The Exeter has published new research indicating that a majority of UK adults expect to wait no longer than three months for non-urgent hospital treatment, with very few willing to accept delays beyond six months.

The survey of 2,000 UK consumers found that 58% of adults say the maximum they would be prepared to wait is three months or less. One in five respondents, 20%, say they would only accept a wait of one month.

Patience falls away quickly after this point. Only 8% say they would be prepared to wait four months, while just 2.5% would accept five months. Fewer than 2% of those surveyed say they are willing to wait more than six months for non-urgent treatment.

YOUNGER ADULTS LEAST TOLERANT OF DELAYS

Expectations vary sharply by age group. Almost a third of 16–24-year-olds, 32%, say they would only accept a one-month wait, the highest of any age group and well above the national average of 20%.

In contrast, just over one in five over-55s, 21%, are prepared to wait up to six months. This compares with 14% across all age groups and only 3.5% of 16–24-year-olds.

The averages underline this gap. Adults aged 16–24 say they are willing to wait 2.31 months on hospital lists for non-urgent treatment, while over-55s are prepared to wait 3.94 months, more than six weeks longer.

RISING INTEREST IN PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE

The findings point to growing interest in alternatives that can shorten the path to diagnosis and treatment, particularly among younger adults who report the lowest tolerance for long waits.

Karen Woodley, head of healthcare distribution at The Exeter, said: “Our research shows that many people are looking for ways to complement their healthcare journey, particularly when it comes to accessing treatment quicker.

“At The Exeter, we believe private health insurance is more than a safety net; it’s a proactive solution that empowers individuals to take control of their health journey.

“As demand for faster, more flexible care rises, private cover is becoming an essential part of how people safeguard their wellbeing.”

IMPLICATIONS FOR ACCESS TO CARE

The research highlights a clear mismatch between current NHS waiting times and public expectations, especially at the younger end of the age spectrum.

With relatively few people prepared to accept waits beyond three months, the pressure on both public services and private providers is likely to remain a central issue in the wider debate about how patients access care.

For insurers and intermediaries, the data will be of interest to clients who are increasingly focused on certainty and speed of treatment, and who may be weighing the role of private cover alongside state provision.