GPs Go Private

Almost a third of GPs would prefer to be treated privately rather than relying on the NHS, a survey has revealed.

The poll of 1,723 doctors found that 28% of GPs had private medical insurance, compared to 22% of all doctors, including consultants.

More than 60% of all respondents to the survey, carried out by Hospital Doctor magazine and Medix, said they were happy to be treated on the NHS.

But Dr David Costain, medical director at AXA PPP healthcare, said the results of the survey were “interesting” because they showed that in spite of the fact that GPs “know how to get the best of what the NHS has to offer”, a third of family doctors would rather be treated privately.

However, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary Norman Lamb said: “The fact that doctors in such great numbers are taking out insurance to sidestep waiting times simply demonstrates that we have got a long way to go.

“We supported the record investment in the NHS but the government has not used it effectively enough.”

The Health Insurance Magazine: February 2007.