Nearly half (49%) of UK adults aged 35 to 44 expect to pay for healthcare treatment in the next 12 months, according to new research from the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN) – a 10-percentage point increase on last year.

The report, Going Private 2025, suggests that private healthcare is becoming more commonplace across UK society, with 71% of respondents saying they would consider paying for treatment. This represents a rise of almost 10% over the past two years.

The research, based on a survey of 2,011 adults by polling agency Public First, highlighted demographic and regional variations. Four in 10 respondents aged 18–24 expected to use private healthcare in the coming year, compared with around one in three of those aged 45–64. Regionally, willingness ranged from 64% in Yorkshire and Humberside to 76% in the West Midlands.

The study also reported increasing openness across socio-economic groups, with seven in 10 skilled manual workers and six in 10 unskilled manual workers saying they would consider going private – up 6% and 10% respectively in two years.

Drivers behind the trend

Difficulty accessing NHS services remains a significant factor, cited by almost half of those who had paid for treatment. One in four pointed to having private medical insurance (PMI), while the same proportion cited the desire for more personalised care.

Employer-provided healthcare is emerging as another influence. Almost two-thirds (62%) of respondents said all workplaces should offer private healthcare, with younger adults particularly likely to value PMI as a job benefit.

Industry perspective

David Hare, Chief Executive of IHPN, said: “Our latest survey shows a growing openness among all parts of society to using private healthcare, with working-aged adults viewing it as particularly vital in accessing speedy and high-quality care.”

Patrick Parkin, Head of Health, Care and Life Sciences at Burges Salmon, added: “This year’s report paints a positive picture for the sector, but there is an ongoing need to help people understand how to access private healthcare.”

The findings come amid continuing pressures on the NHS, raising questions over whether increasing reliance on private provision signals a structural shift in UK healthcare expectations.

Allianz Partners recently expanded its IPMI and employee benefits into Kuwait via Warba Insurance.