NHS threatens private healthcare insurance

by Brian Turner

Story link: NHS threatens private healthcare insurance

A report released by independent healthcare analysts Laing and Buisson has claimed that changes to the National Health System is a threat to the private healthcare sector in the UK.

While the report found that the number of individuals holding private health insurance had increased slightly in 2004, it also said that innovations by the NHS promising shorter waits and more choice in healthcare could reduce the demand for private care.

The report does acknowledge, however, that the shorter waits for a visit to a private physician would remain attractive enough to some patients that the private healthcare sector would remain healthy. An expert from the independent think-tank, the King’s Fund, reiterated that assessment.

Meanwhile, the chief executive of Standard Life Healthcare, who is also the chairman of the Association of British Insurers’ Private Medical Insurance Committee, said that there is room for both improvements in the NHS and for innovations in the private healthcare sector.