As the UK shifts to a three-tier health system, private medical insurance (PMI) providers are increasingly offering guided network options to make policies more affordable, according to Clarity Health Insurance.
These guided network policies, which limit the choice of consultants and hospitals, can be up to 53% cheaper than traditional options while still providing nationwide access to thousands of consultants.
Recent trends show that 61% of new PMI policies include guided network options, reflecting growing consumer demand. The private health sector saw a record 898,000 admissions in 2023, with PMI coverage at an all-time high in Q4.
Clarity Health Insurance’s Managing Director, Kyle Godden, noted the complexity introduced by varying network quality and the need for specialist advice. He emphasized the importance of insurers being transparent about network changes to aid brokers in offering the best guidance.
