Published on 26 May 2026
As a woman, staying well enough to work comfortably is about far more than attendance alone. Female health conditions, including pelvic pain, heavy periods, menopause, leg discomfort and swollen legs can quietly affect energy levels, physical comfort, confidence and concentration. These symptoms can become part of your daily life while juggling a career, caring responsibilities and busy routines and are frequently tolerated for longer than they should be, particularly when accessing care feels uncertain or delayed.
Over time, these health concerns can begin to interfere with your working life, making long periods of sitting or standing difficult, disrupting sleep, or affecting focus during the day.
Private medical insurance (PMI) can offer a faster route to diagnosis and treatment. By reducing delays and allowing care to be planned around work commitments, using your insurance can help you address health concerns earlier, regain comfort and confidence and continue working with greater reassurance and support.
Our article outlines what might be available through your insurer, although you should always check that your condition is covered before contacting our hospital.
Gynaecology care commonly covered by PMI
Consultations, scans and diagnostic tests
PMI often covers initial and follow-up outpatient appointments with a consultant gynaecologist or urogynaecologist, along with any diagnostic investigations you might need, such as ultrasound scans, blood tests and other examinations needed to understand symptoms.
Treatment for common (uro)gynaecological conditions
Many policies cover treatment for conditions such as heavy or irregular periods, pelvic pain, fibroids, ovarian cysts, menopause symptoms and other non‑cancerous gynaecological issues.
Day case gynaecology procedures and recovery
Where procedures are required, many treatments are carried out as day case surgery, meaning no overnight stay is needed. This approach often allows for a quicker recovery at home and makes it easier to plan time away from work and family with minimal disruption.
Varicose and thread vein care commonly covered by PMI
Specialist consultations and diagnostic scans
PMI often covers consultations with a vascular or thread vein specialist, along with diagnostic tests such as ultrasound scans. These assessments help identify underlying vein problems, understand the cause of symptoms, and determine whether treatment is appropriate.
Treatment for symptomatic vein conditions
Many policies cover treatment for the symptoms of varicose veins such as aching legs, heaviness, swelling, skin irritation or discomfort that worsens during the working day, particularly for roles involving prolonged sitting or standing, or after pregnancy.
Modern, minimally invasive vein treatments
Vein treatments, such as Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) and foam sclerotherapy are minimally invasive and commonly carried out as day case procedures, with short recovery times which allow a quicker return to everyday activities, including work.
Supporting mobility and comfort at work
Addressing vein symptoms can make a noticeable difference to comfort, particularly for women balancing work with long commutes or physically demanding roles. Faster access to diagnosis and treatment through private care can help reduce ongoing discomfort and prevent symptoms from worsening over time.
How can PMI help minimise disruption to work and daily routines
Using your private medical insurance can provide faster access to diagnosis and treatment for a range of women’s health conditions.
With appointments available within two weeks at our hospital (availability may vary), private healthcare also allows you to plan appointments around your working life.
Plus, seeing the same consultant from initial assessment through to treatment (depending on your level of cover) can also offer reassurance and continuity.
Making the most of your private medical insurance
Making the most of your private medical insurance starts with understanding what it covers and how it works. Many PMI policies typically cover consultations, diagnostic tests and treatment for common conditions, but it’s important to check limitations and exclusions with your insurer before you call us.
Our helpful video guide walks you step-by-step through how to use your cover.
Using your private medical insurance to access treatment at Benenden Hospital
Discover how you can use private medical insurance provided by your employer or individual policy to access private diagnosis and treatment without the wait at Benenden Hospital.
Have you got private medical insurance through your employer, or an individual policy? Did you know that you can use your insurance to arrange a consultation, diagnostic tests and treatment at our hospital - safe in the knowledge that payment will be made directly by your insurer?
Using your private insurance means that you could get seen by one of our experts within days. Enjoy fast access to any tests and scans you need and avoid long waiting times for treatment.
Benenden Hospital is located in a tranquil countryside setting, easily accessible if you live in Kent, East Sussex or London. We offer highly respected consultants, modern facilities, comfortable private rooms with en-suite wet room facilities and free parking.
You can access outstanding care in three simple steps. Step one, contact your GP. When you have an appointment with your GP, or other health professional, let them know that you have private medical insurance and want to be referred to Benenden Hospital. If you know which consultant you'd prefer to see, ask them to add that to the letter.
Step two, contact your insurer. Once you have your referral details, they'll need to confirm that your condition is covered, your chosen consultant is covered, and whether each stage of your journey - from initial appointment through to treatment - can be carried out at Benenden Hospital.
Step three, contact us. Once you have your GP referral and your insurer has given you an authorisation code, you can book your initial consultation with us by calling 01580 242521. Visit our website today to find out more.
Use your PMI at Benenden Hospital
If you have private medical insurance, either through your employer or an individual policy, you can enjoy fast access to diagnosis and treatment at Benenden Hospital. Speak to your GP or health professional or contact our Private Patient team by phone on 01580 363158, or request a callback, for more information.