A record 4.8m employees were covered by workplace private medical insurance schemes.
The figures, published by the Association of British Insurers, relate to 2024. This is the second consecutive year that this figure has hit an all-time high.
The data shows insurers processed a record £2.6bn in claims from these workplace schemes — a 16 per cent increase on 2023. This is amore significant increase than the number or value of claims made by individuals who have bought their own PMI policies.
In total, health insurers processed £4bn in private medical insurance claims in 2024, a 13 per cent increase on the previous year. This cover both workplace and individual policies The ABI says this equates to almost £11m paid out every day.
The total number of people who claimed on either an individual or workplace health insurance policies reached 1.8m in 2024, up 10 per cent from 2023.
The trade body said that these are highest figures it has seen in the 30-year period it has been collating this information, and says workplace schemes continue to be the primary driver of growth in this area.
It adds this highlights the value many people place on employer-provided health insurance.
The ABI says it continues to work closely with the Keep Britain Working review team following its final report in November 2025, and remains committed to highlighting the role of employers and health and protection insurers in keeping people well and in work, and helping them back into to work after a period of ill health.
As an employer participating in the Vanguard Phase of the review, the ABI will also support government initiatives to develop a healthy working lifecycle, create a Workplace Health Provision service and establish certified standards that support employee health.
ABI head of health and protection policy Rebecca Ward says: “Another record-breaking year for coverage, claims and payouts underscores the vital role of insurers in maintaining a healthy UK population.
“As a complement to the life-saving work of the NHS, health insurance continues to help individuals and their loved ones access timely medical testing, treatment and care when it matters most.
“Our figures specifically highlight the value of workplace health insurance schemes in supporting employees to stay well and in work – a key aim of Sir Charlie Mayfield’s Keep Britain Working review. Since the launch of the review, we’ve been engaging with members, government and Sir Charlie’s team to outline the role of employers and insurers in reducing health-based economic inactivity and driving a healthy, thriving workforce. We look forward to continuing this work in 2026.”
