One in three NHS doctors take private UK health insurance

15th February, 2007

The poll for Hospital Doctor magazine shows that 22 per cent of all medics have their own private UK health insurance to ensure that they are treated privately if they fall ill.

A total of 33 per cent of the 1,700 GPs and hospital doctors quizzed said that they preferred private UK health insurance treatment to that offered on the NHS. A further six per cent would choose private UK health insurance if waiting lists were too long or their condition warranted it.

Among GPs, 28 per cent have private UK health insurance and a further ten per cent said that they would opt for private treatment if they or a close relative fell ill.

Private UK health insurance companies have welcomed the poll and stressed the importance of shopping around in order to find the best possible deal for each individual. Private health insurance can provide rapid treatment and peace of mind in the event of illness or accident for a relatively small fee.

The Patients Association has expressed disappointment at the results of the survey, claiming that it suggests that many doctors do not trust the NHS. Liberal Democrat health spokesman, Norman Lamb, commented: "Despite the record investment and all the claims by ministers, people are still waiting too long for NHS treatment. Greater efforts must be made to get the NHS to the point where people don't feel the need to make those decisions if they are lucky enough to have the money to do so."

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