Two thirds of UK workers used private healthcare in 2023 – a rise from over half of the population, a study finds.
This was most prevalent among the younger generation, with four in five (81%) of 18-24 year olds going private over the last 12 months.
With waiting times to see an NHS GP at an all-time high of 7.7million, people are looking outside of the free service for treatment, according to The Exeter.
However, the long waiting times, coupled with cost-of-living crisis, contributed to three quarters of 19-34 year olds having their mental health negatively impacted.
The patience of adults waiting for the NHS to access care has also waned over the year – more than half of (54%) said they are unwilling to wait three months or longer for a NHS appointment. Just under a fifth (18%) would not be willing to wait more than 30 days.
Despite the surge in workers opting for private healthcare, due to hefty household bills, rising living costs and food inflation, many are unable to look for NHS-alternatives. Over a fifth (21%) of the 2,000 workers surveyed are worried about not being able to afford private healthcare in 2023 – a rise from 17% last year.
The insurance company’s study took a snapshot of how workers are feeling about accessing their GP
Medical cover seen as a necessity
Gareth Tunstill, private medical specialist at First Choice Health & Protection, said: “We’re seeing a lot of concerns from clients at the moment around their health, particularly as the shadow of Covid lingers and the NHS faces backlogs. It’s unsurprising to see that more UK workers are worried this year about being able to afford private alternatives – medical cover is increasingly being seen as a necessity, not a luxury.
“No one should feel locked out of private healthcare if they need it. Insurance can be made more affordable through guided options, reduced hospital lists or higher excesses. If people are concerned about health care, or even seeing their mental health deteriorate, they should be confident that private alternatives can and will meet their needs.”
