Private hospital admissions in the UK have reached an all-time high, however fewer patients are resorting to their savings or loans to cover the costs.

In 2024, a total of 939,000 individuals opted for private healthcare across the UK, according to recent data. This figure represents a 3% increase from 2023, as reported by the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN).

London experienced one of the most significant surges, with the East of England being the only region where numbers declined. Scotland saw a 6% rise, amounting to 50,000 private hospital admissions in 2024.

Wales also witnessed a similar increase of 6%, with 32,000 admissions, while Northern Ireland experienced a substantial 12% hike, reaching 24,000.

The number of admissions funded by private medical insurance is on the rise, whereas fewer patients are self-funding through savings, loans or fundraising.

Several companies within certain sectors are now offering private healthcare coverage as part of their incentive packages.

PHIN, a government-backed independent organisation, provides patients with information about the costs of private healthcare and guides them towards the best and most cost-effective treatment options.

“The most valuable thing to patients is having their procedures done in a timely fashion,” said Dr Ian Gargan, Chief Executive of PHIN. “When they need them and done by the best person who they know has the best quality outcomes.”

When questioned about the costs, Dr Gargan stated: “It’s getting more competitive.”

“It’s crossed a million now, people having interventions in private healthcare every year. So that’s steadily grown over the last three or four years. 

“The prices are pretty stable. And if anything, they’re probably more competitive and going down because of the demand.”

Procedures such as colonoscopies and gastroscopies have seen an increase. Cataract surgeries, hip and knee operations are also common for those aged over 50. Meanwhile, younger generations are utilising it for blood tests and x-rays.

Richard Wells, PHIN’s Director of Information, commented: “There is no doubt that the private sector continued to make a significant contribution to the UK’s healthcare in 2024.”

“Every country saw record figures for several measures, including total admissions, insured admissions, and number of active consultants.

“And it was sustained growth; every quarter in 2024 had a record number of admissions compared to the equivalent period in previous years.”

He added: “Private hospital admissions are also becoming more universal. People in their 50s remain the biggest users of private healthcare, but there was an increase in admissions for all age groups from 0 to 69.

“With the recent news that NHS waiting lists have increased in March 2025, it’s likely that PHIN will continue to report record levels of private hospital admissions.

“Our research shows that people often aren’t familiar with the private sector and anyone considering private treatment, or being given the choice to go to a private hospital by the NHS, should visit our free to use, unbiased website – www.phin.org.uk.

“To find out more about how the private sector works, and the hospitals and consultants across the UK who can help them.”