The Hidden Toll of Delayed Diagnosis – Why Women Deserve Better Access to Care

When Strictly Come Dancing’s Anton Du Beke recently opened up about his wife Hannah’s harrowing experience with endometriosis, many were shocked by the emotional and physical toll it took on their family. But for millions of women in the UK, her story was all too familiar.

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows elsewhere in the body, causing pain, fatigue, fertility issues, and, in many cases, a long and lonely road to diagnosis.

In the UK, the average time from first symptoms to diagnosis is over eight years.

That delay can lead to unnecessary suffering, missed work, emotional strain, and damage to fertility. And in some heartbreaking cases, by the time the diagnosis arrives, the options are limited.

So why is this happening—and how can better access to healthcare make a difference?

The Price of Waiting

Hannah Du Beke, like many women, experienced years of unexplained pain and confusion before finally receiving a diagnosis. For her and Anton, it meant navigating the complex, expensive world of IVF before ultimately welcoming twins in 2017.

Their journey wasn’t just difficult—it was emotionally draining, financially costly, and marked by long periods of uncertainty.

Similarly, singer Ella Henderson recently revealed she lived for years with pain and depression before finally being diagnosed with endometriosis earlier this year. Her surgery brought both relief and heartbreak: “I wish I’d known sooner.”

This isn’t just about famous people. Every day, thousands of women silently endure undiagnosed chronic pain, often brushed off as “normal” or “psychosomatic.” That delay in care often means the condition progresses—making treatment more complex and costly.

Why Delays Happen

There’s no one reason for the delay, but several common patterns emerge:

• Long wait times to see GPs or specialists

• Limited access to advanced diagnostic tools like MRI or laparoscopy

• Under-recognition of symptoms—especially in younger patients

• Stigma around menstrual or pelvic pain

  
  

These delays aren’t just frustrating—they’re harmful.

Studies have shown that prolonged diagnostic delays in endometriosis are linked to:

• Increased risk of infertility

• Greater likelihood of needing invasive surgery

• Long-term impacts on mental health

• Higher overall treatment costs

  
  

The Private Medical Option: A Faster Path to Answers

While the NHS provides vital care, many women find themselves stuck in a loop of waiting and referrals. This is where private medical insurance can offer a different path.

With the right policy in place, patients may gain access to:

• Faster appointments with gynaecologists or pelvic pain specialists

• Shorter waiting times for diagnostic scans or procedures

• Continuity of care—seeing the same consultant throughout treatment

• Integrated mental health support to cope with the emotional effects of long-term illness

Most importantly, private medical insurance can give patients the power to take control of their own health journey—without waiting for referrals to align or pain to become unbearable.

Why Using a Broker Helps

If you're considering private cover, it’s not always easy to know where to start. Policies vary widely, especially when it comes to women’s health, pre-existing conditions, and fertility-related care.

That’s where working with an independent medical insurance broker comes in.

A good broker can:

• Assess your specific health needs and budget

• Compare quotes from multiple insurers—saving you time and money

• Identify policies that include women’s health diagnostics, gynaecology, or IVF pathways

• Provide ongoing support if you ever need to claim or update your plan

It’s about making sure your policy works for you, not the other way around.

A Healthier Future Is Possible

No one should have to wait eight years for a diagnosis.

No one should suffer in silence because they can’t afford to go private, or don’t know which insurer will cover their needs.

If stories like Hannah’s or Ella’s resonate with you—or if you’ve experienced the frustration of long waits, misdiagnosis, or delayed care—know that there are options.

Private medical insurance isn’t a silver bullet, but it can be a powerful tool in reclaiming your health, your time, and your peace of mind.

And you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Need help understanding your private health insurance options?

At Assure-U International, we specialise in finding the right cover for real people—families, women, individuals who just want better, faster care. Whether you’re exploring your first policy or want a review of what you’ve got, we’re here to guide you.

📞 Call us free on 03300 100 441

📧 Or email sales@assure-u.com

Your health deserves more than waiting.