The rise in claims was reported by Healthcode, which processes invoices for private healthcare providers and private medical insurance providers. It follows almost 7% year-on-year growth in the first three months of the year. More than one million invoices were processed in each month of the second quarter, taking the total to 6.3 million for the first half of 2026.
Richard Aris, director of strategic partnerships and external affairs at Healthcode, said:
“After we reported strong year-on-year growth in PMI volumes in Q1, our data shows the sector has built on this momentum over the last three months. The record level of activity confirms the importance of private sector capacity and high-quality provision at a time of rising healthcare need.”
Outpatient care is driving the increase
Outpatient care – appointments, scans and treatment that don’t require a hospital stay – accounted for most of the growth in the second quarter. Admitted care also increased, with day patient cases making up 78% of these.
In total, 2.9 million invoices were processed between April and June, which is 8.5% more than in the same period in 2025.
Speciality areas recording year-on-year claims growth include oncology (up 11.8%), cardiology (up 2.4%) and physiotherapy (up 5.2%). Around two million invoices came from non-hospital providers, including clinics, private practices and practitioners, compared with around one million from hospitals.
Private healthcare use is rising across the UK
Healthcode’s figures show that private healthcare activity increased across all four UK nations in the first half of 2026.
Northern Ireland recorded the strongest growth, with invoice volumes up 11.2% year-on-year.
Wales followed closely at 11.1%.
England saw growth of 7.2%.
Scotland increased by 6%.
Within England, the East Midlands saw the biggest increase at 18.1%, followed by the North West at 14.3%. The West Midlands was the only region to record a fall, with volumes down 2.8%.
Source:
PMI claim volumes increased by almost 8% between April and June 2026: Health and Protection. PMI claim volumes accelerate in Q2. Accessed 10 August 2026.
