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By the end of 2024, around 7.46 million people were on an NHS waiting list, with 6.24 million still waiting for treatment, according to a recent NHS report.
While this marks a slight decrease from previous months, long wait times continue to drive more people towards private medical insurance (PMI).
If you're considering PMI, it’s worth knowing more about what it actually covers.
Choose life insurance, health insurance, income protection and/or critical illness cover via LifeSearch and get a £50 John Lewis gift card.
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Private health insurance often includes mental health support.
As a health insurance customer, you may be entitled to access help from trained mental health nurses 24/7. Many providers now offer talking therapies as part of their basic plans. This could take place via video or telephone consultation with a qualified specialist.
For more extensive coverage, you may need to buy additional mental health cover. This provides outpatient access to psychiatrists and other mental health professionals without needing a GP referral. This could be especially useful given the long NHS waiting times.
When life is difficult, Samaritans are available day or night, 365 days a year. You can call for free on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.
Another useful feature covered by private medical insurance is home blood testing kits.
These kits let you monitor important health markers, such as blood sugar, cholesterol, liver function, thyroid, and glucose levels, from the convenience of your home.
Early detection of problems can be life-changing and home testing may help you stay on top of your health and catch issues (though they are best used in partnership with your health provider - see our guide to self-test kits for more).
Be warned, taking your own blood sample is not for the squeamish. Many providers also offer in-person health assessments if you would rather have professional help.
Read more about blood tests and private health insurance.
Many private medical insurance plans now include access to virtual GPs or digital GP services.
This means you can book phone or video consultations around the clock with GPs through an app or online. This service usually provides medical advice, prescriptions and referrals.
The convenience of getting medical care from home is a big plus for busy people and those who can't leave their homes.
Physiotherapy is important for recovering from injuries and maintaining physical health.
Many private medical insurance plans cover physiotherapy sessions, either virtually or face-to-face. Access to professional physiotherapy without extra costs can help you recover faster and stay healthy.
Two-thirds of women aged 40 to 60 in employment with experience of menopausal symptoms say they have had a mostly negative effect on them at work, according to a report by CIPD in 2023.
To address this, some health insurance policies offer personalised menopause support, including one-on-one messaging and video consultations with menopause practitioners.
This support can help women to manage symptoms and improve their quality of life during this challenging time.
Private health insurance often includes extra perks aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Insurers often offer discounted gym memberships, as well as discounts on coffee, clothing, travel, cinema tickets and more. These benefits can make it easier and more affordable to stay healthy.
To find out more, check out our story on Private medical insurance perks: what's on offer, and are they worth it?
Choose life insurance, health insurance, income protection and/or critical illness cover via LifeSearch and get a £50 John Lewis gift card.
Get a quotePolicy must be active for 90 days before gift card is issued. T&Cs apply.
While PMI isn't essential, it can be valuable if you want quicker treatment and can afford it.
It can cover treatments not available on the NHS but usually excludes chronic or pre-existing conditions, pregnancy and cosmetic surgery.
If you're not sure about taking out PMI, there is also the option to self-pay for specific treatments. For more information, visit our page on Is private health insurance worth it?
