Cleanliness behind recent PMI surge

Demand for private medical insurance (PMI) is being fuelled by fears over cleanliness in NHS hospitals, according to Bupa.

The latest figures from the Association of British Insurers showed a 1.8% increase in PMI subscriptions between 2005 and 2006. Some 65% of people surveyed listed clean hospitals as their main reason for taking out PMI. "Other top reasons included no waiting and speed of access to specialists," said Fergus Kee, managing director of Bupa UK Health Insurance.