Does private health insurance cover IBS?

Yes — comprehensive UK PMI funds gastroenterology consultation, investigations (colonoscopy, endoscopy) and structured dietitian support for IBS management.

Is colonoscopy covered by PMI?

Yes on comprehensive policies — diagnostic and surveillance colonoscopy is fully funded where clinically indicated. Wait typically 2–4 weeks vs 6–18 weeks NHS.

Are biological therapies for Crohn's or ulcerative colitis covered?

Yes on full-cover policies — Bupa, AXA and Aviva fund NICE-approved biologicals (infliximab, adalimumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab). Always check drug list for expensive treatments.

How fast can I see a private gastroenterologist?

Typically 5–7 working days. Compare to 12+ weeks on the NHS.

Is dietitian support for IBS covered?

Yes on comprehensive policies — typically 3–6 sessions per year for FODMAP or IBS management.

Can I have PMI if I already have IBS?

Yes but the condition will be excluded for 2 years symptom-free under moratorium. New conditions (e.g. IBD, coeliac) are covered normally.

Does PMI fund coeliac disease diagnosis?

Yes — coeliac serology and duodenal biopsy are fully covered on comprehensive policies.

Is bowel cancer screening covered?

Surveillance colonoscopy is covered where family history or clinical indication justifies. Routine screening is via the NHS bowel cancer screening programme.

How UK PMI funds private gastroenterology: IBS diagnosis, colonoscopy, endoscopy, dietitian support and IBD care. From £68.42/mo. Call 020 4525 0884.

Private IBS & Digestive Cover UK

Irritable bowel syndrome affects ~12 million UK adults (BSG). NHS colonoscopy waits average 6–18 weeks; specialist gastroenterology 12+ weeks. Private PMI funds gastro consultation in 5–7 days, colonoscopy/endoscopy in 3–4 weeks, dietitian support and IBD biological therapies. Premiums from £68.42/month.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis), coeliac disease and functional dyspepsia are common — collectively affecting a quarter of UK adults. NHS gastroenterology waits are among the longest in specialty medicine.
A comprehensive PMI policy funds: same-week gastroenterology consultation, blood work (FBC, coeliac serology, CRP, calprotectin), abdominal imaging (ultrasound, MRI), upper GI endoscopy and colonoscopy within 3–4 weeks, biopsies, structured FODMAP dietitian support for IBS, and biological therapy (infliximab, adalimumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab) for confirmed IBD.
For IBD, PMI is transformative — biological therapies cost £8,000–£20,000 per year and NHS access is postcode-restricted. Full-cover PMI (Bupa, AXA, Aviva) funds these fully where NICE-approved, along with regular monitoring, endoscopy and specialist nurse support.

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 07515 703307, or email contact@premierpmi.co.uk.

Speak to a UK PMI broker

PremierPMI's brokers are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5:30pm. Call 020 4525 0884, message us on WhatsApp 07515 703307, or email contact@premierpmi.co.uk. You can also request a callback or meet our team.