Many state pensioners could be left significantly out of pocket if they are forced to seek private healthcare, with average costs for those aged 65 and over exceeding £3,000. A growing number are finding themselves in this position due to long NHS waiting times, prompting warnings over financial planning in retirement.
Private health insurance provider Howden Life & Health has raised concerns about the impact of delayed treatment on pensioners’ finances. As people live longer and health issues become more frequent with age, retirees are being encouraged to think ahead in order to avoid costly bills at a time when income is often fixed and limited.
Long NHS Waits Push Retirees to Self-Fund Costly Private Treatment
A key concern among pensioners is the increasing difficulty in accessing timely medical care through the NHS. Many over-65s are facing lengthy waits for treatment, prompting them to turn to private alternatives out of necessity rather than choice. According to Howden Life & Health, the average cost of private care for someone in this age group is £3,324, though some individuals are paying considerably more.
Figures from the provider show that nearly one in seven people who opted to self-fund care ended up paying more than £15,000. These expenses typically arise when people seek private consultations, surgery or diagnostic tests at short notice, often without prior insurance. Grace Dowling, head of marketing at Howden, warned that “when people suddenly face a health scare and realise they can’t get timely NHS treatment, they’re often forced into making rushed decisions about private care – usually at the worst possible moment, emotionally and financially.”
Adding to the concern is the unpredictable nature of private healthcare costs. Patients without insurance may be asked to pay large sums upfront and often do not know the full cost of their treatment until the final bill arrives. Howden’s data also shows that the most common claims among pensioners include optical treatments, physiotherapy, diagnostic scans, musculoskeletal conditions and gastrointestinal issues, all areas where NHS backlogs tend to be the longest.
Early Insurance Uptake Reduces Financial and Medical Risks
Experts are advising retirees to consider private health insurance well before health problems arise. Taking out a policy in advance can protect against exclusions that insurers may apply once symptoms or conditions are already present. According to Howden, full private medical insurance for individuals typically ranges between £167 and £333 per month. For couples, it may cost between £226 and £532 monthly.
For those unable or unwilling to commit to full coverage, a diagnostics-only policy is another option, with prices starting from £65 a month for individuals and £110 for couples. Dowling explained that “Private medical insurance also works best when taken out earlier, before health issues arise. Once symptoms or conditions are present, insurers may exclude them, meaning people who delay can find themselves unprotected precisely when they need help most.”
The company’s findings highlight a broader trend of retirees initially relying on the NHS before turning to private care due to delays. More than one in five patients are currently waiting longer than the NHS’s six-week target for diagnosis, according to Howden. These delays often lead to prolonged pain, reduced mobility and uncertainty for those affected.
With medical issues more likely to arise as people age, the need for fast diagnosis and early intervention becomes increasingly important. As Howden concluded, private insurance can make a “e” by ensuring quicker access to essential care.
