Almost a million Brits have used private healthcare amid NHS delays, data shows
Record numbers of Brits are choosing private healthcare over NHS waits, with fresh figures showing a shift due to NHS delays. The NHS waiting lists saw an uptick in March this year, and despite some feeling as if they're turning their backs on the cherished NHS, the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) reported that a staggering 939,000 people opted for private treatment last year, marking a 3% rise from 2023.
Now, less patients are paying for it themselves via savings, loans or fund-raising. Instead, many are turning to private medical insurance as a means to cover their costs, with many companies offering private healthcare cover as employee incentives.
PHIN's Chief Executive, Dr Ian Gargan, an advocate for transparent private healthcare costs, highlighted the inner conflict for some patients considering private options. There's a sense of unease and perceived disloyalty towards the National Health Service.
He said: "The NHS is a very unique, amazing organisation. It's very much in the psyche and entrenched in individuals in this country, rightfully, that they're afforded free accessible healthcare because they pay their taxes."
He added: "I think there's a real sense that people are reluctant to leave the NHS, they respect it and it's a shrine and they know that it's full of great people who work really hard. I've met a lot of patients who think if they go and access private healthcare, it's almost a betrayal of the NHS."
London has emerged as one of the biggest hotspots for Brits turning to the private health sector. The East of England was the only region where the numbers dipped.
In Scotland, there was a 6% increase up to 50,000 private hospital admissions in 2024. Wales saw the same 6% increase, with 32,000, and a 12% surge in Northern Ireland to 24,000.
Procedures like colonoscopies and gastroscopies have seen a rise. Cataracts, hip and knee operations are popular with those aged over 50. However, younger generations are using it for blood tests and x-rays.
Richard Wells, PHIN's Director of Information, said: "There is no doubt that the private sector continued to make a significant contribution to the UK's healthcare in 2024.
"Every country saw record figures for several measures, including total admissions, insured admissions, and number of active consultants. And it was sustained growth; every quarter in 2024 had a record number of admissions compared to the equivalent period in previous years.
"Private hospital admissions are also becoming more universal. People in their 50s remain the biggest users of private healthcare, but there was an increase in admissions for all age groups from 0 to 69.
"With the recent news that NHS waiting lists have increased in March 2025, it's likely that PHIN will continue to report record levels of private hospital admissions."
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