Superbug fear drives insurance demand
Fears over superbugs such as MRSA are driving demand for private medical insurance (PMI), according to Bupa.
In a survey for the private healthcare provider, hospital cleanliness topped a poll of concerns, with almost three quarters (73 per cent) of those surveyed citing clean hospitals as a key reason for buying PMI - up eight percent on 2007.
The study coincides with other research from Laing & Buisson showing the demand for PMI has grown for the second successive year.
In April 2008, the Association of British Insurers revealed that more than seven million people now have some form of private health cover.
In addition, the survey highlights that over a third (36 percent) of respondents said if they needed an operation in future, they would consider paying for it in a private hospital.
Stephen Flanagan, commercial director of Bupa UK membership, said: "It's good to see that more people are seeing the benefits that PMI offers, with access to drugs and treatments not widely available on the NHS becoming increasingly important."
Speed was also a high priority on the list, with 62 per cent citing faster access to specialists as a reason for buying private healthcare.
No waiting lists was also important, with 61 per cent of respondents saying this was the most important reason for insurance.
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