Recent figures have shown those taking out private medical insurance (PMI) has risen significantly over the last year.

The Association of British Insurers has revelled around 6 million people in the UK now have private health insurance.   

Health professionals claim bad hygiene and fear of getting hospital killer bugs like MRSA are pushing people to take out insurance policies. Those with private health cover can usually get treatment when and where they chose and if staying in hospital in an individual room.

The managing director of BUPA UK Health Insurance, Fergus Kee, reportedly commented "For 65 percent of Britons, access to clean hospitals is the most important reason for taking out private medical insurance. MRSA and general hospital hygiene are clearly top concerns for people. People also tell us that they value the fact that PMI gives them access to drugs and treatments not widely available on the NHS."

With more taking out private health insurance many wonder how the NHS will fair in the not so distant future. A health professional commented the NHS was still a valuable asset for people. The NHS is constantly reviewing their standards to ensure those who need treatment received the best.