Haemorrhoids Treatment Private Options
WeCovr explains treatment for haemorrhoids and how private cover supports access
At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, we understand that dealing with a condition like haemorrhoids can be uncomfortable and disruptive. This guide explains private treatment options in the UK and clarifies how private medical insurance can provide faster access to care.
Haemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are a frequent issue, but many people feel embarrassed to seek help. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times for non-urgent procedures can be long. This is where private healthcare offers a valuable alternative, providing prompt consultations and a wide range of modern treatments.
In this comprehensive article, we'll cover everything from the causes and symptoms of haemorrhoids to the specific procedures available privately and how a good private health cover plan can support you.
What Are Haemorrhoids (Piles)?
Haemorrhoids are swollen veins located in and around the lower rectum and anus, similar to varicose veins. They are extremely common, with estimates suggesting that around half of the UK population will experience them at some point in their lives.
They occur when there is increased pressure on the blood vessels in this area, causing them to bulge and become inflamed. While they are not usually dangerous, they can cause significant pain, discomfort, and anxiety.
There are two main types of haemorrhoids:
- Internal Haemorrhoids: These form inside the lower rectum. You can't usually see or feel them, and they rarely cause discomfort. The main sign is painless, bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement. Sometimes, an internal haemorrhoid may prolapse, meaning it pushes through the anal opening.
- External Haemorrhoids: These develop under the skin around the anus. Because there are more sensitive nerves in this area, they are often more symptomatic.
The severity of internal haemorrhoids is often graded on a scale:
- Grade 1: Small swellings on the inside lining of the anus. They are not visible from the outside.
- Grade 2: Larger swellings that may be pushed out of the anus during a bowel movement but return inside on their own afterwards.
- Grade 3: Similar to Grade 2, but they need to be manually pushed back inside the anus.
- Grade 4: These have prolapsed and cannot be pushed back in. They remain outside the anus permanently.
Common Symptoms of Haemorrhoids
The symptoms you experience can vary depending on the type and severity.
| Symptom | Internal Haemorrhoids | External Haemorrhoids |
|---|---|---|
| Bleeding | Often the only symptom; bright red, painless. | Less common, unless a blood clot forms. |
| Pain | Usually painless unless they prolapse and are constricted. | Can be painful, especially when sitting. A thrombosed (clotted) external haemorrhoid can cause severe, sudden pain. |
| Itching & Irritation | Can occur, especially with prolapsed haemorrhoids. | A very common and frustrating symptom. |
| Lump or Swelling | A soft lump may be felt outside the anus if it has prolapsed. | A hard, tender lump may be felt around the anus. |
| Mucus Discharge | Possible, leading to a feeling of dampness. | Less common. |
If you experience any bleeding from your back passage, it's crucial to see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis and rule out other, more serious conditions.
What Causes Haemorrhoids? Common Risk Factors
The pressure that leads to haemorrhoids can come from various sources. Understanding the risk factors is the first step towards prevention and management.
Key causes include:
- Straining during bowel movements: This is the most common cause. Pushing too hard increases pressure on the rectal veins.
- Chronic constipation or diarrhoea: Both put sustained stress on the anal canal. According to NHS figures, around 1 in 7 adults in the UK are affected by constipation at any one time.
- Sitting for long periods: Particularly on the toilet, this can increase pressure on the veins in the anus.
- Pregnancy: The pressure of the growing uterus on the veins, combined with hormonal changes, makes haemorrhoids common during pregnancy.
- Ageing: As we get older, the supportive tissues in the rectum and anus can weaken, making veins more likely to bulge.
- Heavy lifting: Regularly lifting heavy objects can increase abdominal pressure.
- Diet: A diet low in fibre can lead to smaller, harder stools and constipation, which in turn leads to straining.
Navigating Haemorrhoid Treatment on the NHS
For many people in the UK, the first port of call for any health concern is their NHS GP. The pathway for haemorrhoid treatment typically looks like this:
- GP Consultation: You'll discuss your symptoms with your GP. They may perform a simple physical examination.
- Initial Advice & Treatment: For mild cases, the GP will recommend lifestyle changes (more fibre and water) and may prescribe over-the-counter creams, ointments, or suppositories to relieve symptoms.
- Referral to a Specialist: If your symptoms are severe, persistent, or don't respond to initial treatment, your GP will refer you to a specialist, such as a colorectal surgeon or a gastroenterologist, for further investigation and treatment.
The main challenge within the NHS system can be waiting times. While urgent cases are prioritised, treatment for non-life-threatening conditions like haemorrhoids can involve significant waits.
According to the latest NHS England data (which fluctuates month to month), the median waiting time for elective care can be several months from the point of referral to treatment. For specialisms like gastroenterology and general surgery (which covers colorectal procedures), waiting lists can be substantial. This wait can be uncomfortable and impact your quality of life, which is why many people explore private medical insurance UK options.
Your Guide to Private Haemorrhoid Treatment Options
Opting for private treatment gives you faster access to a specialist and a broader choice of modern, minimally invasive procedures. After a private GP referral, you can usually see a consultant within days or weeks, rather than months.
Here's a breakdown of the leading private treatment options available in the UK.
Non-Surgical and Minimally Invasive Procedures
These are often performed in an outpatient clinic, require no general anaesthetic, and have a very quick recovery time.
- Rubber Band Ligation (Banding): The most common treatment for grade 1-3 internal haemorrhoids. The specialist places a tiny elastic band around the base of the haemorrhoid, which cuts off its blood supply. The haemorrhoid shrinks and falls off within a week or so. It's quick, effective, and you can usually return to normal activities the next day.
- Sclerotherapy: A chemical solution is injected into the blood vessels inside the haemorrhoid. This causes it to shrink and collapse. It's best for smaller, grade 1-2 internal haemorrhoids and is often chosen for people on blood-thinning medication.
- Infrared Coagulation: An instrument applies a burst of infrared light to the haemorrhoid, which clots the vessels supplying it with blood, causing it to shrink.
- Rafaelo® Procedure: A newer, highly effective minimally invasive technique that uses radiofrequency ablation. A special probe delivers radiofrequency energy directly into the haemorrhoid, causing it to heat up, shrink, and seal off. It's performed under local anaesthetic, takes about 15 minutes, and patients report minimal post-procedure pain, often returning to work the next day.
Surgical Procedures
Surgery is typically reserved for large, severe, or external haemorrhoids (grade 3-4) that haven't responded to other treatments.
- Haemorrhoidectomy: This is the traditional and most effective surgical option for severe haemorrhoids. The surgeon carefully cuts away and removes the haemorrhoids under a general anaesthetic. The recovery can be painful and may take 2-4 weeks, but it has the lowest rate of recurrence.
- Stapled Haemorrhoidopexy: This procedure doesn't remove the haemorrhoids themselves but rather the loose tissue above them. A circular stapling device is used to lift the haemorrhoidal cushions back into their normal position and reduce their blood supply. It is generally less painful than a traditional haemorrhoidectomy with a faster recovery.
- Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation Operation (HALO): Also known as Transanal Haemorrhoidal Dearterialisation (THD). The surgeon uses a miniature ultrasound probe to locate the arteries supplying the haemorrhoids. They then use a stitch to tie off each artery, cutting off the blood supply. This causes the haemorrhoid to shrink over the following days and weeks. It's highly effective for all grades and has a much faster, less painful recovery than a haemorrhoidectomy.
Comparison of Private Haemorrhoid Treatments
| Treatment | How It Works | Best For | Recovery Time | Typical Private Cost (Without Insurance) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consultation | Initial assessment with a specialist. | All cases | N/A | £200 – £350 |
| Banding | A rubber band cuts off blood supply. | Grade 1-3 internal | 1-2 days | £800 – £1,500 |
| Rafaelo® | Radiofrequency energy shrinks the haemorrhoid. | Grade 1-3 internal | 1-2 days | £2,500 – £4,000 |
| HALO / THD | Stitches block blood flow to the haemorrhoid. | Grade 2-4 | 3-7 days | £3,500 – £5,500 |
| Haemorrhoidectomy | Surgical removal of the haemorrhoid tissue. | Severe Grade 3-4 & external | 2-4 weeks | £3,000 – £5,000 |
Disclaimer: Costs are estimates based on 2024/2025 market rates and can vary significantly based on the hospital, surgeon, and specific procedure required. They are for guidance purposes only.
How Private Medical Insurance Supports Haemorrhoid Treatment
Private medical insurance (PMI) is designed to cover the costs of diagnosis and treatment for acute conditions. If you develop haemorrhoids after your policy has started, your PMI plan can be invaluable.
Here’s how it works:
- Symptoms Appear: You start experiencing symptoms of haemorrhoids for the first time after your policy is active.
- GP Referral: You visit your NHS GP or a private GP (many insurers now include a virtual GP service) for a diagnosis. They provide you with an open referral to a specialist.
- Contact Your Insurer: You call your insurer's claims line with your referral letter. They will confirm your cover and provide a list of approved specialists and hospitals.
- Specialist Consultation: You book an appointment with a private consultant, often within a week. The cost of this consultation is covered by your policy (subject to any outpatient limits).
- Treatment Authorisation: The specialist recommends a course of treatment (e.g., banding or a HALO procedure). You get a pre-authorisation code from your insurer for the treatment.
- Receive Treatment: You undergo the procedure at a private hospital at a time that suits you. All eligible costs, including hospital fees, surgeon fees, and anaesthetist fees, are settled directly by your insurer.
The key benefit is speed. Instead of waiting months on an NHS list, you could be diagnosed and treated within a matter of weeks, minimising discomfort and disruption to your life. Working with a PMI broker like WeCovr can help you find a policy with the right level of cover and access to an extensive network of high-quality hospitals.
A Critical Note: Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions
This is the single most important concept to understand about private medical insurance in the UK.
Standard PMI policies are designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out the policy. They do not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions.
- Pre-existing Condition: A pre-existing condition is any disease, illness, or injury for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, advice, or treatment in the years before your policy starts (typically the last 5 years). If you have a history of haemorrhoids before buying insurance, they will be excluded from your cover.
- Chronic Condition: A chronic condition is an illness that is long-lasting, has no known cure, and requires ongoing management (e.g., diabetes, asthma, or Crohn's disease). While a single episode of haemorrhoids is acute, if they become a persistent, recurring problem, an insurer may classify them as chronic and decline further cover for them.
When you apply for cover, you'll go through one of two types of underwriting:
- Moratorium Underwriting: You don't declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had in the past 5 years. However, if you remain completely free of symptoms, treatment, and advice for that condition for a continuous 2-year period after your policy begins, the exclusion may be lifted.
- Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You provide your full medical history via a detailed questionnaire. The insurer then tells you upfront exactly what will be excluded. This provides certainty but means pre-existing haemorrhoids will be permanently excluded.
How to Choose the Best Private Health Cover
Finding the right private health cover can feel complex, but focusing on a few key areas makes it simpler. A specialist broker like WeCovr can do this heavy lifting for you at no cost, comparing the market to match a policy to your needs.
When considering a policy, look at:
- Level of Cover: Policies are often tiered. A basic plan might only cover inpatient surgery, while a comprehensive plan will cover initial consultations, diagnostic tests, and therapies.
- Outpatient Limits: This is a crucial feature. It's the annual financial limit for costs incurred when you aren't admitted to a hospital bed (e.g., specialist consultations and diagnostic scans). A low limit might not cover all the costs before a procedure.
- Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards the cost of a claim. A higher excess (£500 or £1,000) will lower your monthly premium.
- Hospital List: Insurers have different lists of approved hospitals. Ensure the hospitals near you, or the ones you'd prefer to use, are on the list.
- Extra Benefits: Many providers now offer added perks like virtual GP access, mental health support, and wellness rewards.
Comparing Leading UK PMI Providers
| Provider | Key Feature Example | Outpatient Cover Options | Added Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aviva | "Expert Select" hospital guidance to manage costs. | Capped limits (£500, £1000) or full cover. | Digital GP, stress counselling helpline. |
| AXA Health | Strong focus on mental health support through its "Mind Health" service. | Flexible limits or full outpatient cover. | 24/7 "Doctor@Hand" virtual GP service. |
| Bupa | Extensive network of own hospitals and clinics. | Options for no outpatient cover, a capped limit, or full cover. | "Bupa from Home" remote care services. |
| Vitality | Rewards programme for staying active and healthy. | Often includes full outpatient cover as standard. | Discounts on gym memberships, health screenings, and smartwatches. |
Lifestyle Tips for Preventing and Managing Haemorrhoids
Whether you have insurance or not, prevention is always better than cure. Making small, sustainable lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of developing haemorrhoids or having a flare-up.
- Boost Your Fibre Intake: Aim for the recommended 30g of fibre per day. This helps soften your stool and makes it easier to pass. Good sources include fruits, vegetables, whole grains (oats, brown rice, wholewheat bread), nuts, and seeds.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water (around 2 litres a day). This works with fibre to keep your stools soft.
- Get Active: Regular moderate exercise, like a brisk 30-minute walk each day, helps stimulate bowel function and prevent constipation.
- Don't Strain: When you need to go to the toilet, go. Don't hold it in. On the toilet, try not to strain, push, or hold your breath.
- Limit Toilet Time: Avoid sitting on the toilet for extended periods, as this puts prolonged pressure on the anal veins. That means leaving your phone behind!
As a WeCovr customer, you get complimentary access to our CalorieHero AI app, which is a fantastic tool for tracking your food and water intake to ensure you're meeting your fibre and hydration goals. Furthermore, customers who purchase PMI or Life Insurance through WeCovr can also receive discounts on other insurance products, helping you protect your health and finances more affordably.
Frequently Asked Questions about Haemorrhoid Treatment and PMI
Is haemorrhoid surgery covered by private health insurance?
Do I need a GP referral for private haemorrhoid treatment?
How much does private haemorrhoid treatment cost in the UK without insurance?
Can I get private health insurance if I already have haemorrhoids?
Take Control of Your Health with WeCovr
Dealing with the discomfort of haemorrhoids can be stressful, but long waits for treatment don't have to be part of the equation. Private medical insurance offers a path to rapid diagnosis and effective treatment, giving you peace of mind and a quicker return to your daily life.
The world of private health cover can seem complicated, but it doesn't have to be. As an expert, FCA-authorised PMI broker, WeCovr is here to make it simple. We compare policies from the UK's leading providers to find a plan that fits your personal needs and budget, all at no cost to you.
Ready to explore your options? Get your free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today and take the first step towards faster access to the healthcare you deserve.
Related guides
Why private medical insurance and how does it work?
What is Private Medical Insurance?
Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.How does it work?
Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment
Your premium depends on factors like your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. Most policies offer different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor the policy to your needs and budget.
Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance
Just ask yourself:👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
👉 Would you prefer to choose your own consultant and hospital?
👉 Do you want faster access to diagnostic tests and scans?
👉 Would you like private hospital accommodation and better food?
👉 Do you want to avoid the stress of NHS waiting lists?
Many people don't realise that private medical insurance is more affordable than they think, especially when you consider the value of faster treatment and better facilities. A great insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the care you need when you need it.
Benefits offered by private medical insurance
Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.
Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.
Better Facilities and Accommodation
Private hospitals typically offer superior facilities, including private rooms, better food, and more comfortable surroundings. This can make your recovery more pleasant and potentially faster.
Advanced Treatments
Private medical insurance often covers treatments and medications not available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advances and technologies.
Mental Health Support
Many policies include comprehensive mental health coverage, providing faster access to therapy and psychiatric care when needed.
Tax Benefits for Business Owners
If you're self-employed or a business owner, private medical insurance premiums can be tax-deductible, making it a cost-effective way to protect your health and your business.
Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.
Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.
Important Fact!
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!
Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?
👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.
Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.
It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced insurance experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to private medical insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.
You can discuss with them in detail what affordable private medical insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.
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