Releasing the pressure

clock

As the National Health Service comes under increasing financial strain, and the economic costs of sickness become more apparent, Michael Payne, outlines the part private medical insurance (PMI) could play through a restructure of current taxation rules

The PMI industry is on the verge of seeing a window of opportunity open to play a greater role in the provision of healthcare in the UK. Political pundits are foreseeing a change of government at the next election, while economic forecasters predict that the ever growing public debt burden can only be tackled by major curbing of public spending across all departments, including the Department of Health. The big ‘if’ Although there is no indication that any of the major political parties intend to cut the NHS budget, the above inflation increases in health spending over the last decade ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Protection

Guardian launches two critical illness products

Guardian launches two critical illness products

Focus on cost and quality

Cameron Roberts
clock 08 June 2026 • 2 min read
Kevin Carr on AI: I don't think we've even seen the tip of the iceberg

Kevin Carr on AI: I don't think we've even seen the tip of the iceberg

'The technology is evolving faster than many of us can imagine'

Kevin Carr
clock 13 May 2026 • 4 min read
Life insurance: Complexity vs cost and the confidence gap

Life insurance: Complexity vs cost and the confidence gap

Complexity and uncertainty create frustration for consumers and operational drag for advisers

Kevin Carr
clock 30 April 2026 • 4 min read