The changes the NHS needs to make over the next five years could see changes to the way cashplans operate, a Simplyhealth white paper has said.
The paper predicts that the growth in cashplans will continue although the white paper notes that there could be expansion in what they offer to meet demand, including small elective operations.
The increased demand for preventative services as the NHS faces having to make savings is also noted by the white paper.
Raman Sankaran, sales director at Simplyhealth, said: "The NHS is facing challenges and will need to continue to make difficult decisions and focus on the most serious health conditions.
"People are living longer and the number of people aged 90 and over in the UK has tripled since the early 1980s. Life expectancy is also predicted to continue to rise.
"People may need to take more personal responsibility for their health, and employers may also need to take more responsibility for the health of their employees.
"Health cash plans, whether employer or employee paid, include benefits people will use to maintain their everyday health needs, such as dental care, eye tests and physiotherapy.
"They are a valued product and can reduce absence rates by helping to prevent further health problems arising.
"As the NHS looks to maintain its core services and patients have greater choice and access to information and treatments, private health provision may evolve to offer a broader range of services.
"This could also affect the demand for cover options through employer schemes, which are likely to play a key part in meeting the future health demand."
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