Stephen Walker, chairman of The Association of Medical Insurance Intermediaries (AMII) said he believes politicians fail to acknowledge that the private health sector supports and enables the NHS to treat more people and that the UK should not rely on one or the other.

Walker said: “For every person treated in the private sector, pressure is eased on the NHS, freeing up beds and reducing waiting lists to see a consultant.

"The private sector also provides beds for NHS patients when the public sector back-log is acute, not the other way around. These are both arguments often not deemed politically correct to discuss.

“No one disputes the NHS is excellent for emergency and life threatening situations – but the private sector provides real choice for elective surgery, reducing queues for treatment, not jumping them and allowing patients in both sectors to get on with their lives and back to work much faster.”

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.