How preventative healthcare is becoming part of the wider healthcare system 

Healthcare has traditionally focused on treating people when they become unwell, but the conversation is increasingly shifting towards prevention. From the NHS’s plans to put greater emphasis on prevention, to private medical insurers introducing preventative services and employers looking at how they can better support their workforce, there is a growing focus on identifying health risks earlier and helping people stay healthier for longer. 

What is preventative healthcare? 

Preventative healthcare is about reducing the risk of illness, identifying potential health problems earlier or helping prevent an existing risk from becoming more serious. It can include health assessments, screening, lifestyle support, mental health services, occupational health, weight management and digital healthcare. Prevention isn’t necessarily about stopping someone from becoming ill; it can also mean identifying a problem earlier and providing the right support before it becomes more serious. 

Why is prevention becoming more important? 

The UK has an ageing population, more people are living with long-term health conditions, and healthcare systems are under significant pressure. This is creating greater interest in helping people maintain their health and access support earlier. 

Technology is also changing what is possible. Digital healthcare, wearable technology, health monitoring and increasingly personalised healthcare can provide more information about individual health risks and support a more proactive approach to healthcare. 

Prevention and the NHS 

Preventative healthcare isn’t just becoming a focus within private healthcare. It is also central to the NHS’s future direction. 

The 10 Year Health Plan for England, published in July 2025, sets out three major shifts: 

• Hospital to community 

• Analogue to digital 

• Sickness to prevention 

The shift towards prevention aims to identify and address health risks earlier, helping reduce the amount of time people spend in ill health and supporting the long-term sustainability of the NHS. 

The NHS has also highlighted that prevention cannot be delivered by the NHS alone. Businesses, communities and individuals all have a role to play. 

What is happening in private healthcare? 

Private healthcare is also developing its approach to prevention. Depending on the insurer and policy, this can include health assessments, digital GP services, mental health support, lifestyle programmes and other wellbeing services. 

Bupa has introduced Prevention Pathways, covering areas including breast cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes for eligible customers. These pathways use clinical assessments and, in some cases, genetic information to help identify increased risks and provide appropriate support. However, preventative services vary between insurers and policies. They are not automatically included within every private medical insurance policy, and eligibility and coverage can differ. 

Why does prevention matter to businesses? 

Employee health can have a direct impact on absence, productivity, engagement and retention. The latest CIPD Health and Wellbeing at Work report found that UK employees were absent for an average of 9.4 days per employee in the previous 12 months the highest level recorded in the report’s more than 15 year history. Mental ill health was the leading cause of long-term absence, while stress and musculoskeletal conditions also remain significant issues. For employers, prevention could mean giving employees easier access to occupational health, mental health support, physiotherapy, health assessments, digital healthcare or other wellbeing services. 

The CIPD also found that 74% of organisations now have employee wellbeing on the senior leadership agenda, compared with 61% in 2020. However, many employers remain reactive, providing support once an employee is already unwell. 

Could PMI become more preventative? 

Private medical insurance will continue to play an important role in providing access to diagnosis and treatment. But the wider healthcare proposition around PMI is changing. 

For employers, the conversation doesn’t necessarily have to stop at “What happens when an employee becomes ill?” It can also include “What support is available to help our employees look after their health before a problem becomes more serious?” Prevention isn’t a replacement for treatment, and not every health problem can be prevented. However, earlier access to appropriate healthcare and support may help people address some issues sooner, manage existing conditions and stay in work where possible. This means employers may benefit from looking at their wider healthcare and wellbeing offering, rather than focusing solely on the cost of their medical insurance. 

Why does preventative healthcare matter to our clients? 

As preventative healthcare becomes a bigger part of the wider healthcare conversation, it is something businesses should consider when reviewing their private medical insurance and employee benefits. Every workforce is different. For some businesses, fast access to diagnosis and treatment may be the priority. For others, health assessments, mental health support, digital healthcare, physiotherapy, occupational health or other wellbeing services may be more valuable. 

At Cransford, we look beyond the cost of a renewal. We review the options available across the market and help businesses understand what different insurers and policies can offer, including the wider healthcare and wellbeing services available alongside the core insurance. 

Supporting clients beyond their insurance policy 

Preventative healthcare can also extend beyond the benefits included within a PMI policy. Through Cransford Plus, our clients can access additional healthcare and wellbeing benefits designed to complement their existing cover. These can include health checks, occupational health support and other specialist healthcare services, with new benefits and partnerships being added over time. 

Our aim is to give clients access to additional healthcare support that can sit alongside their private medical insurance helping support employee health throughout the year, not just when treatment is needed. 

Want to know more about your healthcare options? 

Preventative healthcare is becoming an increasingly important part of the wider healthcare conversation, but the services and benefits available can vary between insurers and policies. 

If you’re reviewing your company’s private medical insurance or simply want to understand whether your current cover is still meeting the needs of your business and employees, contact us for more information or book an appointment with our team. 

Our reviews are free, with no obligation to change your existing cover.