Optimism for self-pay to bring a boost to private care

On 14 July,2020 | In News

Before Covid-19, market analysts LaingBuisson predicted a 4.5% growth in self-pay this year and 5% next, but its consultant Liz Heath told the webinar she remained cautiously optimistic about the future. 

With 725,000 fewer NHS elective admissions during lockdown, she saw a big opportunity for the private sector to meet customers’ demands.

Affordability was an issue, but with more finance plans available for customers, these could be used even by those who could afford to pay up front, because they could spread the cost at 0% interest.

Some good news for self-pay consumers was a drop in diagnostics pricing due to competition.

Liz Heath

Providers’ guide pricing and transparency had improved, Ms Heath reported, but the wide range in prices and an absence of explanation for this was an issue. Average price points had changed very little in the last few years, suggesting sensitivity over pricing or providers looking at efficiencies. 

NHS PPU websites were still ‘very variable’ and often a missed opportunity to bring in business.

She believed there was a big role for consultants to lead in clinical and non-clinical technology and innovation. This would be vital to engage with potential and existing customers – and some doctors had stepped up to the challenge.