Aviva’s profits rise as demand for UK private health insurance booms

Hospital admissions paid for through private health insurance were at near record levels in the first nine months of last year, Aviva said. Photograph: Alecsandra Raluca Drăgoi/The Guardian

Booming demand in the UK for private health insurance, as NHS waiting lists remain at near-record levels, has boosted annual profits at Aviva, with more frequent claims and higher medical costs driving up premiums.

Britain’s biggest general insurer said sales of health insurance had risen 41% in 2023 compared with the previous year, with strong demand from businesses and individual customers, who were taking out policies as the crisis in the state health service continues.