Over half of workers have resorted to self-treating medical symptoms

Gen Z and Millennial employees most likely to self-treat

Jaskeet Briah
clock • 2 min read

Over half (55%) of workers who needed healthcare have resorted to self-treating medical symptoms due to difficulties accessing the NHS, according to Health Shield Friendly Society.

The mutual surveyed 564 UK adults in full- or part-time work and found that Gen Z and Millennial employees have resorted to self-treating the most at 60% and 58%, respectively. Nearly half (48%) of workers who needed healthcare said they suffered due to lack of access. Younger employees were hit the hardest, 55% of Gen Z workers noted that this was the case, which Health Shield said was the highest of any age group. Health Shield stated that these figures underline the enormous pressure the health service is under. Overall, 64% of workers were worried about the current pressures th...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Group Protection

RAM partners with Reframe Cancer on group life offering

RAM partners with Reframe Cancer on group life offering

Available to employees with new and existing policies

Jaskeet Briah
clock 02 November 2026 • 2 min read
Budget 26: Government to remove tax rule on lump sum death benefits

Budget 26: Government to remove tax rule on lump sum death benefits

Applies to payments made on or after 28 October 2026

Jonathan Stapleton
clock 28 October 2026 • 1 min read
Two thirds of adults use AI to help with mental health

Two thirds of adults use AI to help with mental health

AXA Global Healthcare report

Jaskeet Briah
clock 16 October 2026 • 2 min read