UK healthcare is already being privatised, but not in the way you think

In recent years, there has been growing concern among the British public regarding the potential privatization of the National Health Service (NHS). While fears of a direct sale to US corporations may be exaggerated, data indicates a significant shift towards private healthcare in the UK. A notable trend is the rise in crowdfunding campaigns for private medical expenses, which has increased twenty-fold in five years. Many individuals are turning to platforms like GoFundMe to cover costs after facing long NHS waiting times. For instance, a family in Northern Ireland raised £50,000 for their son’s treatment abroad due to NHS delays.

The financial burden of private healthcare is increasingly falling on those least able to afford it. Between 2010 and 2020, spending on hospital treatments rose significantly, particularly among the lowest-income households, where the proportion of spending on private care has doubled. Currently, one in fourteen of the poorest households incurs catastrophic healthcare costs, a rise from one in thirty a decade ago. This trend suggests that the NHS is struggling to meet the needs of its patients, pushing even low-income individuals to seek private care. Historically, middle-class Britons have opted for private treatment for quicker access, but the current situation highlights a critical point where those with limited means are compelled to seek financial help to navigate a failing healthcare system.