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Public–private sector interactions and the demand for supplementary health insurance in the United Kingdom

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  • Bíró, Anikó
  • Hellowell, Mark

Abstract

We examine the demand for private health insurance (PHI) in the United Kingdom and relate this to changes in the supply of public and private healthcare. Using a novel collection of administrative, private sector and survey data, we re-assess the relationships between the quality and availability of public and private sector inpatient care, and the demand for PHI. We find that PHI coverage in the United Kingdom is positively related to the median of the region- and year-specific public sector waiting times. We find that PHI prevalence ceteris paribus increases with being self-employed and employed, while it decreases with having financial difficulties. In addition, we highlight the complexities of inter-sectoral relations and their impact on PHI demand. Within a region, we find that an increase in private healthcare supply is associated with a decrease in public sector waiting times, implying lower PHI demand. This may be explained by the usage of private facilities by NHS commissioners. These results have important implications for policymakers interested in the role of private healthcare supply in enhancing the availability of and equitable access to acute inpatient care.

Suggested Citation

  • Bíró, Anikó & Hellowell, Mark, 2016. "Public–private sector interactions and the demand for supplementary health insurance in the United Kingdom," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 120(7), pages 840-847.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:hepoli:v:120:y:2016:i:7:p:840-847
    DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2016.05.002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Trinh, Cong Tam & Chao, Chi-Chur & Ho, Nhut Quang, 2023. "Private health insurance consumption and public health-care provision in OECD countries: Impact of culture, finance, and the pandemic," The North American Journal of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 64(C).
    3. Lavaste, Konsta, 2023. "Private health insurance in the universal public healthcare system: The role of healthcare provision in Finland," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 132(C).
    4. Kanika Kapur, 2020. "Private Health Insurance in Ireland: Trends and Determinants," The Economic and Social Review, Economic and Social Studies, vol. 51(1), pages 63-92.

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