"The increase in searches relating to private healthcare and the cost suggests consumers are becoming more proactive about their healthcare planning."
- Karen Woodley - The Exeter
Google Trends analysis from The Exeter has found that search interest in 'private medical insurance' (PMI) has gone up by 150% over the past year.
During the same period, search interest in 'private health insurance' and 'private healthcare' also rose by 120% and 50%, respectively.
This comes after The Exeter’s Consumer Health and Finance Tracker reported in June that 33% of UK adults are not confident that the NHS could provide them with sufficient care if they became unwell, along with PHIN’s recent findings, revealing that 77% of the public are open to using private healthcare.
The Exeter’s Google Trends analysis also found that searches for the 'cost of private healthcare' have increased by 1,100% year-on-year, while searches for 'private GP cost' rose by 150%. The Exeter recently revealed that over 1 in 10 young adults have taken out loans to pay for private treatment, while 19% of adults used a credit card or personal loan to cover the costs.
Search interest in 'NHS vs private' also rose by 200% year-on-year, while searches for 'NHS waiting times' rose by 10%.
"The NHS continues to provide vital care to millions of people across the UK despite significant demand and ongoing pressures," Karen Woodley, head of healthcare distribution at The Exeter, said. "However, our Health and Finance Tracker suggests many people are conscious of how they would access treatment and support, particularly where waiting times are an ongoing concern.
"The increase in searches relating to private healthcare and the cost suggests consumers are becoming more proactive about their healthcare planning, while keeping an eye on affordability.
"This presents advisers with an opportunity to help their clients understand the role health insurance can play in their wider financial and wellbeing plans. Having cover in place can provide real reassurance and help people feel more in control of their health."
