The latest data from the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) – the independent body that reports on activity in the sector – shows there was an increase in the number of reported admissions at the UK’s private hospitals from quarter 3 (July to September) 2024 to the same period in 2025.
The 230,000 reported admissions in quarter 3 (Q3) 2025 represented a 1% increase on Q3 in 2024. It was also the highest total ever for that time of year. The most admissions (45,750) came for patients in the 50-59 age group.
Record insured admissions
Private medical insurance remained the preferred payment method and the number of admissions funded this way increased by 1% and were at a record level for Q3. Self-pay remained steady and makes up just under a third of all admissions.
Chemotherapy most common procedure
For the first time ever, there were more admissions (19,910) for chemotherapy than any other procedure. Cataract admissions (19,075) came a close second. The next two highest admissions were for diagnostic tests (Upper GI endoscopy 10,390 and Colonoscopy 9,160).
Decline in weight loss surgery
Despite the overall rise in admissions, there was a decline in weight loss surgeries during the period. Admissions for gastric balloons and gastrectomies were both down 72%.
Making private healthcare more transparent
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 although growth has slowed slightly from previous periods, there continues to be an appetite for using the private healthcare sector for diagnostic tests and treatment.
“There are seasonal variations throughout the year with Q3 normally being the lowest period. Although that appears to be the case again in 2025, there were the highest number of admissions we’ve ever seen for this period.
“Our recent report ‘Cancer care in the UK’ demonstrated the popularity of the private sector for patients with cancer. Therefore, it is no surprise to see the growth in the use of private care for chemotherapy in the latest data.
“We have been seeing a greater variety in the type of procedures people for which people go private for some time. Chemotherapy and diagnostic tests have become much more prevalent, whereas the traditional ‘top 3’ of cataracts, hip replacements and knee replacements are no longer dominant.
“We are also seeing a decline in the popularity of weight loss surgeries as people turn to the popular jabs like Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) instead.”
PHIN’s data also shows that the proportion of total admissions in England which were in a private setting remained at 6%. NHS funded procedures taking place in private hospitals also remained steady at 5% of the total admissions. The majority of admissions remained ‘NHS Hospital, NHS Funded’ which was at 88%.
