The number of people with Private Medical Insurance (PMI) increased in 2008, according to figures from the Association of British Insurers (ABI).
In 2008, the number of people with private health cover was 7,335,000, which is up 2.7 per cent on 2007. The cover is provided largely either by personal PMI or corporate PMI. A smaller, and decreasing, percentage of people are covered through Healthcare Trust arrangements.
The ABI’s Director of General Insurance and Health, Nick Starling, said: "The continued rise in the number of people covered by PMI is good news. PMI gives people the peace of mind that they are able to get access to the treatment they need, at the time they need it, where they need it."
Bupa, a provider of private health care, have confirmed that the figures from the ABI reflect their own experience. Research from the firm revealed that despite the fact that the NHS has recently met its 18-week waiting time target, over 80 per cent of Britons feel this is till too long to wait for treatment.




