Demand for private healthcare treatment continue to rise, with the third quarter of last year seeing the highest number of private hospital admissions on record.
Figure from the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) showed there were 223,000 admissions to private hospitals in the third quarter of 2024, up 1 per cent on the previous year. This rise has been driven by a more significant jump in insurance claims, with the number of admissions funded by a private medical insurance policy up 9 per cent year on year — from 151,000 to 158,000. The remainder were self-pay admissions.
Broadstone head of health & protection Brett Hill says: “The private healthcare market is now the go-to option for millions. Whether self-funded or employer-backed, people are choosing faster access to care over waiting in line for NHS treatment.
“The surge in PMI admissions from Q3 2023 highlights the growing importance of private medical insurance in helping businesses provide their workforce with fast and reliable access to healthcare.
“With NHS delays threatening to push millions out of work due to untreated conditions, businesses are increasingly turning to PMI as a proactive solution to safeguard both employee health and productivity.
“The value of preventative healthcare benefits, such as health screenings and early interventions, is clearer than ever. With 80 per cent of PMI policies funded by employers, businesses are not just ensuring their employees receive timely care – they are investing in long-term workforce resilience, avoiding the costly consequences of delayed treatment, and boosting overall productivity.”
He adds: “Even in the face of a higher tax burden from April, we expect demand for private healthcare to keep growing. NHS waiting lists show no real progress in returning to pre-pandemic levels, and businesses will continue turning to the private sector to get employees treated quickly and back to work.”
