Employer-sponsored private medical insurance coverage hit an all-time high in 2024, with 4.8m employees now covered by workplace schemes, according to figures from the Association of British Insurers.
This marks the second consecutive year that employer-provided PMI coverage has reached an all-time high, underlining the continued growth of workplace health benefits.
The data shows insurers processed a record £2.6bn in claims from workplace PMI schemes during the year, a 16 per cent increase on 2023. This represents a sharper rise than both the number and value of claims made by individuals holding standalone PMI policies.
Across both workplace and individual policies, health insurers paid out £4bn in PMI claims in 2024, up 13 per cent year-on-year. The ABI says this equates to almost £11m being paid out every day.
The total number of people claiming on PMI policies reached 1.8 million in 2024, a 10 per cent increase on the previous year. The ABI says these are the highest figures recorded in the 30 years it has been collecting the data, with workplace schemes continuing to be the main driver of growth.
The trade body says the figures highlight the value employees place on employer-provided health insurance, particularly in supporting access to timely diagnosis and treatment.
The ABI adds that it continues to work closely with the Keep Britain Working review team following the publication of its final report in November 2025, and remains committed to demonstrating the role employers and health and protection insurers can play in keeping people well, in work, and supporting returns after ill health.
As a Vanguard Phase employer participating in the review, the ABI says it will also support government initiatives aimed at developing a healthy working lifecycle, creating a Workplace Health Provision service and establishing certified standards to support employee health.
Rebecca Ward, head of health and protection policy at the ABI, says: “Another record-breaking year for coverage, claims and payouts underscores the vital role insurers play in maintaining a healthy UK population.
“As a complement to the life-saving work of the NHS, health insurance continues to help individuals and their families access timely testing, treatment and care when it matters most.
“Our figures specifically highlight the value of workplace health insurance schemes in supporting employees to stay well and in work – a key aim of Sir Charlie Mayfield’s Keep Britain Working review. Since the review launched, we have been working with members, government and Sir Charlie’s team to outline how employers and insurers can help reduce health-related economic inactivity and support a healthier, more productive workforce. We look forward to continuing this work in 2026.”