By Clare Yates
4 min read
Private healthcare in the UK is reaching record levels, with close to 950,000 procedures and treatments carried out last year, according to the Private Healthcare Information Network.
Polling of roughly 2,600 adults in England shows that private care is being used more than ever: 16% reported accessing it in the past year, up from 9% two years ago. Among these patients, 40% said lengthy NHS waiting times were a key factor in their decision.
Rising demand mirrors NHS pressures
According to the BBC, across England, around four in ten patients are currently waiting longer than the NHS target of 18 weeks for hospital treatment. While some backlogs have started to improve, millions still face long waits for scheduled and emergency care. It’s a challenge that’s helping to drive record demand for private options.
Income also plays a role in private healthcare access. More than a third of adults earning over £80,000 a year reported using private healthcare in the past 12 months, compared with just 10% of those earning under £20,000. Healthwatch warns this could mean timely treatment is increasingly linked to ability to pay.
Insurance claims reach new highs
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) reports that medical claims processed through private health insurance hit a record £4bn in 2024, up 13% from £3.5bn in 2023, or 9.1% after adjusting for inflation.
Even after inflation, claims were 12% higher than in 2023 and 32% higher than in 2019.
The number of people covered by health insurance is also growing. The ABI notes that 6.5 million people were covered in 2024, up 4% from the previous year. The proportion of people making claims rose to 28.1%, compared with 26.6% in 2023 and 22.9% in 2019.
Private care in Wales hits a milestone
Record usage isn’t just in England. Latest data from the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) shows private hospitals in Wales reported 7,955 admissions in the third quarter of 2025, the highest number ever recorded for that period and a 1% increase on the same quarter in 2024.
Self-pay remains the dominant payment method, with 4,460 admissions paid for directly by patients. However, admissions funded through private medical insurance also rose, reaching 3,495 – a 2% increase on the previous year.
Older patients are driving much of this growth:
The 70-79 age group accounted for 1,940 admissions, the most of any bracket.
Admissions among 60-69-year-olds increased to 1,450.
Cataract treatment was the most common reason for admission, with 2,340 procedures carried out, up 2% on the previous year.
PHIN’s Director of Technology and Insights, Richard Wells, said: “Our latest data shows that in Wales, there seems to be an increasing appetite or need to use the private healthcare sector, especially among older patients. Although quarter 3 is normally the lowest period of the year, 2025 saw the highest number of admissions we’ve ever seen for this quarter.”
Patients taking control of their care
A growing pattern is emerging where patients book scans or tests privately and then return to the NHS with results, aiming to speed up their diagnosis and treatment.
Healthwatch emphasises that reducing waiting lists must remain a priority. It explained that clearer communication from the NHS about likely timelines, along with guidance on managing symptoms, could help patients feel more supported while they wait.
The government has responded to the findings from Private Healthcare Information Network, reinforcing its commitment to improve NHS performance and tackle delays that are prompting patients to seek care privately.
What this means for patients
For UK patients, the rise in private healthcare reflects both growing demand and the flexibility it can offer. Whether through insurance or self-pay, private care can help people access treatment faster and take greater control of their healthcare journey.
With NHS pressures ongoing, private healthcare is becoming an increasingly important option for patients across the UK, particularly older adults and those who can afford to pay for faster access.
