Standard Life Healthcare believes that unclean hospitals and long waiting lists are proving to be the main reason for private medical insurance sales.
In their annual Attitudes to Healthcare survey, 80% admitted that cleaner hospitals provided by private medical insurance was an important benefit. Eighty per cent also said that not having to wait on NHS waiting lists was a major factor in purchasing the insurance. Only 20% of those polled said that it was reasonable to wait around 6 months for treatment for conditions such as a hernia or a bad back, and 70% said that it was unreasonable to wait more than 3 months for non-emergency treatment.
Most of those polled in the survey underestimated the cost of medical treatments. Sixty one per cent underestimated the £14,500 cost of a coronary artery bypass, and only 10% knew that a knee replacement cost around £9,500.
Our view
Those that can afford it will always seek private cover although this in no ways means it is better - the NHS, despite it problems in certain areas, does a fantastic job.
If you would like a quotation for Private Medical Insurance contact us.