<font color='#0000FF'>John,
I'm not sure if your private health care would cover the cost of a PFO test as having one without symptoms is not a health problem (around 25% have one). It is for this reason that you cannot get a test "just in case" on the NHS - which I think everyone would agree is quite sensible considering the lack of resources. Diagnosis is not 100% accurate, either.
I think the cost of getting a test done is around £200, could be wrong though. That is for Trans-Thoracic Echocardiography (TTE) which is non-invasive - very similar to an ultrasound during pregnancy.
Also, if you find that you do have a
significant PFO, the repair will cost even more. And although relatively safe, it is still heart surgery!
If you
do get bent,
then you can get the test on the NHS for free
