Surge in sick Scots paying for healthcare

DUE to massive waiting lists and struggling hospitals, a growing number of Scots are paying for treatment and surgery out of their own pockets.

- BY DAVID WALKER Scottish Politics Reporter

Figures released by the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) showed reported private hospital and clinic admissions in Scotland were at 13,455 in the second quarter of 2025, a rise of 3% on the same period in 2024.

Scotland was the only part of the UK which saw an increase in private admissions in the quarter. The report revealed that there were a record 6,155 private admissions paid for directly by Scots patients, using their savings or loans to pay for diagnostic tests or treatment with a private facility.

This type of admission was 4% above Q2 in 2024.

Admissions funded by private medical insurance were at a high level (7,290). This is the second highest level ever and 3% above the same quarter in 2024.