New research shows “going private” is becoming the new normal

New research out today shows the majority of the public would consider using private healthcare, as paying for treatment becomes the “new normal”.

The Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN)’s Going Private 2024 report – which takes a comprehensive look at public attitudes and behaviours around private healthcare – found that almost seven in ten of people (67%) say that they would consider using private healthcare, with over one third (34%) saying they would pay for treatment in the next 12 months if they needed it. This rises to almost half (44%) of 25-34-year-olds who expect to use private healthcare in the coming year.

Paying for treatment is becoming increasingly normalised with almost one third (32%) of people surveyed stating they had previously used private healthcare. Unsurprisingly given that NHS waiting lists are at record levels, speedier access to care is the top reason for people choosing to use private healthcare, with over half (54%) of all 18 to 24-year-olds who have used private healthcare previously having done so to access a private GP appointments. Of the general public that have used private healthcare previously, over two in five (42%) went straight to pay for care rather than trying the NHS first.

The research also found that there’s been a significant rise in the proportion of people using private medical insurance (PMI). Of those that have used private healthcare, six in ten (58%) said they paid through PMI compared with under half (49%) in 2023. Indeed, having insurance was a key reason cited for using private healthcare with one in five people (20%) saying that they used private healthcare because they have private health insurance, either paid for themselves or through their work. Perhaps not surprisingly, 55% of respondents indicated that they would be somewhat or much more likely to apply for a job if it came with Private Medical Insurance.

Regardless of whether they used insurance or self-pay, the vast majority (88%) of people who have used private healthcare considered it worth the expense.

David Hare, Chief Executive of the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN), said:

“IHPN’s second annual “Going Private” survey – which takes a definitive look at public attitudes to private healthcare – once again shows a growing willingness for people across the UK to pay for treatment.

“Indeed, the vast majority of people – seven in ten – would consider using private healthcare in the future, with almost half of young people alone saying they would be likely to pay for treatment in the next 12 months.

“Perhaps unsurprisingly with NHS waiting lists still at record levels, speed of access to care is the top reason cited for choosing to “go private”, with the overwhelming majority of people who have used private healthcare considering it worth the expense – reflecting not only the excellent quality of service and quality of care which the sector provides, but also of the growing value that people are placing on their health and wellbeing.” 

“The research also indicates that the way people are paying for care is changing, with a significant rise in the proportion of people using private medical insurance, with over half of people saying they would be more likely to apply for a job if it offered this benefit – showing there is a clear role that employers could play in making it easier for people to access the healthcare they need.”

Vincent Buscemi, Head of Independent Health and Care at Bevan Brittan, who supported the project, said:

“We are pleased to sponsor IHPN’s Going Private research for a second year and proud to be able to support valuable new insights into young people’s perceptions and interactions with the independent health sector.”