More opt for private medical insurance
Published On 23 April 2008
More and more people are opting for private medical insurance, a new study has shown.Data released by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) showed that 6,004,000 people had either personal or corporate private medical insurance in 2007. Another 1,136,000 were covered through Healthcare Trust arrangements.
The ABI said that it was the first time in five years that more than six million people opted for private medical cover.
"It's good news that the popularity of private medical insurance continues to grow," commented Nick Starling, the ABI's director of general insurance and health.
"Health insurance gives people access to the treatment they need, when they need it, offers greater privacy and better facilities, and reduces pressure on the NHS. And it enables employees to get back to work after illness or injury much more quickly than they otherwise would.
"This is good for companies and the economy, and is reflected in the rise in the number of people covered by corporate policies."
Fergus Kee, managing director of Bupa UK health insurance, commented on the figures: "The ABI figures reflect our own experience. Bupa saw good overall growth in both individual and corporate PMI in 2007 and the demand for private healthcare has continued into this year, despite the current economic downturn."
