While almost all of us understand how important it is to take your health seriously if you want to enjoy a happy and long life. Many of us differ when it comes to how we manage our healthcare, and how often we seek our medical advice. Even though some people are happy to stick with public forms of healthcare that largely come free of charge, others prefer to go down the route of private healthcare where they can enjoy additional benefits. 

In recent years, the number of people opting for private healthcare so they can enjoy more control and flexibility with their own healthcare has increased dramatically. The motivations behind someone considering private healthcare can differ depending on the individual and their circumstances. But here are some of the most common reasons more people are choosing private healthcare. 

Short waiting times

While there is no denying that the NHS does an amazing job with the overstretched and underfunded means that is given to them, often patients can find themselves waiting for a long time for their appointment. Waiting times and cancelled appointments have become even more of an issue for NHS patients since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, which has encouraged people to go for private healthcare. 

With private healthcare you can be treated almost immediately, no matter what medical attention you require. This has become a common reason why more people are choosing private healthcare, as shorter waiting times means less time unwell, and more peace of mind when you are treated sooner. 

To ease pressure on the NHS

The NHS is a healthcare system that is very important to the British public. So, as the pandemic has been adding more and more pressure onto NHS services, some of those people who can afford private healthcare have decided to relieve the pressure on public hospitals. 

Previously, people felt that private healthcare was too expensive and therefore is something that they just couldn’t afford. But with the cost of private healthcare becoming more affordable, and most of us feeling keen to get treated as soon as possible, many have moved away from public healthcare in some circumstances. 

Doctor availability 

Everyone knows how hard doctors and nurses work in public healthcare systems, and how many patients medical staff are required to look after at one time. However, with private healthcare there are fewer patients, meaning doctors have more availability. Public healthcare doctors also often find themselves having to attend meetings and emergency duties which takes them away from spending time with patients. So, if you would rather have a one-to-one doctor that has more time and attention to focus on you, then private healthcare could be the way forward. 

Most of us will agree that you can’t put a price on you and your family’s health and wellbeing, which is why so many people are going private for a range of different healthcare conditions and treatments. So, by going private you can enjoy the fast and efficient treatment that is more readily available and allows the public health system to catch up on the delays and backlog caused by the pandemic. It’s a win win for everyone!