Fiona Harris of Bupa says: "The latest ABI figures reflect our own experience - growth in the number of people with private medical insurance cover for the second year running, despite the current economic downturn."
Whilst the NHS has recently met its 18-week waiting time target, a Bupa survey shows that more than eight out of 10 Britons feel this is still too long to wait for treatment and be left in pain, worrying about their health and watching their condition deteriorate further.
Bupa research also shows that more people are buying PMI because of fears about superbugs, such as MRSA and C.difficile and general hospital cleanliness.
Top ten reasons for taking out PMI:
|
1. Clean hospitals
|
73%
|
|
2. Faster access to specialists
|
62%
|
|
3. No waiting lists/less pain
|
61%
|
|
4. No waiting lists/faster recovery
|
61%
|
|
5. Able to see same consultant
|
59%
|
|
6. Better quality treatment/advice
|
59%
|
|
7. Able to choose location to suit me
|
54%
|
|
8. See specialist at time to suit me
|
52%
|
|
9. No waiting lists/faster return to work
|
50%
|
|
10. Hospital more comfortable
|
50%
|
Private health insurance: News update: 28/04/2009
