The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has identified a 23% increase in the number of people who used insurer-provided health services in 2023, such as virtual GPs, physiotherapy services and mental health consultations.
An ABI report showed roughly 2.2 million people used insurer-provided health services across the year, 23% more than in 2022 when 1.8 million used these services, highlighting the expanding role of health and protection insurers in supporting a healthy UK population and workforce.
Customers accessed these services 10.3 million times to help them prevent illnesses, manage conditions, receive treatment or support their return to work, a 22% increase from 2022.
Half (51%) of these interactions were for prevention, diagnosis and to offer early care to individuals.
Threequarters (77%) of those who accessed these services did so through workplace schemes.
A range of services were used across 2023.
These included virtual GP remote consultations which reached 1.73 million, a 21% increase compared to 2022. This equates to more than 4,700 per day across 2023.
Physiotherapy and tailored exercise plans were implemented in 1.63 million musculoskeletal (MSK) interventions, up 29% from 2022.
Around 1.33 million mental health and counselling, therapy, and digital-CBT sessions were delivered, an 11% increase compared to 2022.
Ahead of the Budget and the release of findings from Sir Charlie Mayfield’s Keep Britain Working Review, the ABI said it was vital that the government recognised the vital role health and protection insurers can and do play in helping people stay well and in work.
Consequently it reiterated its call on the government to reduce tax barriers to incentivise broader access to workplace health and protection insurance – including freezing Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) until fiscal headroom allows for a reduction.
Dr Yvonne Braun, director of policy, long-term savings, health and protection at the ABI, said: “Insurers, the government and employers all play a critical role in unlocking the full potential of health and protection insurance.
“Our data reinforces the need for a joined-up approach to workforce health that can help boost uptake of preventative care, early interventions and timely support offered through insurance.
“By working together, we can build a healthier, more resilient workforce and reduce long-term sickness and economic inactivity.”