Analysis of Google search data for ‘private healthcare' and 416 connected key terms such as ‘private health insurance' and ‘private medical insurance' by EMS Lifts found searches rose from 194,750 in January 2021 to 363,430 in December 2024.

Greg Muir of EMS Lifts, said: ‘The NHS is faced with incredible pressure, with staffing shortages and waiting lists for even essential services meaning people are faced with the choice of dealing with conditions until they can get treatment, or looking for another option.

‘While there is a lot of debate on the effect that private healthcare can have on the National Health Service, in terms of use of facilities and availability of specialists, the reality is that these increases shouldn't be surprising.'

Scotland saw the highest percentage rise in the UK, with a 300% spike in searches from 13,430 to 54,240 with England up by 60% from 163,080 to 260,240.  

The only nation to show a decline in searches was Northern Ireland which saw numbers fall by -16.20% overall.

By metropolitan area, Cardiff had the highest percentage increase nationally, with interest in the topic raising by 600% from just 390 searches in January 2021 to 2,820 in December 2024. This was followed by Wrexham with 300% and Luton close behind that with 300%.

Birmingham, which came fourth overall for percentage change with a 300% increase, took the top spot for the highest amount of searches in December 2024, with 16,280 searches that month.