Private medical insurance demand rises
Demand for private medical insurance (PMI) has increased despite the bite of the recession.
Data from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) show 6.2 million people were covered by either personal or corporate PMI, with a further 1.1 million covered through Healthcare Trust arrangements.
This represents a 2.7 per cent rise in the number of people covered.
Nick Starling, ABI director of general insurance and health, said: "The continued rise in the number of people covered by PMI is good news.
"PMI is good for companies and the economy because it enables employees to get back to work after illness or injury as quickly as possible. This is why there has been a continued rise in the number of people covered by corporate policies."
Research by Bupa finds people are turning to private health care because of demand for cleaner, quicker access to specialists and lower waiting times.
"In today's instant-access society, where you can order your shopping online with same day delivery, waiting 18 weeks - or almost four-and-a-half months - for treatment is just too long," said Fiona Harris, director of Bupa UK Health Insurance.
She added despite the recession, Bupa customers put medical insurance more essential and not worth cutting back on than holidays or eating out.
Ms Harris also called on the government to change the way workplace health benefits are taxed so firms can further promote the health of their workforce.
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