I’m thrilled to sit down with Simon Glairy, a leading expert in insurance and Insurtech, particularly known for his deep insights into risk management and AI-driven risk assessment. Today, we’re diving into the surging use of insurer-provided health services in the UK, the critical role of workplace benefits, and the pressing call for a freeze on Insurance Premium Tax (IPT). Our conversation explores how these trends are reshaping healthcare access, supporting workforce health, and addressing broader economic challenges.
Can you walk us through the recent surge in people using insurer-provided health services in the UK, and what this 23% increase from 1.8 million to 2.2 million users in 2023 tells us about shifting behaviors?
Absolutely, Abigail. This jump to 2.2 million users is a clear signal that more people are relying on insurers for their healthcare needs. It reflects a growing trust in these services, especially as public health systems face strain. I think it’s also tied to a broader awareness of health and wellness, where individuals are prioritizing quick access to care, often through benefits provided by their employers. This trend shows a shift toward proactive health management rather than just reactive treatment.
What’s driving the massive 22% increase in interactions with these services, reaching 10.3 million in 2023, and why is it noteworthy that over half of these focus on prevention or early care?
The 10.3 million interactions highlight how embedded insurer-provided services have become in people’s lives. These interactions include everything from consultations to follow-ups and screenings. The emphasis on prevention and early care—over 50% of these interactions—is huge because it means we’re catching issues before they escalate, which can save costs and improve outcomes. It’s a win for individuals, employers, and the broader healthcare system, as it reduces the burden of chronic or advanced conditions.
Employer-sponsored health plans are behind 77% of this access. How have workplace benefits become such a pivotal part of this growth?
Employer-sponsored plans are a game-changer because they make health services accessible to a wide swath of the population at little to no direct cost to the employee. That 77% figure shows how much workplaces are stepping up as health advocates. Companies are recognizing that healthy employees are more productive and loyal, so offering these benefits is both a strategic investment and a way to attract talent in a competitive market.
Let’s talk about specific services seeing big jumps, like virtual doctor visits up 21% to 1.73 million. What’s fueling this rise in virtual consultations?
The growth in virtual GP consultations is largely about convenience and speed. People can get medical advice from their couch without taking time off work or waiting weeks for an appointment. The pandemic accelerated this shift, normalizing digital healthcare, and now it’s a preferred option for many, especially for minor issues or initial assessments. Technology has made these interactions seamless, and insurers are capitalizing on that to meet demand.
Another area of growth is musculoskeletal interventions, up 29% to 1.63 million. What do you think is behind this significant increase?
Musculoskeletal issues, like back or joint pain, are incredibly common, especially as people age or work in physically demanding roles. The 29% increase reflects better access to specialized care through insurers, as well as growing awareness of how important early intervention is for these conditions. Many of these interventions might include physical therapy or ergonomic advice, which can prevent long-term disability and keep people in the workforce.
Mental health and counseling sessions also rose by 11% to 1.33 million. How significant is this trend in the context of overall health priorities?
This rise is incredibly significant because mental health has historically been under-addressed. The 11% increase to 1.33 million sessions shows that stigma is decreasing and more people are seeking help, often through insurer-provided platforms that make access discreet and immediate. It’s a critical piece of holistic health, as mental well-being directly impacts physical health and workplace performance. Insurers are responding by expanding these offerings, which is a positive step.
With 2.8 million UK adults economically inactive due to long-term sickness, how are insurer-provided services helping address this challenge?
Insurer-provided services are playing a vital role by offering faster access to diagnosis and treatment, which can help people recover and return to work sooner. For instance, early interventions for physical or mental health issues can prevent conditions from becoming chronic. These services also often include rehabilitation programs or support for managing long-term conditions, directly targeting the barriers that keep people out of the workforce. It’s not a complete solution, but it’s a meaningful bridge.
The Association of British Insurers is pushing for a freeze on Insurance Premium Tax. Can you explain why this is such a priority for the industry right now?
The call for an IPT freeze is about affordability and access. Insurance Premium Tax adds a layer of cost that can deter small businesses or lower-income individuals from adopting health and protection plans. Freezing or reducing this tax could lower premiums, making these benefits more accessible to a broader population. With economic inactivity tied to health issues on the rise, the industry sees this as a practical way to encourage uptake and support public health goals without straining government budgets.
Looking ahead, what is your forecast for the role of insurer-provided health services in tackling both individual health needs and broader economic challenges in the UK?
I’m optimistic about the future, Abigail. Insurer-provided health services are poised to become even more integral as technology advances and partnerships between insurers, employers, and policymakers strengthen. We’ll likely see more personalized and AI-driven solutions for health management, which could further improve outcomes. On the economic front, if barriers like IPT are addressed, I expect greater adoption among small businesses and underserved groups, helping reduce inactivity and boosting productivity. But it’ll require collaboration—insurers can’t do it alone. Government support and employer engagement will be key to sustaining this momentum.
