Third of UK adults unsure if the NHS could fully meet their needs

The Exeter research findings

Jaskeet Briah
clock • 2 min read

The Exeter has found that 33% of UK adults are unsure if the NHS could fully meet their needs if they became ill, with adults aged between 45-54 the least confident.

According to the provider's Consumer Health and Finance Tracker, 44% of those in the 45-54 age group were uncertain about whether they would be able to access "sufficient" care. Across the board, 43% of UK adults accessed at least one private healthcare service in the last six months, with 49% expecting waiting times to increase over the next six months. Of the private healthcare services used, dental services had the most usage (20%), followed by mental health support (10%) and private GP consultations (10%). While 24% of private healthcare users were able to use an insurance prod...

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 PMI

NHS waiting list down 100,000 patients year-on-year
PMI

NHS waiting list down 100,000 patients year-on-year

7.27m patients in July

Cameron Roberts
clock 13 August 2026 • 2 min read
PMI invoices up 8% in Q2: Healthcode
PMI

PMI invoices up 8% in Q2: Healthcode

3.2m invoices processed

Jaskeet Briah
clock 29 July 2026 • 1 min read
Young adults taking out loans to cover private treatment: The Exeter
PMI

Young adults taking out loans to cover private treatment: The Exeter

Financial pressures impacting wellbeing

Jaskeet Briah
clock 28 July 2026 • 2 min read