHS England RTT Q1 2025)
• Private respiratory consultation wait: 5-10 working days (PremierPMI 2024)
• Annual biologic therapy cost (mepolizumab): £10,000-£13,000 (NICE TA671)
• UK asthma deaths per year: ~1,200 (Asthma + Lung UK 2024)

Indicative monthly cost by scenario

Illustrative only — final premiums depend on age, postcode, excess, hospital list, underwriting and insurer terms at the time of quote.

Which insurers tend to fit best

Before you buy — broker checklist

• Confirm biologic therapy is covered without per-condition drug caps.
• Check FeNO and spirometry are funded as outpatient diagnostics.
• Verify allergy testing (skin prick, specific IgE) is included.
• Ask about pulmonary rehabilitation for post-exacerbation recovery.
• Accept that inhaler prescriptions are excluded — budget NHS or private script.

PremierPMI broker desk notes

• Biologic therapy for severe eosinophilic asthma is one of the highest-value PMI benefits available today. NICE-approved on the NHS but wait to initiation can exceed a year — private pathway is 6–10 weeks.
• If asthma is already diagnosed it is pre-existing. Moratorium may reinstate for asymptomatic periods after two clear years.

Common questions

Does PMI cover asthma?

Yes — consultant respiratory medicine, diagnostics and biologic therapy are covered on Bupa, AXA, Aviva. Inhaler scripts are excluded.

Are severe asthma biologics covered?

Yes on Bupa, AXA and Aviva where NICE-approved (mepolizumab, benralizumab, dupilumab).

How fast can I see a private respiratory consultant?

Typically 5–10 working days from GP referral.

Is allergy testing covered?

Yes on comprehensive policies as an outpatient diagnostic.

Which insurer is best for asthma cover?

Bupa By You, AXA Personal Health and Aviva Healthier Solutions lead our placements for biologic-eligible severe asthma.

PremierPMI is a UK private medical insurance broker specialising in whole-of-market placement across 10+ leading UK health insurers including Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality, WPA, Freedom Health, The Exeter, General & Medical and National Friendly. FCA regulated (Tesha Family Ltd, FRN 1029667). Speak to a broker on 020 4525 0884, WhatsApp 020 8064 2273, or email contact@premierpmi.co.uk.