Private medical insurance now the UK’s most sought-after employee benefit, Zest research finds 

Private medical insurance (PMI) has overtaken all other workplace perks to become the most in-demand employee benefit in the UK, according to new research from benefits technology platform Zest. 

The study, carried out by Opinium among 2,000 adults and 500 HR decision-makers, found that one in three employees now rank PMI as their top priority, ahead of enhanced pension contributions, wellbeing allowances and employer help with energy bills. 

Zest’s findings come amid unprecedented pressures on NHS services. With more than 7.6 million people currently waiting for treatment, including 300,000 who have been waiting for more than a year, and growing backlogs in mental health services, demand for private healthcare support is rising sharply. 

Zest’s research shows that three-quarters of HR professionals now view PMI as a necessity, yet only 40 per cent of employers currently offer it. The company warns that this gap could cost businesses talent as employees look for roles that prioritise access to healthcare. 

The survey also revealed that communication gaps persist. Many employees are unaware that they already have access to private healthcare through existing benefits packages, reducing take-up and overall impact. Zest says better communication and digital engagement are key to improving value and employee satisfaction. 

The research found that some people are taking matters into their own hands. Data from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation suggests that UK households are setting aside around £200 a year to pay privately for routine services rather than face long NHS delays. 

Zest argues that this behaviour underscores a wider shift in employee expectations – with benefits that directly support health and wellbeing now viewed as essential rather than optional. The company says employers should prioritise flexibility, visibility and simplicity in how they deliver and communicate benefits, supported by technology that adapts to workforce needs. 

The findings add to growing evidence that health-related benefits are becoming central to employer value propositions across the UK, as the cost and accessibility of care increasingly influence workforce wellbeing and retention.