BUPA: Popularity of Private Medical Insurance

Fergus Kee, managing director of BUPA UK Health Insurance, said: “The ABI’s figures confirm the continued relevance and importance of private healthcare. Our research shows that for 65 percent of Britons, access to clean hospitals is the most important reason for taking out PMI. MRSA and general hospital hygiene are clearly top concerns for people. The other top reasons people gave include no waiting, speed of access to specialists and the ability to see the same consultant throughout their treatment.

“And almost three quarters (74%) of people with PMI would recommend it to their family and friends. People also tell us that they value the fact that PMI gives them access to drugs and treatments not widely available on the NHS. These include some of the new cancer ‘wonder drugs’ such as Herceptin, Avastin and Erbitux.

“We have seen strong growth in both individual and corporate PMI. We look after the health and wellbeing of employees working in 80 percent of FTSE 100 companies. More and more businesses are recognising the importance of providing health and wellbeing services to their staff and see it as an investment, not a cost.”

Top ten reasons for taking out PMI

Clean hospitals 65%
No waiting lists/less pain 60%
No waiting lists/faster recovery 59%
Faster access to specialists 58%
Able to see same consultant 55%
Better quality treatment/advice 54%
See specialist at time to suit me 49%
Able to choose location to suit me 48%
No waiting lists/faster return to work 47%
Hospital more comfortable 43%