The latest data from the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) shows there was a decrease in the number of reported admissions at Northern Ireland’s private hospitals from quarter 3 (July to September) 2024 to the same period in 2025, but more admissions used ‘self-pay’.
The 5,435 reported admissions in quarter 3 2025 represented a 6% decrease on quarter 3 in 2024. It was also the lowest total since quarter 2 (April to June) 2023.
Self-pay admissions increase
Private medical insurance remained the preferred payment method, but the number of admissions funded this way decreased by 16% in the latest data.
Self-pay admissions (where the patient pays directly for their treatment through savings or loans) increased by 10%.
Declining admissions in most age groups, but cataracts remain popular
There were declines across all age groups except 20-29 and 40-49 which increased by 1% and 90-99 which increased by 11%.
The most admissions (1,255) came for patients in the 70-79 age group.
Cataracts (1,600) were the most common reason for an admission and were up by 12%. The next two highest admissions were for Hip replacement (370) and Inguinal hernia repair (175).
Improving understanding of private healthcare
Richard Wells, PHIN’s Director of Technology and Insights, said: “As an independent and not-for-profit organisation, our remit is to improve understanding of the private sector in the UK to help patients make more informed decisions.
“Our latest data shows that in Northern Ireland, there seems to be less of an appetite for using the private healthcare sector for diagnostic tests and treatment than in recent years.
“There are seasonal variations throughout the year with quarter 3 normally being the lowest period. However, 2025 saw the lowest number of admissions even for that quarter since 2022.
“For those people who did use private healthcare, a growing number chose to ‘self-pay’ for their procedure. ‘Self-pay’ can be a better option for those looking to come off the NHS waiting list (when insurance might judge their condition to be pre existing and therefore not covered by their policy if they have one.”
Despite the decline in admissions, the number of consultants working in private practice in Northern Ireland in quarter 3 2025 was up 2.7% on the same quarter in 2024.
PHIN publishes its Market Update every quarter to keep people informed about what is happening in the private sector. Along with the information available on its website ( www.phin.org.uk ) this enables patients to make more informed choices about their healthcare.
