BUPA: rise in Private Medical Insurance coverage

Fergus Kee, managing director of Bupa UK Health Insurance, said: "The ABI figures reflect our own experience. Bupa saw good overall growth in both individual and corporate PMI in 2007 and the demand for private healthcare has continued into this year, despite the current economic downturn. In the first three months of the year, individual PMI sales were up by 20 percent on the same period last year.

"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 percent) 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.

"PMI is also high on the corporate agenda thanks to numerous government initiatives aimed at encouraging employers to take more responsibility for their employees' health and wellbeing needs. PMI now comes second only to a pension as a desirable employee benefit, according to Bupa's research.

"We currently look after the health and wellbeing of 88 percent of FTSE 100 companies. Investing in corporate healthcare offers a triple win: better health for the individual; better productivity for the employer; and increased profitability for UK plc.

"However, feedback suggests that the current tax treatment of workplace health benefits is an obstacle which, if removed, would allow more companies to play their part in keeping Britain healthy. Our own research of corporate clients shows that nine out of ten employers want to see support from the Government. Over half would invest more in employee health and wellbeing if fiscal incentives were removed."