Different people have different reasons for choosing to take out health insurance, but there are several common reasons.  The numbers of people taking out health insurance are rising, and it could be argued that the media has a large influence over this. 

Recent coverage of MRSA and other NHS hospital superbugs and cleanliness issues often cause people to seek an alternative in the event of illness.  There have been many cases in the news of NHS patients going to hospital for routine operations and treatments, only to end up with a life threatening super bug.  The cases of infections in private hospitals have been reported to be lower, and health insurance covers the individual’s private medical costs.

NHS waiting lists can also be long, and leave many no option but to pay for their own private medical care.  However, if an individual has health insurance, the policy will pay out for this and allow them to seek the treatment they need as soon as they need it.  Similarly, some people feel that they do not get a good enough standard of care in NHS hospitals, and prefer to take private treatment. 

Many health insurance policyholders choose to take out health insurance when taking out a mortgage, to cover them in the event that they become seriously ill and unable to pay their mortgage.  This type of health insurance, critical illness cover, will pay out the insured sum to the policyholder should they become seriously ill, leaving them able to concentrate on their recovery and not worry about their financial commitments.