Mammograms Private Screening
As an FCA-authorised expert with over 900,000 policies arranged, WeCovr explains how private medical insurance in the UK can provide vital support for breast cancer screening and treatment. This guide offers clarity and peace of mind on a topic that touches millions of lives across the country.
WeCovr explains breast cancer screening and private cover benefits
Breast health is a significant concern for women across the UK. With breast cancer being the most common cancer, understanding your screening options is more important than ever. While the NHS provides an excellent screening programme, many are turning to the private sector for earlier, more frequent, or more immediate access to tests like mammograms.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about private mammograms, the NHS screening pathway, and how private medical insurance (PMI) can provide a safety net for diagnosis and treatment.
What is a Mammogram and Why is it Important?
A mammogram is a specialised X-ray of the breast. It's a fundamental tool used by doctors to look for early signs of breast cancer, often before any symptoms, like a lump, can be felt.
During the procedure, each breast is gently but firmly compressed between two plates for a few seconds. While it can be uncomfortable, it's very quick. The compression is necessary to spread the breast tissue out, allowing the X-ray to capture a clear image and detect any tiny abnormalities.
The primary goal of a mammogram is early detection. Finding breast cancer at its earliest stage dramatically increases the chances of successful treatment. Early-stage cancers are typically smaller and less likely to have spread to other parts of the body, making them easier to treat.
Understanding Breast Cancer in the UK: The Latest Statistics
To appreciate the importance of screening, it helps to understand the scale of breast cancer in the UK. The statistics paint a clear picture of why early detection is paramount.
- Incidence: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. According to Cancer Research UK, there are around 56,000 new breast cancer cases in the UK every year – that's around 150 every day (2018-2022).
- Lifetime Risk: Around 1 in 7 women in the UK will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
- Age: The risk increases with age. More than 80% of breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50.
- Survival: The good news is that survival rates have been improving steadily. Today, almost 90% of women diagnosed with breast cancer in England survive for five years or more. This incredible progress is largely thanks to improved treatments and, crucially, early detection through screening.
These figures underscore a vital message: while breast cancer is common, it is also highly treatable, especially when caught early.
The NHS Breast Screening Programme: What's Included?
The NHS provides a world-class breast screening programme that has saved thousands of lives. It's important to understand what it offers and who is eligible.
Who is invited for NHS screening? In England, you are automatically invited for breast screening on the NHS if you:
- Are aged between 50 and your 71st birthday.
- Are registered with a GP surgery.
- Have not had a double mastectomy.
You'll receive your first invitation before your 53rd birthday and will be invited every three years until you turn 71.
What happens during and after an NHS screen?
- You'll be invited to a local screening unit, which could be a static clinic or a mobile unit.
- A female mammographer will carry out the mammogram.
- The results are usually sent to you and your GP within two weeks.
- Around 96 out of every 100 women who have screening will have a normal result.
- About 4 out of 100 women will be called back for further tests, such as another mammogram or an ultrasound. Of these, most will be given the all-clear. Only about 1 of those 4 will be diagnosed with cancer.
While the NHS programme is excellent, it has specific parameters which mean some people may wish to seek screening outside of this framework.
Why Consider a Private Mammogram?
Many individuals choose to have a private mammogram for reasons that fall outside the scope of the NHS programme. This is a personal choice, often driven by a desire for greater control over one's health monitoring.
Key Reasons for Choosing a Private Mammogram:
- Age: The NHS programme starts at 50. Many women under 50, particularly those in their 40s, want the peace of mind of having a baseline mammogram or starting screening earlier, especially if they have concerns but don't meet the criteria for a high-risk NHS assessment.
- Frequency: The NHS screens every three years. Some people prefer more frequent screening, such as annually or every two years, for added reassurance.
- No GP Referral Needed: Many private clinics allow you to self-refer for a screening mammogram (usually if you are over 40), meaning you don't need to see a GP first. This offers speed and convenience.
- Peace of Mind: For some, waiting for the next NHS appointment can cause anxiety. Having a private scan can alleviate these worries, particularly if there's a family history of breast cancer that doesn't quite meet the 'high-risk' threshold for early NHS screening.
- Symptomatic Concerns: If you find a lump or have other symptoms, your GP will refer you to an NHS breast clinic. However, waiting times for these appointments can vary. Some people choose to go private to be seen and diagnosed faster.
The Private Mammogram Pathway Explained
If you decide to go private, the process is straightforward.
Step 1: Booking an Appointment
- Self-Referral: If you are over 40 and have no symptoms, you can often book a screening mammogram directly with a private hospital or clinic.
- GP Referral: If you have symptoms (like a lump, pain, or nipple discharge), you will need a referral from a GP. You can see a private GP for this to speed up the process.
Step 2: The Consultation and Scan You'll attend the private hospital at your chosen time. The process is very similar to the NHS. You may have a brief consultation with a clinician before the mammogram itself.
Step 3: Results A key benefit of the private route is speed. Results are often available much faster, sometimes within 24-48 hours. A consultant radiologist will review your scan and a report will be sent to you and your referring doctor.
Typical Costs of a Private Mammogram The cost of a single private mammogram in the UK typically ranges from £200 to £400, depending on the clinic and location. A consultation with a breast specialist would be an additional cost.
| Service | Estimated Private Cost (UK Average) |
|---|---|
| Screening Mammogram (no symptoms) | £200 - £400 |
| Consultation with Breast Specialist | £200 - £300 |
| Diagnostic Mammogram + Ultrasound | £450 - £800 |
| Biopsy (if required) | £800 - £1,500+ |
Note: These are estimates for 2025 and can vary significantly between providers and regions.
How Private Medical Insurance Covers Breast Cancer Screening and Treatment
This is where many people get confused. Does private medical insurance pay for a mammogram? The answer is: it depends. It's crucial to understand the difference between screening and diagnosis.
Does Standard PMI Cover Routine Screening?
Generally, no. Standard private medical insurance UK policies are designed to cover the diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions that arise after you take out the policy.
- Routine Screening: A mammogram you choose to have for peace of mind, without any symptoms, is considered routine screening or a preventative check-up. Most standard PMI policies do not cover this.
- Wellness Benefits: However, some higher-tier, more comprehensive PMI plans do include a 'wellness' or 'health screening' benefit. This may provide a set cash amount towards health checks, which you could put towards a mammogram.
Diagnostic Tests vs. Routine Screening: The Crucial Distinction
This is the most important concept to grasp.
- Screening is looking for a disease when you have no symptoms.
- Diagnosis is investigating symptoms to find the cause.
Private medical insurance is built for diagnosis.
Real-Life Example:
- Scenario 1 (Not Covered): Sarah, 42, has no lumps or symptoms but feels anxious and wants a mammogram for peace of mind. She books a private scan for £300. Her standard PMI policy will likely not cover this cost as it's elective screening.
- Scenario 2 (Covered): Jane, 42, discovers a small lump in her breast. She sees her GP, who agrees it needs investigation. Instead of waiting for an NHS appointment, she uses her PMI. Her policy covers the consultation with a private specialist, a diagnostic mammogram, an ultrasound, and a biopsy because these are all steps to diagnose the cause of her symptoms.
What Happens if a Mammogram Shows a Problem?
This is where a private medical insurance policy truly shows its value. If your mammogram (whether done on the NHS or privately) reveals a potential issue, your PMI policy kicks in to cover the entire diagnostic and treatment pathway, quickly and comprehensively.
Your private medical journey would look like this:
- Urgent Referral: Your GP refers you to a private consultant breast surgeon. You can usually get an appointment within days.
- Rapid Diagnostics: The consultant will arrange for all necessary tests to be done very quickly, often on the same day. This could include further imaging (ultrasound, MRI) and a biopsy.
- Fast Results: Biopsy results are typically returned in a few days, ending the anxious wait.
- Treatment Plan: If a cancer diagnosis is confirmed, your consultant will immediately create a personalised treatment plan.
- Prompt Treatment: Treatment, whether it's surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or targeted therapy, can begin almost immediately, at a high-quality private hospital of your choice.
The "Cancer Cover" Promise: A Deep Dive into PMI Benefits
All major UK PMI providers offer extensive cancer cover, which is often considered the cornerstone of a policy. While features vary, comprehensive cancer cover typically includes:
- Full Pathway Coverage: All costs for surgery, specialist fees, and hospital stays are covered.
- Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy: Access to the latest treatments in comfortable private oncology centres, avoiding NHS waiting lists.
- Advanced Targeted Therapies: A key benefit is access to expensive, cutting-edge drugs and treatments that may not be available on the NHS, or only after long delays, due to funding decisions by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence).
- Second Opinions: The ability to get a second opinion from another leading expert.
- Home Nursing: Chemotherapy administered by a specialist nurse in the comfort of your own home.
- Holistic Support: Coverage often extends to wigs, prostheses, and mental health support like counselling to help you and your family cope with the diagnosis.
As an expert PMI broker, WeCovr can help you compare the specific cancer cover options from different insurers to find a policy that gives you the most comprehensive protection.
Comparing Cancer Cover from Leading UK PMI Providers
While most providers offer excellent cancer care, there are subtle but important differences in their offerings. Understanding these can help you choose the best PMI provider for your needs.
| Feature | Bupa | AXA Health | Vitality | The Exeter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Cancer Cover | Yes, comprehensive cover is standard. | Yes, extensive cover is a core feature. | Yes, advanced cancer cover is available. | Yes, full cancer cover is included. |
| Access to New Drugs | Strong commitment; often funds drugs not yet approved by NICE. | Strong; funds many licensed cancer drugs even if not NHS-funded. | Yes, with their 'Advanced Cancer Cover'. | Yes, covers licensed cancer drugs even if NICE has not approved them. |
| NHS Cancer Cover Plus | Option available. If you use the NHS for cancer treatment, you can receive a cash payment. | Option available, known as 'NHS Cancer Support'. | Yes, offers an NHS cash benefit. | Not typically offered as a standalone option; focus is on private pathway. |
| Experimental/Trial Drugs | May be covered on a case-by-case basis. | May be covered if part of a clinical trial. | May cover some trial treatments. | Generally not covered. |
| Unique Feature | Direct access to cancer specialists without a GP referral if symptoms are found. | Access to 'Health at Hand' nurses and counsellors 24/7. | Rewards programme encourages healthy living to reduce cancer risk. | Community-rated pricing and member benefits. |
This table is a simplified overview for 2025. Policy details can change and terms and conditions apply.
The Critical Point: Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions
This is the most important rule in private medical insurance. Standard UK PMI policies do not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions.
- Pre-existing Condition: This is any disease, illness, or injury for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, advice, or treatment before your policy started. If you had a breast lump investigated five years ago, even if it was benign, the insurer would likely place an exclusion on breast-related conditions for a set period.
- Chronic Condition: This is a condition that is long-lasting and cannot be fully cured, only managed. Examples include diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure.
How does this relate to breast cancer? PMI is designed to cover acute conditions – those that are curable and arise unexpectedly. When you are first diagnosed with breast cancer, it is treated as an acute condition. Your policy will cover the entire treatment pathway designed to cure you and put you into remission.
However, once the primary treatment is complete, any ongoing monitoring or management is often considered to be for a chronic condition, and your care may revert to the NHS. Some policies offer specific benefits for ongoing monitoring, but this varies. Crucially, you cannot buy a new PMI policy to cover a cancer you have already been diagnosed with.
This is why securing private medical insurance when you are healthy is so important. It acts as a safety net for the future. You can learn more about how this works in our [guide to PMI underwriting].
Beyond Screening: Lifestyle, Wellness, and Reducing Your Risk
While screening is vital for early detection, you can also take proactive steps to lower your risk of developing breast cancer. A healthy lifestyle plays a significant role.
Key Lifestyle Factors for Breast Health:
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight or obese, especially after menopause, increases your risk of breast cancer. Oestrogen produced by fat tissue can encourage the growth of some breast cancers.
- Be Physically Active: Regular exercise is one of the most powerful tools for risk reduction. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like brisk walking) or 75 minutes of vigorous activity (like running) per week.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Limit your intake of processed foods, red meat, and sugary drinks.
- Limit Alcohol: The link between alcohol and breast cancer is well-established. The more you drink, the higher your risk. It's best to limit intake to well below the recommended guidelines.
- Don't Smoke: Smoking is linked to a higher risk of numerous cancers, including breast cancer.
- Get Enough Sleep: Poor sleep can disrupt hormone levels and immune function. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
To help you on your wellness journey, WeCovr provides complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. It's a fantastic tool to help you manage your weight and make healthier food choices, all part of a proactive approach to your long-term health.
Choosing the Right Private Health Cover with WeCovr
Navigating the world of private medical insurance UK can feel complex. With dozens of policies and providers, each with different terms for things like cancer cover, outpatient limits, and hospital lists, how do you choose?
This is where an independent PMI broker like WeCovr comes in. Our service is designed to make the process simple, transparent, and effective.
- We are Experts: We live and breathe private health cover. Our team understands the fine print and can quickly identify the policies that best match your needs and budget.
- We are Independent: We are not tied to any single insurer. Our advice is completely impartial, focused solely on finding the right cover for you from across the market.
- We Save You Time and Money: Instead of you spending hours comparing quotes and policies, we do the hard work for you. Our market knowledge and relationships with insurers ensure you get competitive pricing.
- Our Service is Free: You don't pay a penny for our advice and support. We are paid a commission by the insurer if you decide to go ahead with a policy, which doesn't affect the price you pay.
- High Customer Satisfaction: Our clients consistently rate our service highly on independent review websites, praising our clarity, efficiency, and friendly support.
Furthermore, when you purchase a PMI or Life Insurance policy through us, you can often benefit from discounts on other types of cover you might need, adding even more value.
Will my private medical insurance cover a mammogram if I have a family history of breast cancer?
If I am diagnosed with breast cancer through the NHS, can I switch to private treatment using my PMI?
Can I get private health cover if I've had breast cancer before?
What is the difference between full cancer cover and an 'NHS Cancer Cover Plus' option?
Ready to explore your options and find the peace of mind that comes with having the right protection in place?
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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