Growing numbers of people are opting for private healthcare, with official figures indicating approximately 2.7 million individuals in England are currently waiting more than 18 weeks for non-urgent NHS treatments. This has led to an increase in those seeking private options, with 16% of people using the private sector in the past year, a rise from 9% in 2024.
Private medical insurance (PMI) is increasingly popular to cover costs, with a record half a million PMI-funded admissions in the first nine months of 2025 alone. A survey found that 60% of customers sought private medical insurance for shorter waiting times, with 59% waiting up to two weeks for treatment or a procedure.
Access to treatment and greater choice were also significant factors, cited by 42% and 41% of customers respectively as main reasons for purchasing cover. While private healthcare offers faster appointments and a more comfortable experience, the quality of procedures is likely similar to the NHS.