Home / Health / Seniors Fund Private Care Amid NHS Woes
Seniors Fund Private Care Amid NHS Woes
7 Apr
Summary
- 15% of over-65s used private healthcare last year.
- Most older adults pay for private care with savings.
- New health plan offers affordable private care access.
A significant 15% of individuals aged over 65 in the UK utilized private healthcare services within the last year, according to a 2025 YouGov poll. The majority of these individuals, 71%, financed their treatments using disposable income or personal savings, underscoring a trend of self-funding within the UK's £1.6 billion self-pay market. This approach is becoming increasingly common as older adults, who are statistically more likely to require medical interventions, re-evaluate their later-life care strategies, especially given the extensive waiting lists for NHS services.
In response to this growing need for accessible and timely healthcare, Lateral, a company focused on products for those over 60, has introduced the Lateral Health Plan. This new offering aims to provide a more affordable alternative to traditional private medical insurance by focusing on common private care needs and complementing NHS services. The plan includes a nurse-led navigation service and preventative measures like an annual health check, empowering older adults to make informed healthcare choices.
Dr. Samantha Field, Chief Medical Officer at Lateral, emphasized the importance of prevention in aging populations, stating the plan supports a proactive health approach. The Lateral Health Plan is designed not as a replacement for the NHS, but as a supplementary option, offering clarity, support, and choice for seniors seeking faster access to medical attention and a greater range of treatment pathways.
