We know the NHS has a massive battle on its hands. Sixteen million people struggled to access NHS care during the pandemic, and the knock-on effects are far from over, as waiting lists for scheduled treatments continue to stress the system.

More than one in 10 of those awaiting NHS care during the Covid crisis turned to private treatment instead.

In fact, since the 1970s, the UK has seen the fastest rise in people paying for private healthcare of all the G7 countries, according to the annual State of Health and Care report for 2022 from think tank the IPPR (Institute for Public Policy Research).

This figure should ring alarm bells for the government, as it shows people are not currently receiving the treatment they deserve or expect from the NHS, the authors said.

People should get treatment within 18 weeks of being referred by their GP, as stated in the NHS constitution, yet currently waiting lists stand at more than 6 million, with some patients waiting a year or more for care.

For more information visit here: https://www.independent.co.uk/money/private-healthcare-treatment-cost-how-much-b2030913.html