UK health and life insurer The Exeter has released new research showing the extent of concerns amongst UK citizens around access to healthcare, with waiting times, service availability and GP appointments topping the list of health-related worries for 2025. The findings come as waiting lists for routine hospital treatment in England rise for the third consecutive month.
Access to public health concerns grows
The survey of 2,000 UK consumers found that the leading concerns around personal health and wellbeing in 2025 are:
- 71% worried about rising NHS waiting times for treatments and operations (up from 39% in comparison to The Exeter’s 2023 Health and Financial Fears research)
- 64% concerned about the availability of NHS services for non-urgent treatment (almost double the 33% figure in 2023)
- 63% anxious about the impact of NHS strike action
Access to GPs also ranks highly. Six in ten people in the UK (60%) are worried about securing a same-day or face-to-face appointment (37% in 2023), while more than half (52%) are concerned about the difficulties of contacting surgeries by telephone (37% in 2023).
Financial pressures deepen health worries
Financial pressures are also shaping choices. Concerns about the affordability of private healthcare have almost doubled since 2023, rising from 21% to 43%. The issue is felt most strongly among those aged 25 to 34, where just over half (51%) say they are worried about being able to afford private healthcare, the highest level of concern across all age groups.
The latest research also shows that income influences views on NHS access, with worries about waiting times increasing as wages fall – nearly three-quarters (73%) of those earning £15,000 or less reported concern, compared with 66% of those on £55,000 or more.
It’s not just lower earners who feel this way, with concern equally as high among middle earners on £25,000 to £45,000, with over two-thirds (72%%) also saying they are worried about waiting times.
Karen Woodley, Head of Healthcare Distribution at The Exeter, commented:
“These results show just how strongly people are feeling the pressure on NHS services right now. It’s not just about health conditions anymore – worries about waiting times, getting in to see a GP and even the impact of the recent strike action are front of mind when people think about their health.
Even those turning to private healthcare to avoid NHS waiting times are increasingly worried about affordability of the options available. It’s important we keep raising awareness of private health insurance policies and continue developing innovative ways to make private healthcare more accessible and sustainable, so people can get the care they need without added financial pressure.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
About the survey
The research was conducted among 2,000 nationally representative UK consumers between 6–8th August 2025.
PR Contact
Tom Stewart-Walvin, Rostrum
T: +44 (0)7855 689 302
E: theexeter@rostrum.agency
About The Exeter
The Exeter is a leading protection and healthcare insurer who have been supporting UK families in the event of ill health or injury since 1888.
Formerly known as the Exeter Friendly Society and Pioneer Friendly Society, The Exeter is a mutual friendly society. This means it’s owned by members and run for their benefit, rather than shareholders.
The Exeter is a trading name of Exeter Friendly Society Limited, which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Register number 205309) and is incorporated under the Friendly Societies Act 1992 Register No. 91F with its registered office at Lakeside House, Emperor Way, Exeter, England EX1 3FD.