More men in the UK could be getting quotes for private medical insurance as the government advises its doctors not to offer a routine test which could lead to the diagnosis of diseases such as prostate cancer. The illness is the second biggest cause of a cancer related death in men in this country, and the likelihood of developing it can be detected with the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test which is currently only available to private health care customers. Some insurers offer the test as part of their "well man" examinations or individuals can pay a nominal amoung privately for peace of mind. But the NHS says that it can be unreliable and men who do not have any symptoms and have a life expectancy of less than 10 years will not get the opportunity to be tested.

The problems discussed by the NHS include the fact that a raised PSA level does not necessarily mean that a man will have prostate cancer, nor will a normal result mean that a man does not have the disease. Despite this, the test can also diagnose other illnesses such as a benign prostate growth or a urine infection. Consultant urologist at London's University College, Mr Neil O'Donoghue, told a website for erectile dysfunction "Ignorance is not always bliss in relation to PSA. It's always better to have information. You don't have to do anything about it."

Men who have private medical insurance cover are benefiting from the choice to use their policies to cover the cost of private health treatment, if applicable, as well as follow up tests and treatment. A third of men found to have a raised PSA level will also have cancer cells present in their prostate, and they will be able to get the care they need before it is too late.

3.4 million people in the UK now have a private medical insurance policy

The number of individuals taking out private medical insurance policies has risen for the first time in ten years. Despite the relatively low increase of 1.8%, experts are describing it as an important rise. Overall, the total number of people subscribing to a private health insurance plan rose by 3.4% in 2006 to give 3.4 million people in the UK reaping the many benefits of medical cover.

The figures taken from the Ipsos MORI research also found that in all, 12% of consumers now have private medical insurance and the numbers are expected to continue to rise between 2007 and 2012. This means that private medical insurance is now the most popular type of health insurance cover, above other products like dental policies and critical illness insurance.

There has also been a predicted rise in the number of people taking out group policies in the next four years. Medical insurance for companies and employees is available and there are many advantages to policies such as these. Not only does the employer have the knowledge that their employees health and well being is being looked after, but the availability of regular health checks means that the number of staffing hours lost to sickness is reduced.