Private Medical Insurance gaining popularity

Despite Tony Blair’s claims this week at King’s Fund event to launch four reports into the health service, that there have been “real and transformative reductions” in NHS waiting lists since 1997, more people are turning to the private sector, according to research by the Association of British Insurers (ABI).

ABI figures show, that for the first time in many years, the number of subscribers to Private Medical Insurance has grown year on year.

In 2006, 1,030,000 people has private medical insurance polices, and increase of 1.8% from 2005’s figure of 1,012,000.

“Private Medical Insurance offers people greater choice of treatment and other services for a wide range of medical conditions and injuries,” said Nick Starling, Director of General Insurance and Health at ABI.

“It also takes pressure off the NHS, so by buying PMI, people are effectively reducing the burden on Britain’s hard-pressed health service.

“It is encouraging that more individuals are choosing to buy Private Medical Insurance for themselves and their families.

Private Medical Insurance bought by companies on behalf of their employees has continued to increase in popularity too, helping to ensure that people can get back to work sooner after illness or injury.”
by:www.fairinvestment.co.uk