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NHS vs private health insurance

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Waiting Times & Why People Consider Private Health Insurance

Many people begin exploring private health insurance because they are concerned about how long it might take to be seen, tested or treated through the NHS.

The NHS provides outstanding care, and everyone in the UK remains fully entitled to NHS services. However, national waiting time figures help explain why some people choose to add private medical insurance for additional reassurance and faster access to eligible consultations, tests and treatment.

Below is an overview of the latest NHS waiting time statistics in England. We also explain how private health insurance can work alongside NHS care.

Latest NHS Waiting List Figures for Planned Treatment

NHS England publishes monthly Referral to Treatment (RTT) waiting time statistics for consultant-led elective care.

According to the latest published figures for December 2025:

Around 7.3 million RTT pathways were waiting to start treatment at the end of the month
Around 7.3 million RTT pathways were waiting to start treatment at the end of the month
This represented approximately 6.2 million individual patients
This represented approximately 6.2 million individual patients
61.5% of patients had been waiting up to 18 weeks
61.5% of patients had been waiting up to 18 weeks
The NHS constitutional standard is for 92% of patients to start treatment within 18 weeks
The NHS constitutional standard is for 92% of patients to start treatment within 18 weeks
 Median waiting time: 13.4 weeks

 
Median waiting time: 13.4 weeks
92nd percentile waiting time: 40.8 weeks
92nd percentile waiting time: 40.8 weeks
Source: NHS England – RTT Waiting Times Statistical Press Notice, December 2025 (published 12 February 2026).

Waiting Times for Diagnostic Tests and Scans

Waiting times can also occur earlier in the pathway when patients need diagnostic tests.

These tests may include:

  • MRI scans
  • CT scans
  • Ultrasounds
  • Endoscopy procedures
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According to NHS England’s Diagnostic Waiting Times and Activity Report (December 2025): 

  • 1,742,500 patients were waiting for one of the 15 key diagnostic tests
  • 432,400 patients had been waiting six weeks or more
  • This represented 24.8% of the diagnostic waiting list
  • The median waiting time was 3.4 weeks

Source: NHS England – Diagnostic Waiting Times and Activity Statistical Report, December 2025 (published February 2026).

Cancer Patient

Cancer Wait Times

NHS England also publishes national statistics for cancer referral and treatment timelines.

For December 2025:

  • 71.9% of patients began first definitive treatment within 62 days of an urgent suspected cancer referral or similar pathway
  • The 31-day combined standard averaged 91.5% over the previous 12 months
  • 267,155 patients were seen under the Faster Diagnosis Standard in December 2025

Source: NHS England – Cancer Waiting Times Statistical Release, December 2025 (published February 2026).

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What These Figures Mean for You

National statistics provide a general picture but cannot predict an individual patient’s experience.

Waiting times can vary depending on:

  • Your location
  • The medical specialty
  • The urgency of your condition

The NHS continues to prioritise urgent cases and provides emergency and complex care on a large scale.

If you are experiencing symptoms that concern you, it is important to seek medical advice from your GP or healthcare professional.

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Why Some People Choose Private Health Insurance

Many people choose private health insurance to help access certain consultations, diagnostic tests and planned treatments more quickly.

Private medical insurance can provide:

Faster access to specialist consultations

Quicker diagnostic tests such as MRI and CT scans

Treatment within private hospitals and clinics

Greater choice of appointment times

Access to different hospital networks, depending on the policy

Private health insurance is designed mainly for acute medical conditions, these are conditions that are expected to improve with treatment.

It does not replace the NHS and usually does not cover emergency care. Instead, it offers an additional route for eligible treatment while you remain fully entitled to NHS services. 

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Is Private Health Insurance Worth It?

For some people, private health insurance is worthwhile because it provides:

  • Greater peace of mind
  • Faster access to diagnosis
  • More control over appointment timing

A clear comparison helps you understand what a policy can realistically provide and whether it fits your needs. 

How Morehealth Can Help

If you are considering private health insurance, we aim to make the process simple and easy to understand.

Step1

Understanding your priorities

We start with a friendly conversation about what you want from private health insurance, your budget and any preferences around hospitals or cover.

Step 2

Comparing suitable options

We compare leading UK private health insurance providers and explain the differences in benefits, hospital access and underwriting. 

Step 3

Clear recommendation

We outline the options that make sense for your situation so you can decide with confidence.

Step 4

Policy setup and underwriting

We guide you through the application and underwriting process so you understand the terms before cover begins.

Step 5

Annual renewal review

We can review your policy each year to help ensure it continues to offer good value as your circumstances change.

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