Number of Brits with private medical insurance soars amid NHS crisis

The proportion of Britons with medical insurance has surged to a near-record level, as NHS delays prompt more individuals to seek private care.

LaingBuisson's latest data reveals that by the end of 2023, the number of people holding private medical insurance peaked at 4.68 million, as reported by City AM.

However, when considering policy coverage for partners and children, around 8 million UK residents have access to private healthcare through insurance.

This equates to 11.8% of the UK population now being insured medically, the highest rate since it reached 12.3% in 2008.

The figure had previously declined following the financial cri