BUPA response to Laing and Buisson PMI market data

Fergus Kee, managing director of BUPA UK Health Insurance, said: “Laing and Buisson’s confirmation of the rise in demand for pmi confirms the continued relevance and importance of private healthcare. We have seen strong growth, particularly in the number of individuals buying PMI, either for the first time or transferring from other providers. Their reasons for purchase are reflected in our research which 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 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%