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It’s no surprise that many of us are concerned about the state of our NHS, and its ability to meet our health needs. Although the list is slowly decreasing, in January 2026, 7.25 million people in England were waiting to start treatment.
The biggest and most obvious problem with this is patients getting sicker while they wait for treatment, with some being unable to work or enjoy social activities, causing them to feel their lives are on hold.
There’s also the impact on mental wellbeing; a HMCA survey of 1,052 Rest Less members revealed that 83% were worried about NHS care. For those needing treatment, the wait can be agonising – and even those who are well may worry about the need for any future healthcare, whether for themselves or a loved one.
This is where private healthcare comes in, with 64% of Rest Less members valuing it for its ability to provide greater peace of mind as health needs change. While once considered attainable only for the rich, insurance plans have become more competitive in recent years. Today, nearly 22% of Rest Less members have private healthcare, with a further 24% thinking about it.
With this in mind, we’ve teamed up with HMCA (Hospital and Medical Care Association), a provider of trusted medical and health plans since 1978, to explore why private healthcare is becoming a more mainstream option and how it could benefit you.
Unlike typical insurers, HMCA’s healthcare plans are available exclusively through partnerships with associations and membership groups like Rest Less. This selective approach enables them to deliver a more tailored, attentive service.
Plans have no age limit and guaranteed acceptance, plus 90% of members saved money when transferring from another provider^. Even better, when you transfer to HMCA, any future claims made for acute conditions originating at the time you were participating in your previous plan will be honoured – offering continuity of care that many providers don’t match.
As a welcome benefit, new HMCA members can also choose between a £100 gift card for Amazon, Marks & Spencer, or John Lewis, or take £150 off their annual subscription.
The true value of good health
Our health is the most valuable thing we have because of what it allows us to do – work, travel, spend quality time with family and friends, and be independent. But many of us take it for granted until it limits us in some way.
The care we receive when we become sick or injured is also pivotal, as it can impact how quickly we’re able to get back to living the life that we want.
Worried about accessing the NHS care you need?
83% of Rest Less members are worried about accessing the healthcare they need on the NHS#, making fast access to treatment more important than ever.
HMCA private medical cover offers affordable, flexible plans, with 90% of members saving money when they switch. Enjoy peace of mind. Join today and get £150 off your subscription.
#Data from over 1,000 Rest Less members surveyed in 2025
^Data from HMCA members who joined between 01/01/25 and 30/06/25
Why you shouldn’t wait until you’re unwell to get a private healthcare plan
Many people think that if they’re well, they don’t need a private healthcare plan, instead waiting until they become unwell to consider it. However, many providers only cover new and unexpected conditions that arise after the policy start date, excluding pre-existing ones.
This means that if you become injured or unwell and you don’t have private health insurance, you’ll likely need to wait for NHS care or cover the full cost of private treatment. In other words, you may not be covered when you need it most.
That said, if you already have a healthcare plan and are interested in switching to a provider that better suits your needs, some, such as HMCA, will cover you for any pre-existing conditions that were included in your previous plan.
Taking out a private healthcare plan when you’re well can also offer considerable peace of mind. You can step out into the world with more confidence, knowing you can access healthcare quickly and easily should you need it.
HMCA processes 90% of claims the same day, ensuring you get the support you need without delay. This is particularly valuable given that around 86.5% of Rest Less members said they valued shorter waiting times most when choosing a healthcare plan.
Could private healthcare become ‘a new normal?’
With the COVID-19 pandemic placing greater emphasis on the importance of health and the NHS struggling to meet patient demand, it makes sense that more people are turning to private healthcare. In 2023, for example, record numbers of procedures were performed on people with private medical insurance – more than £4bn in activity.
This surge reflects a broader cultural shift: private healthcare is increasingly viewed not as a luxury reserved for the wealthy, but as an accessible form of self-care and financial protection.
Plus, having a private healthcare plan doesn’t mean you can’t use the NHS; it simply means you have more options. For example, with HMCA’s Medical Care Plan, if you choose to have your treatment solely through the NHS, or it’s an emergency admission, you’ll receive £200 a night spent in hospital, for up to 30 nights. This is tax-free cash and can be spent as you wish.
The changing landscape of private healthcare
Private healthcare plans today are very different from what they were. While there’s still a cost involved, premiums are now far more competitive, with many providers offering flexible coverage options to suit different budgets and life stages.
For the investment, members gain access to benefits that feel like a genuine luxury, and can make a meaningful difference to their health outcomes and quality of life.
Take HMCA’s offerings, for example. Members can contact the specialist team anytime with questions to receive personalised guidance. You’ll also have prompt access to your choice of hospital and specialist, ensuring you receive care that best meets your individual needs, whether for inpatient or outpatient treatment. This level of control and speed simply isn’t possible within the current NHS framework.
Worried about accessing the NHS care you need?
83% of Rest Less members are worried about accessing the healthcare they need on the NHS#, making fast access to treatment more important than ever.
HMCA private medical cover offers affordable, flexible plans, with 90% of members saving money when they switch. Enjoy peace of mind. Join today and get £150 off your subscription.
#Data from over 1,000 Rest Less members surveyed in 2025
^Data from HMCA members who joined between 01/01/25 and 30/06/25
Could private healthcare become ‘a new normal?’
Understanding what’s included in private healthcare can help you appreciate its true value. For example, HMCA’s medical plans include…
Diagnostic tests and investigations – MRI scans, CT scans, ultrasounds, X-rays, and blood tests that help identify health issues quickly, often available within days rather than weeks or months.
Specialist consultations – Access to consultants across various fields, including cardiology, orthopaedics, oncology, gastroenterology, and more. You’ll also have the freedom to choose specialists (and hospitals) based on their expertise and your preferences.
Surgical procedures – Coverage for both inpatient and outpatient surgery, from common procedures like cataract removal and joint replacements to more complex operations.
Cancer care – Comprehensive cancer treatment including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and related consultations, providing crucial support during one of life’s most challenging experiences.
Physiotherapy and rehabilitation – Post-operative care and ongoing treatment to help you recover fully and return to your normal activities as quickly as possible.
Note: While most standard plans don’t cover routine GP appointments, some offer the chance to upgrade to receive a 24/7 GP Advice Helpline, video consultations, wellbeing services, and private prescriptions.
Final thoughts…
When you weigh the realities of NHS waiting lists against the quality and speed of private healthcare, the value of going private becomes increasingly clear. For many, private healthcare is evolving from a ‘nice-to-have’ into a practical necessity that protects physical health and peace of mind at a time when the future of the NHS remains uncertain.
Private healthcare isn’t about jumping the queue or abandoning the NHS, but about taking control of your health journey and ensuring you can access the care you need when you need it most.
To find out more about HMCA’s private healthcare plans, including tailored plans for over 50s, head over to HMCA’s website, where you can get an instant quote or get in touch with a member of the team.
As a welcome benefit, new HMCA members can also choose between a £100 gift card for Amazon, Marks & Spencer, or John Lewis, or take £150 off their annual subscription.
^Data from HMCA members who joined between 01/01/25 and 30/06/25