By Clare Yates
5 min read
Almost half of UK adults have taken at least four weeks off work during their careers due to illness, injury or mental health challenges, according to new research from health and life insurer The Exeter. It highlights the growing impact of ill health on working lives, the importance of timely access to healthcare, and the need for a better understanding of health insurance options.
The insurer’s survey of 2,000 UK adults found that 44% have experienced an extended period of work absence, often with knock-on effects on income and mental wellbeing.
Men were more likely than women to report taking extended time off, with 49% of men having done so compared with 39% of women. Recent absences were also more common among men, with 18% saying they had taken extended leave within the past year, versus 9% of women.
Younger adults appear to be particularly affected. The research found that 62% of those aged 25–34 have taken extended time off work at some point, making this the age group in the study most likely to report prolonged absence due to health issues.
Additional insight from IFA Magazine, based on the same research, shows that almost 40% of UK adults surveyed report living with an ongoing medical condition – which may help explain why extended absences are so common.
Employer size and location also appeared to play a role. Employees working for medium-sized and large organisations in the survey were more likely to have taken extended leave than small business owners. Regional differences were also clear in the data, with half of respondents living in Greater London reporting extended time off work, compared with lower proportions in regions such as the West Midlands and Wales.
Around 44% of self-employed people in the research say they live with a long-term health condition. Without sick pay or other employer benefits, they may have fewer safety nets and could end up relying more on personal protection.
Delays in accessing care may be adding to the disruption. Nearly three in ten respondents (28%) said they had cancelled or postponed plans because of delays in accessing NHS services.
Commenting on the findings, Dawn Prescott, head of healthcare proposition at The Exeter, said: “Extended absences and cancelled plans show how ill health affects not just financial security, but people’s mental wellbeing too.”
Accessing care more quickly
While the NHS continues to play a vital role in providing care, the findings highlight how delays in accessing treatment and ongoing health conditions can contribute to prolonged time away from work for some people.
Health insurance can help people get seen faster, access tests and treatments that may not always be available on the NHS, and begin treatment sooner. By supporting access to private treatment, health insurance may also help ease pressure on NHS services, allowing public resources to be focused where they are needed most.
Jack Southcott, head of protection distribution at The Exeter, said clearer conversations are needed to help people understand their options:
“Almost 40% of UK adults live with an ongoing medical condition, yet many still feel unsure about whether protection is available to them. Clearer conversations about what’s genuinely possible, especially for those living with long-term conditions, can make a huge difference. When clients understand they’re not automatically excluded, they’re far more likely to take that next step towards getting the cover they need.”
According to the insurer, those new to health insurance can get cover fast by using standard moratorium underwriting. That means if you ever make a claim, your insurer can check your medical records to confirm the condition wasn’t pre-existing. Most conditions are typically excluded until you’ve been completely symptom-free for two years, so if you’ve had a health issue in the past, you could still get cover after that period.
Looking ahead
The findings show just how common extended sick leave is across the UK workforce and how much ill health can disrupt work, income and daily life. Younger adults, men, and those in larger organisations are most affected, and ongoing medical conditions impact millions, highlighting the importance of timely access to care.
Health insurance isn’t just about future protection – it can provide faster access to consultations, tests, and treatments, helping people recover sooner while also easing pressure on NHS services. For those with long-term conditions, standard moratorium underwriting can make cover available once they’ve been symptom-free for a couple of years.
Workers can arrange their own individual health insurance, or check whether their company offers a group health insurance scheme or other business health benefits, which can sometimes be more cost-effective than a personal policy.
As Jack Southcott from The Exeter notes, understanding what’s genuinely possible can make a big difference, helping people take the next step toward the protection and support they need. In a world where extended absences from work are increasingly common, clear options for timely care and financial protection can be a real lifeline.
