Statistics reveal NHS wait times are nearly 50% longer than expected

Information reviewed and updated as of May 2025.

A 2024 Office for National Statistics (ONS) report found that waiting lists for appointments, tests and treatments with the NHS were much longer than previously reported, with as many as 9.7 million people waiting for treatment.

Current NHS waiting list

Currently, the waiting list for treatments stands at 7.4 million. Whilst there has been slight improvements since 2024, many people still face long waits for treatments they need with the NHS.

Around 2.98 million of these patients have been waiting over 18 weeks, however, there has been a decrease in the number of people waiting over a year for treatment.

These statistics can be worrying, considering we never know when we will need to call upon health services. With some conditions, time is of the essence, making the truth about waiting times unnerving.

New government plans were announced in early 2025, to tackle reducing wait times and making NHS services more accessible. The plan aims for the government to commit to delivering 2 million extra appointments in the first year.

One of the key approaches in the government plan is to expand the use of Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs). This will allow many more people to access tests and checks while going about their daily lives.

The NHS also want to increase the number of surgical hubs to protect planned care from the impact of seasonal and other pressures. They plan to open current CDCs on a 24/7 basis and create new CDCs, predicted to create up to half a million more appointments a year.

Other key elements of the plan to tackle NHS waits and improve services include:

• Increasing availability of same-day tests and consultations
• Expanded the range of tests available at CDCs providing better access to treatments
• Using the NHS app to offer greater choice and control over treatment
• Making more appointments available in the community instead of hospitals
• Roll out of one stop clinics where patients can be assessed, diagnosed or reviewed on the same day

The plan predicts to have 65% of patients to be treated within 18 weeks by the end of next year (2026).

Whilst future plans from the government to tackle NHS waits look reassuring, this is a 10-year plan and any effects will take time to realise. Understandably, many are turning to alternative options, as it’s a worrying thought that when we require health services, we may be left with long waits.

The effects of long wait times

Long wait times for crucial appointments can have many affects on us including:

• Worsening injuries and illnesses if diagnosis and treatment are delayed
• Emotional stress, from not knowing when you will get your appointment or treatment for a potentially worsening condition
• Poor quality of life, if living in pain or unable to do as much, it can lead to feeling down, frustrated, and even depressed in some cases.

Impacts on individuals

As an individual, long waiting times for healthcare services can affect other aspects of your life. It could affect your ability to work, potentially causing financial strain or your ability to do things you normally enjoy.

Considering options available, such as individual private health insurance could provide peace of mind you will be able to skip the NHS queue if you ever need to and you won't be left putting your life on hold while you wait for treatment.

Impacts on families

When a member of your family is ill, this can affect the entire family. As a parent, your children are your priority and having any member of your family unwell can cause additional stress and concern for you.

Children and young people in particular can be affected by long waits as it could potentially hinder development and affect mental health.

Long waits can reduce quality of life and lead to conditions worsening. Family health insurance policies provide excellent peace of mind that those most important to you, have their health protected. You also benefit from one simple to manage policy for the whole family.

Impacts on children

The number of children receiving treatment in private hospitals across the UK rose by almost a quarter in 2023 to more than 46,000, according to new data seen by the BBC.

Long waits can impact children's physical and mental health, education, social development, and family life. It’s worth considering what options are available in terms of child health insurance to protect their health.

Although it can seem like waiting for the NHS is our only option, take reassurance that there are other options that may be more accessible and affordable than you think.

With concerns around the future of the NHS and the waiting times remaining high, private healthcare is a reassuring option.

It’s important to take these things into consideration and begin to think about cover, so you’re not left with large medical bills that could have been avoided if you suddenly needed to turn to private healthcare.

If you're ready to see what health insurance options are available to you, why not arrange a free, consultation with an expert adviser. 

Understanding private healthcare options

Often private medical insurance is much more affordable than initially expected and can be a huge reassurance to have.

Knowing you can have almost instant access to a digital GP, and no long waiting lists, to get to the bottom of your health concerns. Private health provides peace of mind, allowing us to prioritise our health.

There are also many more benefits to private medical insurance beyond skipping waiting lists and having healthcare bills covered. You could also benefit from:

• Your choice of private hospitals
• Comprehensive cancer cover
• Mental health and well-being support
• Discounts and rewards
• Comfortable en-suite rooms

Learn more about the full benefits of PMI.

In an ideal world, relying on private medical insurance would be a luxury. However, today, private health plays a big role in supporting the strain on the NHS and letting people prioritise their health and well-being, whilst being affordable.

Going private is becoming a choice for many with 820,000 day cases and inpatients treated in 2022. This shows the demand for going private and people taking their health into their own hands.

There are a number of ways you could go about accessing private healthcare.

Self-paying

You could choose to self-pay, which works in a 'pay as you go' style. This means you simply pay anytime you use private healthcare services. You can choose your preferred private healthcare facility and can arrange appointments directly yourself. You'll also manage settling the bill. 

Private health insurance

Private health insurance is a great way to get peace of mind you’re covered for private treatment, if you need it. Insurance can make it much more affordable and accessible - paying a monthly premium rather than one off larger payments for a specific treatment. It prepares you for the unexpected and comes with additional benefits that you wouldn’t get self-paying. 

Finance or payment plans

Some private healthcare providers also offer finance options. This can help with managing bills. For example, Nuffield Health offer 6, 10 or 12 monthly interest-free instalments. It's worth noting that only certain treatments offer this option.

Next steps for your health

PMI really can be affordable and accessible to anyone. It may fit into your plan much better than you’d expect.

Having health insurance is something worth considering as you never know when you’ll need to get treatment quickly, and with year long waits, it becomes more appealing.

Think about what's important to you

As much as we don’t like to think about it or try to put it to the back of our minds, it’s a good idea to take time out to think about what’s important to you, and what you’d do if you needed to call on health care services quickly. The great thing about private medical cover is that it really can be suited to you and have your needs and circumstances at the forefront.

Free consultation with an expert

We’d always recommend having a free, consultation with one of our health insurance experts. We’re proud of our advised service and the recommendations we provide to customers.

Getting free, expert advice is essential when you’re considering your healthcare options. Our team of experts compare policies from the leading UK insurers, such as Bupa, AXA and Vitality.  

They can offer you the best price guaranteed and will guide you through the entire process of finding the right policy for you. They will help you to understand your options and what cover would best suit you. 

We provide our customers with the best advice and recommendations to be able to make informed decisions about their health. You can ask us as many questions as you need about your options available.

Fill out the get a quote form below and one of our advisers will give you a call. Or feel free to give our team a call on: 01285 864670