Rising pressure on the National Health Service (NHS) is driving UK employees to look to their employers for healthcare support, yet demand is outstripping provision, new research shows.

A 2026 survey of 2,002 UK workers commissioned by Westfield Health found that while only 13% currently have private healthcare as a benefit, 22.5% said it was a top desired perk. Four in 10 workers worry they cannot access NHS care, and one in three spent time on NHS waiting lists over the past year.

Mark Hamson, Managing Director of Insurance at Westfield Health, said: “The trend towards private healthcare being the go-to for a larger portion of the working population poses as much challenge as it does opportunity for UK businesses … However, seizing this opportunity must be done with cost in mind.”

Use of private healthcare varies by service, age, gender, and sector. Mental health, dental care, and diagnostics are most commonly used, while younger employees access neurodiversity support more, and men are more likely to use elective surgery and cancer support.

“The data shows demand for private healthcare is only growing. The opportunity in 2026 is helping businesses meet that demand in a way that's sustainable – not just comprehensive on paper, but genuinely used and valued,” Hamson added.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) recently launched a review into the UK’s private dentistry market.