With lower waiting lists, single sex wards and private treatment rooms and higher quality of care in private healthcare facilities, it is no wonder that almost two fifths (37 per cent) of the public have or are considering taking out a private medical insurance policy, according to a survey carried out by Saga earlier this year. Private hospitals offer many benefits to those who have taken out PMI, but shorter waiting times has proven to be the most popular of these advantages with 51 per cent of people saying it has encouraged them to request a free online quote. A further 41 per cent believe they would have access to better facilities in a private clinic, and almost the same number (39 per cent) agree that treatment and care will be of higher quality.

Over two thirds of people who took part in the study said that they are worried about the level of hygiene and cleanliness standards within the National Health Service. The research also found that 66 per cent were concerned about the possibility of catching an infection while in hospital, with the increase of superbugs like MRSA. Long waiting times caused anxiety in over half of people, completing the top five of NHS fears along with mixed gender wards (36 per cent) and waiting lists for GPs (42 per cent).

Andrew Goodsell, Chief Executive of Saga Group Ltd, told Easier Finance, "Although the NHS is a world-leading service, many feel more reassured knowing they have private medical cover. Despite the government effort and resource in recent years focussed on reducing waiting times, the reality is that the public still feel they are too long and that's borne out by the continuing strong demand for Private Medical Insurance and access to private treatment in safe and clean environments."