5 reasons more people in the UK are purchasing Health Insurance

An estimated 6.2 million people in the UK had health insurance in 2023. 57% of people chose private healthcare so they could be seen more quickly.

Why are more people in the UK turning to health insurance and going private for their healthcare?

We’ll take a look into the top five reasons private health insurance in the UK is growing, as well as what to expect from a health insurance policy and how to get started in finding the right one for you.

1. Increased NHS waiting times

It's common knowledge in the UK that the NHS is under pressure and this is one of the main reasons more people are deciding to take out health insurance or self-paying for private healthcare.

Statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) released last year (2024) revealed 1.4 million people wait longer than a year for an appointment and one in five people in England are stuck on a waiting list.

Being on a long NHS waiting list can have a knock on effect on our health when suffering with injuries or illnesses; injuries can worsen, diseases can progress, and the emotional stress can impact quality of life.

2. Affordability and accessibility

More people are realising that private health insurance is worth it. Finding the right cover at the right price will of course come at a cost, but many people find it's much more affordable than they thought.

Policies can vary hugely, to cater to a variety of needs and budgets. Because of this, it can be overwhelming and confusing to know where to start when looking for health insurance.

However - as many are now discovering - using an expert adviser such as Usay Compare, is a must, and makes the process simple.

Expert advisers will use knowledge, experience and comparison technology to find the best policy at the best price, doing all the hard work for you.

Health insurance policies may also be available through company schemes in the workplace.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) found that a record 4.7 million people were covered by Private Health Insurance through their employer in 2023.

3. Additional benefits and discounts

There are many benefits of health insurance policies.

These vary among health insurance providers but most do offer:

• A digital GP with 24/7 access to telephone and video support
• Mental health and well-being support
• Gym membership discount and discounted fitness products
• Lifestyle and nutrition consultations
• Cancer cover

These additional benefits can be a contributing factor to taking out private health insurance and help to create or maintain a healthy lifestyle.

4. Peace of mind

Another key and rather simple reason people purchase health insurance is for the peace of mind it can offer.

With NHS waiting lists growing, we never know when we will become ill or injured and need to call on healthcare services.

Being protected with health insurance is a great way to ensure you’re prepared for illnesses or injuries and ultimately reduce costs.

In the unfortunate situation where the need for healthcare was affecting your life and waiting for an NHS appointment wasn't an option, without health insurance, going to a private healthcare facility could be costly.

Having health insurance allows you to be prepared for anything coming your way.

A YouGov survey revealed that one in eight Britons (13%) used private healthcare for themselves or a member of their immediate household in the last year.

5. Prioritising health and well-being

In recent years, there has been more focus on our health and well-being and the importance of putting it first. This includes living a healthy lifestyle and staying active, which health insurance can support.

The percentage of patients in England reporting a positive experience with GP practices fell from 83% in 2021, to 72% in 2022.

People want to prioritise their health and if they're unsatisfied with GP services, private healthcare becomes appealing.

Furthermore, private healthcare often provides a wider choice of treatments and medications, including some that may not be available or have restricted availability on the NHS.

However, do note that access to new and emerging treatments isn't always a guarantee and the availability of these medications will depend on your chosen provider, your plan and the condition you are dealing with. 

Private healthcare providers have been known to offer new and emerging treatments for cancer that aren’t yet widely available on the NHS.

People paying for their own treatment rather than using insurance, were also at their highest ever level in 2023, highlighting the desperation for private healthcare when illnesses or injuries occur unexpectedly.

It's key to be prepared, and health insurance is a great way to reduce costs and avoid a financial burden from private healthcare bills.

How to find the right policy for you

Finding the right policy for you can often be overwhelming when there are many insurers and options available.

Our three step process helps our customers to find the right policy, whilst our advisers do all the hard work.

There are many choices to make when considering insurers and the best way to save money and get the right policy for your needs is to compare health insurance policies.

Having advice can help you to fully understand the policies available to you and also provide recommendations.

Understanding your policy before making a claim is vital to avoid confusion if the time comes to use it.

What to expect from a health insurance policy?

There are many fantastic benefits you’ll gain from having a health insurance policy, which typically include:

• In-patient, out-patient and day patient cover
• Cancer cover
• Digital GPs and Health Support

Other additional benefits can include:

• Travel cover
• Dental cover
• Optical Cover
• Mental Health Cover
• Therapies

Other benefits are:

• Peace of mind
• Avoiding unexpected large private healthcare bills
• A choice of hospitals, allowing you to feel as comfortable as possible

Whenever you’re ready to find your policy, our advisers will be ready to support you. You can fill out a quote and await a call from our team or get started now and give us a call on: 01285 864670