BUPA research shows that for 65 percent of Britons, access to clean hospitals is the most important reason for taking out PMI.
MRSA and general hospital hygiene are clearly top concerns for people. The other top reasons people gave include no waiting, speed of access to specialists and the ability to see the same consultant throughout their treatment.
And three quarters of people with PMI would recommend it to their family and friends.
People also say that they value the fact that PMI gives them access to drugs and treatments not widely available on the NHS. These include some of the new cancer drugs such as Herceptin, Avastin and Erbitux.
Top ten reasons for taking out PMI
Clean hospitals | 65% |
No waiting lists/less pain | 60% |
No waiting lists/faster recovery | 59% |
Faster access to specialists | 58% |
Able to see same consultant | 55% |
Better quality treatment/advice | 54% |
See specialist at time to suit me | 49% |
Able to choose location to suit me | 48% |
No waiting lists/faster return to work | 47% |
Hospital more comfortable | 43% |
Source: BUPA Health of the Nation Survey - 1,049 face-to-face interviews amongst the general public conducted between 12th February and 4th March 2007.
Private medical insurance: News update: June 2007
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