Health insurance needs have changed. Here’s why

More and more people are considering taking out health insurance. Largely to ensure care is available when it is needed and because, as a nation, we are becoming increasingly aware of our health and wellbeing.

With this, the way people are using their health insurance has changed.

Traditionally, most claims were for hospital treatment. But, today, what’s on offer within health insurance plans is far broader than it used to be.

How have people’s needs for health insurance shifted?

In recent years, virtual GPs, physio and mental health services such as Talking Therapies (including cognitive behavioural therapy and counselling), as well as dental, optical and prescriptions, have become a common part of health insurance. Today, almost two thirds of all Vitality health insurance claims are for these everyday care services.

We’re also seeing 64% of members starting their claims online as people have become more open to using digitalised forms of care.
This expansion of healthcare services has meant people are using it more. Not just for more serious health events or elective procedures, like hip or knee replacements.

According to a recent survey , 73% of health insurance customers report using their plan within the last year, increasing to 86% for 18 to 34-year-olds. At Vitality, we’ve seen a 45% rise in members making a claim since 2019.

Why do people take out health insurance?

The survey also found that concerns around NHS waiting lists still appear as the top reason for people taking out health insurance (58%), followed by access to high quality consultant care (42%) and because they get it free from their employer (41%).

Interestingly, 38% said it was so they could get fast access to a GP and primary care, while 36% want to get the latest treatments if they need it alongside higher quality hospital care (24%).

When it comes to choosing which insurer, most people (60%) are concerned with having health insurance cover that gives them quick and easy access to care, followed by the right cover for their needs (59%) and affordability (54%), according to findings.

How are perceptions of health insurance changing?

People’s expectations around the role of health insurance have also shifted. The survey revealed that 75% of UK health insurance customers believe insurers should support their health outside of making a claim.

At Vitality, we do this through offering access to rewards and partners that incentivise healthy choices through the Vitality Programme, which are proven to help prevent people from getting ill in the first place.

Through engagement with the Vitality Programme, our data shows that members experience significant health improvements during the first year – 13% in physical activity and 20% improvement in diet.

Highly active Vitality members on average enjoy a life expectancy that’s nearly five years longer than those who are less active, with even those doing small or moderate levels of weekly exercise benefiting from healthier, longer lives.

What else is available within health insurance?

As well as preventing illness through heathier lifestyle choices, it is important that individuals are made aware of their underlying health risks.

To get a snapshot of their health, all Vitality members are encouraged to complete an online health review and a Healthcheck with a clinician, and health members can conduct a risk assessment for five types of cancer. Other advanced health screenings are available depending on age and risk factors.

This allows for earlier diagnosis which is proven to improve the chances of a positive outcome should an underlying health condition get detected. In 2023, 600,000 Vitality members completed a health review or health assessment.

How does a healthy lifestyle benefit us if we get ill?

As well as referral to the right care pathway to see a specialist or consultant and treatment where needed, alongside support from the Vitality Care team, a healthy lifestyle is also proven to help ensure people recover in a clinical setting too.

In 2022, Vitality introduced its Cancer Support Programme. Members going through chemotherapy benefit from specialist dedicated case management and tailored lifestyle coaching during treatment to help manage side effects, nutrition and rehabilitation via an app. Patients enrolled in the programme between 2022 and 2023 saw improved levels of exercise, stress and anxiety, as well as better quality of life .

Is there a link between physical and mental wellbeing?

Yes, there is. Vitality Health members who were active at least twice a week were 17% less likely to make a severe mental health claim than those who were inactive.

This adds to significant evidence of the positive impact of physical activity on the prevention of – and recovery from – mental health conditions too.

To learn more about Vitality health insurance, how it works and what’s on offer read about your options in our range of guides here. Or find out more and get a quote here.

[1] Vitality and Opinium survey of 1,000 health insurance customers, May 2024.

[2] Based on VitalityLife Shared Value Modelling. Example of life expectancy improvements based on a 30-year-old man earning a consistent number of activity points each week throughout their lifetime.

[3] Vitality members enrolled in Cancer Support Programme 2022-2023.