The normal covering number $γ(G)$ of a finite group $G$ is the minimum number of proper subgroups whose conjugates cover the group. We give various estimates for $γ(S_n)$ and $γ(A_n)$ depending on the arithmetic structure of $n$. In particular we determine the limsups over $γ(S_n) / n$ and $γ(A_n) / n$ over the sequences of even and odd integers, as well as the liminf of $γ(S_n) / n$ over even integers. In general we explain how the values of $γ(S_n) / n$ and $γ(A_n) / n$ are related to problems in additive combinatorics. These results answer most of the questions posed by Bubboloni, Praeger, and Spiga as Problem 20.17 of the Kourovka Notebook.