In response to the latest Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) quarterly data update, David Furness, director of policy and delivery has commented:

“The latest data shows strong continued demand for private healthcare, with large numbers of patients choosing to use the private sector to access healthcare.  

“Since the pandemic we have seen a significant increase in the numbers of patients choosing private healthcare – paying for this either by their own means, or through insurance.

“It’s notable to see the numbers of insurance-based admissions are still high, which insurers have also been reporting – with corporate insurance demand still strong.

“There’s already been a lot of recent discussion about the cost of inactivity to the economy, it will be interesting to see whether the government takes further steps in the Budget to support and encourage businesses to keep their workforce fit and well.

“Our most recent research showed that a quarter of businesses are already offering Private Medical Insurance to employees, and one in five are planning to introduce it within the next year, so businesses are being proactive in ensuring the well-being of their workforce.

“We know that NHS waiting times are a significant factor in people’s decision to seek private healthcare, and we know that businesses are concerned too about the impact of these long delays on staff absence rates and productivity.”