The benefits of private medical insurance (PMI) have been highlighted in Standard Life Healthcare's annual survey.

The survey revealed 74% of respondents considered being treated quickly as an important advantage of PMI. Expert care, recuperating in comfort and being offered a local private hospital were also listed as the main benefits.

Being able to choose a named consultant was judged to be the least important factor in the survey.

A total of 57% of respondents would consider paying for medical treatment rather than wait for the NHS. But just 14% knew that a replacement knee operation, for example, could cost £14,500.

On the corporate side, the survey underlined the importance of PMI to those organisations keen to attract and retain the best staff. More than eight in ten of employees surveyed said that an important benefit of PMI was in showing that an employer valued their staff.

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.