F E A T U R E
Is the use of privately funded healthcare on the rise ?
Despite concerns , the shift towards private healthcare is modest . A 2024 analysis by The Health Foundation shows only about 25 % of UK adults consider paying for private healthcare , stable since 2021 . While privately funded elective procedures increased slightly from 7.4 % to 8.3 %, privately funded care remains a small portion of total activity .
Certain medical procedures have seen significant private sector growth . Hip replacements , for instance , witnessed a near doubling in privately funded surgeries – from around 17,000 in 2019 to nearly 30,000 in 2022 . However , most hip replacements are still funded by the NHS , accounting for 74 % in 2022 compared to 85 % in 2019 .
The rising influence of insurance companies
While the NHS continues to hold a central position in UK healthcare , insurance companies are increasingly contributing to the ecosystem by supporting innovations in data and analytics . Rather than driving a significant shift toward private healthcare , these insurers are collaborating with public and private healthcare providers to enhance service delivery through technology .
Insurance companies invest in data analytics to understand health trends and develop personalised products . For example , a report by the Association of British Insurers ( ABI ) highlighted the increased use of health and protection services in 2022 , showing a marked rise in the adoption of personalised insurance products and wellness programmes . Insurers promote the use of granular health data ( with appropriate privacy safeguards ), to develop more personalised insurance products and wellness programmes that encourage preventive care . Such efforts help insurers manage risk more effectively and support the broader healthcare system ’ s goals of improving patient outcomes and operational efficiency .
Their collaborative efforts help integrate data-driven solutions across healthcare providers , fostering an environment where innovation thrives . By working together with the NHS , insurance companies contribute to a more cohesive and efficient healthcare system . The collaboration benefits patients through improved services and potentially
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