The latest data from the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) shows there was an increase in the number of reported admissions at Wales’ private hospitals from quarter 3 (July to September) 2024 to the same period in 2025.

The 7,955 reported admissions in quarter 3 2025 was the highest total ever for that time of year and represented a 1% increase on quarter 3 in 2024. Admissions have gone up in every Q3 since 2020.

Self-pay (where the patient pays directly for their treatment through savings or loans) continues to be the dominant payment method in Wales (4,460 admissions), unlike any other UK nations, and increased by 1%.

The number of admissions funded by private medical insurance (3,495) also increased (2%).

Older age groups have biggest rise in admissions

There were more admissions in the 70-79 age group (1,940) than any other. The biggest increase (70) came in the 60-69 year old group, which had 1,450 admissions.

Cataracts (2,340) was the most common reason for admission and was up by 2%.

There were more consultants (364) working in private practice in Wales than in any previous Q3 and there was just one fewer that the all-time highest total.

Making private healthcare more understandable

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 Wales, there seems to be an increasing appetite or need to use the private healthcare sector, especially among older patients.

“There are seasonal variations throughout the year with quarter 3 normally being the lowest period. Although that pattern continued in 2025, there were the highest number of admissions we’ve ever seen for a third quarter.”

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.