Self pay private healthcare admissions reached a record high in the first quarter of 2026, according to the latest data from the Private Healthcare Information Network.
There were 247,495 private healthcare admissions during Q1, up from 246,550 in the same period of 2025 and around 243,000 in Q1 2024.
Self pay admissions rose to 77,000, their highest quarterly level on record. This was up by 6,000 from 71,000 in Q1 2025, following several years in which volumes had remained relatively stable.
Insured admissions moved in the opposite direction, falling to 171,000 from a quarterly record of 175,000 in Q1 2025. However, the latest figure remained above the 170,000 recorded in Q1 2024.
The figures follow a fourth consecutive record year for total private healthcare admissions in 2025. Insured admissions reached 670,000 during the year, up from 665,000 in 2024.
Brett Hill, head of health & protection at Broadstone, said: "Demand for private healthcare remains strong, with individuals and employers continuing to seek faster access to care as progress on NHS waiting lists remains slow.
"Self-pay admissions have a spiked to a record high after remaining stable for several years, suggesting many people around the country are still finding the NHS cannot deliver the treatment they need, when they need it.
"For employers who fund healthcare benefits for employees, the levelling off in the growth in insured admissions will be welcome news. While insured admissions still account for the lion’s share (69%) of private healthcare admissions, the slight year-on-year fall in numbers is evidence that claims inflation is starting to subside, which should alleviate the upwards pressure we’ve seen on PMI renewal premiums in recent years.
"Private healthcare looks set for another strong year, but there is no quick fix for the pressures facing the NHS. As the Chancellor prepares for his first Budget, reducing the tax burden on employer-funded health benefits could increase the take-up of such benefits and provide a boost for access to healthcare, improving the health of the UK’s workforce while alleviating pressure on the NHS.
"For businesses, PMI will remain a key part of benefits strategies as they look to get ahead of the UK’s sickness challenge and protect their bottom line."
