Private Health Insurance Market Surges Amid NHS Challenges
In the face of NHS waiting lists and a growing perception of healthcare as a consumer product, the private health insurance market in the UK has seen a significant surge. Research conducted by LaingBuisson reveals that the market grew by £385 million in a year, reaching a total of £6.7 billion in 2022.
The demand for private treatment has escalated as NHS waiting lists continue to pose challenges. With waiting lists peaking at nearly 7.8 million in September and remaining at 7.5 million in February in England alone, individuals are increasingly seeking alternatives to secure timely medical attention.
Private medical insurance, the largest segment of the health cover market, expanded by 6% to £5.3 billion in 2022, outpacing historical norms with a tripling of the average annual growth rate. This growth has been particularly notable in company-backed schemes, indicating a heightened awareness of the impact of employee ill-health on business operations.
Tim Read, the author of the LaingBuisson report, emphasises the link between rising demand and the NHS crisis: “Demand began to increase in 2018, as the NHS waiting list began to rise out of control.” He further notes, “With people still struggling to access NHS services and the waiting list remaining stubbornly high, there is little likelihood that demand for health insurance is going to fall any time soon.”
The report also highlights a notable trend in dental insurance, with demand rising significantly alongside a surge in capitation plans. This growth, up by 9.7% in 2022, comes against a backdrop of emerging “dental deserts,” where severe tooth decay cases are on the rise, underscoring the importance of dental coverage.
Despite the benefits of private health insurance, the average premium rose to £1,225 in 2022, reflecting a more than 10% increase by insurers. This hike is attributed to a rise in claims and higher medical costs, signaling the challenges faced by both consumers and providers in balancing affordability with comprehensive coverage.
Key players in the UK health insurance market include Bupa, Axa Health, Aviva, and Vitality Health, while dental insurance is dominated by Bupa, Simply Health, and Unum. As perceptions shift towards viewing healthcare as a consumer product rather than a taxpayer entitlement, the landscape of health insurance is likely to continue evolving.
HLTH Group supports regulated healthcare services, both NHS and private providers, in navigating the regulatory framework while ensuring long-term compliance and patient safety. As more new providers enter the marketplace, the necessity for robust compliance systems and expert guidance will be increasingly important – while the protection of patient safety standards will remain paramount.
The growth of the private health insurance market amidst the NHS crisis underscores the importance of accessible and timely healthcare solutions. As individuals increasingly recognise the value of securing additional healthcare entitlements, the demand for private insurance is poised to continue growing for the foreseeable future.