New research from Howden Life & Health shows diagnostic tests and scans are the most common reason for private medical insurance claims, with clear differences in how generations use cover.
Diagnostic tests and scans are the leading reason for private medical insurance claims, while mental health services feature far more prominently among younger policyholders, according to new research from Howden Life & Health.
The findings form part of the firm’s Health Gap research, which surveyed 2,000 UK adults and examined claims behaviour among PMI policyholders over the past five years. Overall, 42% of those with PMI said they had made at least one claim during that period.
The research highlights notable differences by gender and age. Almost half of male policyholders, 47%, reported making a claim in the past five years, compared with 38% of women. Age proved to be an even stronger differentiator, with 57% of PMI holders aged under 24 making a claim, compared with just 17% of those aged 65 and over.
Across all age groups, diagnostic tests and scans were the most common reason for claiming, followed by injuries and rehabilitation, including physiotherapy. Optical treatment and eye and ear conditions completed the top five claim categories overall.
AGE AS DIFFERENTIATOR
However, Howden’s analysis shows that the type of claim made varies significantly by age. For policyholders aged 65 and over, optical treatment and physiotherapy were the two most common reasons for claiming, while mental health services ranked ninth.
By contrast, mental health support features much more prominently among younger adults and those in mid-life. Among people aged 45 to 54, mental health services were the second most common reason for claiming, with 18% making a claim in this category.
For those aged 18 to 24, mental health services ranked fourth, with 24% having made a related claim.
Jon Carroll, executive director at Howden Life & Health, said: “Our research underlines the crucial role Private Medical Insurance plays in helping people access timely diagnosis and treatment – particularly when NHS waiting times for key services are under significant strain.
“Although NHS England data published in January 2026 shows the waiting list has fallen significantly from its peak, NHS targets state that fewer than 1% of patients should wait longer than six weeks for diagnostic tests such as MRIs and CT scans, and more than one in five patients are currently waiting beyond the NHS six week target, with around 1.7 million people are on the waiting list for a test overall.
“Against this backdrop, it’s no surprise that diagnostic tests and scans are the most common reason for PMI claims. Quick access to imaging can be vital for spotting issues early, from potential cancers to neurological or musculoskeletal conditions, and private cover helps people avoid prolonged uncertainty.”
Howden also points to wider pressures on mental health services. NHS data shows patients are eight times more likely to wait more than 18 months for mental health treatment than for physical health care.
Carroll added: “What’s also particularly striking is the growing reliance on PMI for mental health support among younger adults.
“With one in five under-25s making a mental health-related claim, it’s clear that access to prompt, specialist care is becoming increasingly important for this generation.
“At the same time, older policyholders are using PMI in very different ways, reflecting how healthcare needs evolve over our lifetimes.
“The message for consumers is that PMI isn’t just about covering major illness – it’s about everyday health concerns, early intervention and ongoing wellbeing. Having the right cover in place, and reviewing it regularly with professional advice, can ensure policies continue to meet people’s changing needs and deliver real value when they need it most.”
