Many struggle to access NHS treatment and GP support

According to the ONS figures covering November to December 2025, around 16% of people on an NHS hospital waiting list in England had been waiting more than 12 months for treatment.

Nearly half (46%) of those waiting rated their overall experience of waiting as poor, and 30% said the administration of their care was poor.

At GP surgeries, the data shows that almost 1-in-4 people who tried to contact their surgery were unable to get through on the same day. Of those offered an appointment, 36% turned it down because there was no slot available within two weeks.

These access issues come against a backdrop of continued pressure on the NHS. According to the Sun, recent reports reveal that over half a million A&E patients experienced 12-hour waits to be admitted to a hospital bed in 2025, a record high.

This is just the second time the total has exceeded 500,000, following 518,237 in 2024, and represents a more than 50-fold increase compared with 8,300 in 2019. Nurses have described extended waits and care on hospital corridors as “a type of torture” for patients.

How healthcare access is affecting the workforce

Brett Hill, head of health and protection at independent financial consultancy Broadstone, said the figures illustrate how health service pressures are spilling over into other areas of public and economic life.

He pointed to 2.81 million people reported economically inactive due to long-term sickness between August and October 2025, almost one million more than in 2019. Hill said this highlights a growing link between healthcare access and labour market participation.

“Employers are stepping in to protect both their people and productivity,” he added, explaining that offering private medical insurance and health cash plans may allow employees to get treatment sooner, reduce the risk of conditions worsening, and help them return to work more quickly.

What this means for patients and how private cover fits

While NHS efforts to reduce waiting times continue, delays and limited GP availability remain a challenge for non-urgent care. Private health insurance for individuals or family policies can provide access to specialists, diagnostic tests and treatment without waiting for NHS appointments, offering an alternative route offering peace of mind for those who have cover in place.

Private medical insurance does not replace the NHS, which remains free at the point of use for emergencies and core services. However, for those facing long waits for routine procedures or specialist consultations, having a private policy in place can often mean earlier assessment and treatment. This can be particularly useful for conditions where timely intervention can make a significant difference to recovery and quality of life.

Some policies and their add-ons can even help cover everyday health costs such as dental check-ups, physiotherapy and optical care – services that might otherwise add to the strain while waiting for NHS appointments.