As an FCA-authorised expert with over 800,000 policies arranged, WeCovr is a leading UK voice on private medical insurance. This guide explains dyslexia and how private healthcare can provide crucial support for diagnosis and learning challenges, helping you navigate the options for your family's wellbeing.
WeCovr explains dyslexia and how private care supports diagnosis and learning
Dyslexia is far more common than many people think, affecting how the brain processes written and spoken language. It's not a reflection of intelligence; in fact, many of the world's most brilliant minds are dyslexic. However, navigating the path to diagnosis and getting the right support can be a challenge.
In the UK, the journey often involves a mix of NHS, educational, and private sector services. While private medical insurance (PMI) has specific rules about what it covers, it can be an invaluable tool for families seeking swift access to related health and wellbeing support.
Here, we'll break down everything you need to know about dyslexia, from identifying the signs to understanding the role private health cover can play.
What is Dyslexia? A Clear and Simple Guide
Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty (SpLD) that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling. It's a neurological condition, meaning it stems from differences in the brain's structure and function, particularly in the areas that process language.
Key things to understand about dyslexia:
- It's a spectrum: Dyslexia affects individuals differently and with varying degrees of severity.
- It's lifelong: It is a persistent condition, but with the right strategies and support, individuals can thrive academically and professionally.
- It is NOT linked to intelligence: People with dyslexia have a wide range of intellectual abilities. They often excel in areas like creative thinking, problem-solving, and visual arts.
- It has co-occurring difficulties: Dyslexia often exists alongside other learning difficulties like dyspraxia (affecting coordination), dyscalculia (affecting maths), and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
According to the British Dyslexia Association, it's estimated that up to 10% of the UK population has some degree of dyslexia, meaning millions of children and adults live with the condition every day.
Recognising the Signs of Dyslexia Across Different Ages
The signs of dyslexia can appear at any age, but they often become more noticeable when a child starts school and begins to learn to read and write. Spotting these signs early is the first step toward getting the right support.
Signs in Pre-School Children (Ages 3-5)
- Delayed speech development.
- Difficulty learning nursery rhymes or recognising rhyming words.
- Trouble with pronunciation, such as mixing up sounds in words (e.g., "aminal" for "animal").
- Struggles to remember the letters of the alphabet.
- May have difficulty with tasks involving fine motor skills, like tying shoelaces.
Signs in Primary School Children (Ages 5-11)
- Significant difficulty learning to read, write, and spell.
- Reading slowly or with many mistakes.
- Confusing the order of letters in words (e.g., "was" for "saw").
- Struggling to remember sequences like the days of the week or months of the year.
- Poor handwriting and presentation.
- Difficulty following a series of instructions.
Signs in Secondary School & Adults
- Continuing to read slowly and with effort.
- Avoiding reading aloud.
- Struggling with spelling and grammar in written work.
- Difficulty organising thoughts on paper for essays or reports.
- Trouble with time management and meeting deadlines.
- Finding it hard to revise for exams or learn a foreign language.
| Age Group | Common Signs of Dyslexia |
|---|
| Pre-School | Speech delays, trouble with rhymes, difficulty remembering the alphabet. |
| Primary School | Slow reading, spelling errors, letter reversals (b/d), poor handwriting. |
| Secondary School | Avoidance of reading, struggles with essay structure, poor time management. |
| Adults | Difficulty with reports and emails, trouble with organisation, misreading information. |
If you suspect your child has dyslexia, or if you're an adult seeking clarity, there are two main pathways to getting a formal diagnosis in the UK: the NHS/educational route and the private route.
The NHS and Educational System Pathway
- School/Teacher Concern: For children, the process usually begins at school. A teacher or the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) may notice difficulties and implement initial support strategies.
- GP Consultation: For adults, or if parents want a medical opinion, a GP is the first port of call. A GP can check for underlying health issues that might affect learning, such as problems with vision or hearing.
- Educational Psychologist Referral: A formal diagnosis of dyslexia must be made by a qualified specialist, such as an educational psychologist or a specialist teacher holding an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC). However, accessing one through the local authority can involve very long waiting lists.
- Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP): For children with significant needs, the school or parents can request an assessment for an EHCP. This plan outlines the educational, health, and social care support the child requires.
The main challenge with the state-funded route is that the NHS generally views dyslexia as an educational issue, not a medical one. This means funding for full diagnostic assessments is often not available through the NHS, and families are directed towards the local education authority, where resources can be stretched.
The Private Diagnosis Pathway
Due to long waiting times and limited resources in the public sector, many families choose to pursue a private assessment.
Benefits of a private assessment:
- Speed: You can typically book an assessment within weeks rather than waiting months or even years.
- Detail: A private assessment provides a comprehensive report outlining the individual's specific strengths and weaknesses, along with tailored recommendations for support at school, university, or in the workplace.
- Clarity: It provides a definitive diagnosis that can be used to access support like extra time in exams or workplace adjustments.
A full private diagnostic assessment for dyslexia in the UK typically costs between £500 and £800.
How Private Medical Insurance Supports Families Dealing with Dyslexia
This is where understanding the fine print of private health cover is essential. Let's be perfectly clear:
Standard UK private medical insurance policies do not cover the diagnosis or ongoing management of dyslexia itself.
Why? PMI is designed to cover acute conditions—illnesses or injuries that are short-term and curable, which arise after you take out the policy. Dyslexia is considered a chronic, developmental condition, meaning it is lifelong. Like other pre-existing or chronic conditions, it falls outside the scope of standard PMI cover.
However, this is not the end of the story. While PMI won't pay for the dyslexia assessment or specialist tutoring, it can be an incredibly powerful tool for supporting the associated health and wellbeing challenges that often accompany dyslexia.
1. Fast Access to Mental Health Support
Living with an unrecognised or unsupported learning difficulty can take a significant toll on mental health. The frustration of struggling at school or work can lead to:
- Anxiety
- Low self-esteem and confidence issues
- Depression
- School avoidance or behavioural problems
This is where private medical insurance UK policies shine. Many comprehensive plans offer excellent mental health benefits, providing fast access to:
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS): Bypassing long NHS waiting lists for CAMHS is one of the most valuable benefits for families. A private policy can provide swift access to counsellors, psychologists, and child psychiatrists.
- Therapy and Counselling: Access to a set number of sessions for talking therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which can help manage anxiety and build coping strategies.
- Psychiatric Support: Cover for specialist consultations and treatment for conditions like depression or anxiety disorders.
Getting this support quickly can make a world of difference, helping an individual build resilience and confidence while they learn to manage their dyslexia.
2. Swift Referrals and Ruling Out Other Conditions
A key benefit of any good PMI policy is rapid access to a Private GP. While a private GP cannot diagnose dyslexia, they can:
- Provide a quick referral: They can refer you or your child to a paediatrician or other specialist to rule out any other medical issues that could be impacting learning, such as hearing problems (audiology) or vision problems (ophthalmology). PMI will often cover these consultations and diagnostic tests.
- Offer reassurance and guidance: Having a prompt appointment allows you to discuss your concerns in-depth and get professional advice on the next steps, including guidance on finding a reputable educational psychologist for the dyslexia assessment.
3. Support for Co-Occurring Conditions
Dyslexia often overlaps with other neurodevelopmental conditions. While cover varies significantly between providers, some policies may offer benefits towards the diagnostic pathway for conditions like:
- ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder): If a child or adult presents with symptoms that require a psychiatric assessment, PMI might cover the consultation.
- Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder): A policy may cover initial consultations with a paediatrician or occupational therapist to investigate motor skill difficulties.
Navigating these policy details can be complex. This is where an expert PMI broker like WeCovr adds immense value. We can help you compare policies from the UK's best PMI providers to find one with strong mental health and diagnostic benefits suited to your family's needs.
Choosing the Right Private Health Cover for Your Family
When looking for a policy, focus on the features that provide the most relevant support.
| Feature to Look For | Why It's Important for Families with Dyslexia |
|---|
| Comprehensive Mental Health Cover | The most crucial benefit. Look for policies that cover outpatient therapy and psychiatric care with high limits. |
| Full Outpatient Cover | Ensures diagnostic tests and specialist consultations (e.g., paediatrician, audiologist) are covered without a large excess. |
| Digital/Remote GP Service | Provides immediate access to a GP for advice and referrals, often 24/7. |
| Child-Specific Benefits | Some providers, like Bupa, offer family-focused benefits and dedicated support lines. |
| Wellbeing and Rewards Programmes | Providers like Vitality encourage healthy habits, which can positively impact mental health and cognitive function. |
Comparing the market is key. As an independent broker, WeCovr works with all the leading UK insurers, including AXA, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality, to find the right fit for you at no extra cost.
Beyond Insurance: Practical Support for a Life with Dyslexia
A diagnosis is just the beginning. The goal is to empower individuals with the tools and strategies to succeed.
At School and University
- Reasonable Adjustments: Once diagnosed, a student is legally entitled to adjustments under the Equality Act 2010. These can include extra time in exams, use of a laptop, or being provided with notes in a specific format.
- Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA): University students with dyslexia can apply for DSA. This government grant helps pay for specialist equipment (like text-to-speech software), non-medical helpers (like a note-taker), and other extra costs.
In the Workplace
- Reasonable Adjustments: Employers are also required to make reasonable adjustments. This could mean providing assistive technology, allowing extra time for certain tasks, or presenting information in an accessible format.
- Access to Work: This government scheme can provide a grant to pay for practical support, such as specialist software or dyslexia awareness training for colleagues.
Wellness, Diet, and Lifestyle
Supporting overall health is key to managing the challenges of dyslexia.
- Diet: A balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (found in oily fish), antioxidants (from fruits and vegetables), and complex carbohydrates (for steady energy) can support brain function.
- Sleep: Consistent, high-quality sleep is vital for memory consolidation and cognitive performance. Aim for 7-9 hours for adults and more for children and teens.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity is proven to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost executive functions like planning and organisation.
- CalorieHero App: As a WeCovr client, you get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, making it easier to maintain a healthy diet that supports brain health.
Travel and Dyslexia
Travel can be stressful, but planning ahead helps.
- Use visual aids like Google Maps Street View to familiarise yourself with destinations.
- Use apps like Google Lens to translate text from signs or menus instantly.
- Allow extra time at airports to navigate signs and boarding passes without feeling rushed.
- Listen to audiobooks or podcasts during journeys instead of struggling with a book in a moving vehicle.
Get Expert Help from WeCovr
Navigating the world of dyslexia and private medical insurance can feel overwhelming. You don't have to do it alone.
At WeCovr, we specialise in helping UK families and individuals find the perfect private health cover. Our expert advisors understand the nuances of each policy and can guide you to a plan that offers the best possible support for mental health and associated conditions. We compare the whole market for you, ensuring you get the right cover at the best price, and our service is completely free.
Furthermore, when you purchase a PMI or Life Insurance policy through us, you may be eligible for discounts on other types of cover, adding even more value.
Does private medical insurance cover a dyslexia assessment?
Generally, no. Standard private medical insurance in the UK does not cover the cost of a dyslexia assessment. This is because dyslexia is classified as a chronic, developmental learning difficulty, not an acute medical condition. PMI policies are designed to cover short-term, curable conditions that arise after the policy starts.
Can I get health insurance if my child has already been diagnosed with dyslexia?
Yes, you can absolutely get private health insurance. The dyslexia diagnosis will be classed as a pre-existing condition and will be excluded from cover. However, the policy will still provide full cover for any new, unrelated acute medical conditions that arise in the future, such as infections, injuries, or other illnesses.
What mental health support can PMI provide for someone with dyslexia?
This is a key benefit. Many comprehensive PMI policies provide excellent mental health support, which can be invaluable. This often includes fast access to therapies like CBT, counselling, and consultations with psychologists or psychiatrists to help manage associated conditions like anxiety, low self-esteem, or depression, subject to the terms and limits of your policy.
Ready to explore your options? Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and find the peace of mind that comes with having the right health protection in place for your family.