Reasons for taking out private medical insurance

Many Brits remain proud of the national health service, and continue to use it. However, a fifth of people aged over 50 who were surveyed by Saga Health said that the NHS has got worse or much worse over the past two years. Some 35 per cent of over 50s foresee a worsening NHS in the next five years.

The major reasons cited for taking out private medical insurance policies included avoiding the NHS waiting list, choosing where and when to get treatment, getting care in a clean environment and recuperating in comfort.

Andrew Goodsell of Saga was reported as commenting: Older people are very reliant on the NHS. The worry for many people is that pressures to cut public spending could adversely affect the quality of health care . Health is a key concern of over 50s who are more active than any previous generation. If they suffer a medical problem, they want to get treated and recuperate as quickly as possible to get on with their busy lives.