Does Private Health Insurance Cover Hearing Tests or Hearing Aids?

Hearing tests and hearing aids may be handled differently by private medical insurance. A diagnostic test for a new medical problem is not necessarily the same benefit as a hearing aid, routine screening or ongoing device replacement.

Check the policy and the service

Ask whether your policy covers an audiology or consultant assessment, which referral is needed, and whether a hearing aid or replacement device is included. Check limits for outpatient tests, appliances and follow-up, and whether the provider must be recognised.

Some insurers sell separate health-assessment or cash-plan benefits; these are not automatically part of private medical insurance. The NHS may also provide hearing assessment and support depending on your circumstances and local pathway. Ask your GP or NHS service about that route.

Get insurer approval before arranging a private test or buying a device. Request written confirmation of any allowance and what evidence is required.

Compare outpatient benefits with our UK health insurance comparison tool.

Sources checked 19 October 2026: PHIN: comparing private medical insurance · NHS: hearing loss