- New research of 8,002 UK adults reveals over half (51%) say rising living costs have made it harder to prioritise their health
- Almost a quarter (24%) of those said delaying treatment made their condition worse, while more than one in five (22%) went on to need urgent medical attention
- Over half (56%) of employed respondents delayed seeking help for a mental or physical health concern because they did not want to take time off work
- The research is revealed in the latest ‘Bupa Wellbeing Index’ – an annual barometer of the nation’s physical and mental health
More than one in five (22%) UK adults have needed urgent medical attention after ignoring early symptoms, as the continued cost-of-living crisis forces many to put their health on hold.
According to a major new report of 8,002 adults, released today, more than half (51%1) of people say they find it harder to prioritise their health and wellbeing in the current economic climate.
Against a backdrop of sustained pressure on household finances and stretched public services, the findings have highlighted the ‘cost of coping’: the personal toll of managing financial and everyday pressures by putting one’s health on hold. Many are making short-term trade-offs that can carry longer-term health consequences, adding to their mental load and placing strain on personal wellbeing – with two in five people (41%1) admitting they are unable to put their wellbeing first because of the cost of living and almost a quarter (24% 1) saying delaying treatment due to the cost of living made their condition worse.
The findings form part of this year’s Bupa Wellbeing Index – the most comprehensive annual report assessing the state of the nation’s physical and mental health.
The ‘cost of coping’ is causing many people to put off getting the care they need
Work, financial pressures and everyday responsibilities are making it harder for people to access healthcare when they need it. More than half (56%2) of employed respondents have delayed seeking attention for a physical or mental health concern because they did not want to take time off work.
Many are pushing through health concerns rather than addressing them: 57%1 of employed respondents continue working when exhausted, 41% 1 have worked through illness rather than take sick leave, 71%3 of those who are employed have gone to work while struggling with their mental health, and 33% worry that taking time off for health reasons could affect their career.
The pressure to cope is impacting on mental health and people’s ability to work
This delay in seeking attention for health concerns is reshaping people’s working lives, with the findings pointing to a growing link between poor health, financial pressure and people’s ability to stay in work – impacting on mental health:
- Almost half (44%1) say financial stress is negatively affecting their mental health
- One in five (20%) feel anxious or stressed every day as a result
- Of those who have been employed in the past 12 months, nearly a quarter (24%) say their mental health was a key factor in leaving a job and one in five (18%) say the same about their physical health
Alastair Campbell, renowned writer, podcaster, communicator and strategist, comments:
“So many of the problems facing the United Kingdom relate to health, and so much of what we read about our health online is just wrong. It is tempting, given how much we go online in so many parts of our lives, to think that this is where we find all the answers to our health issues too. But you have to be sure you can trust the source of the information, and all too often you cannot.
“This year’s Bupa Wellbeing Index draws attention to the severe economic pressures that all too often lead people to neglect their health. It is these life pressures that lead people to cut corners when they have a concern for themselves or a family member, and turn to a bot or an influencer rather than a qualified health professional. Understandable, perhaps, but it can make things worse.
“As individuals, we know how much our mental and physical health matters. As a nation, we know that a healthy nation will be stronger and more prosperous. But we are seeing the catastrophic consequences of failing to understand that prevention is better than cure. Having a healthy relationship with the online world matters in the pursuit of individual and societal wellbeing. Real expertise matters, and it is important people know where to find it.”
Delayed healthcare is becoming a workplace and economic risk
Business leaders are increasingly seeing how delayed healthcare is affecting people’s wellbeing, as well as retention and productivity, as the Bupa Wellbeing Index report reveals:
- Half (50%) of business leaders surveyed say employees are citing wellbeing as a primary reason for leaving
- 42% of business leaders report this has increased over the past 12 months
- Almost nine in 10 (86%1) business leaders agree that delaying healthcare ultimately affects workplace productivity.
Dr Jennifer Dixon, DBE, Chief Executive of the Health Foundation, commented: “The pressures people face in their daily lives can make it harder to prioritise their health, seek support early and stay well. This year’s Bupa Wellbeing Index report highlights the close links between health, work and financial security, and the importance of creating conditions that make it easier for people to stay healthy. Prevention and early intervention, alongside healthier working lives, must be part of the response, including better support from public services and employers”.
Released in April 2026, Bupa’s Healthy Workforce, Healthy Economy report estimates that private healthcare provision reduces demand on NHS services by around £4.2bn a year, while preventative services help people identify risks before symptoms worsen. Bupa has also assessed that mental ill health costs the UK economy £16.34bn each year, while almost a million (949,000) people are currently living with a work-limiting mental health condition.
Chris Carroll, CEO for Bupa Global, India & UK, said:
“This year’s Bupa Wellbeing Index highlights a growing national challenge: financial pressures and competing demands are causing many people to put their health on hold, delaying diagnosis and treatment. The consequences are felt not only by individuals, but also across workplaces and the wider economy, as health issues become more complex to treat, recovery takes longer and people struggle to stay well and in work.
“At Bupa, we see employers increasingly investing in workplace health for happy, healthy workforces thriving in their careers, as well as retaining talent to drive productivity and growth. It’s essential that government, employers and healthcare providers work together to expand fast access to care, and individuals continue to prioritise their health – from routine appointments to seeking attention from professionals for health concerns. Through prevention and earlier intervention, we can all help people stay well, remain in work and build a healthier, more resilient economy.”
The full findings of the 2026 Bupa Wellbeing Index on the ‘cost of coping’ will be published on Bupa’s website on 9 September 2026 at www.bupa.co.uk/wellbeing-index
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About the research
The Bupa Wellbeing Index research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 8,002 nationally representative UK adults. The data was collected between 23.06.2026 – 03.07.2026. A separate study was conducted by Censuswide among a sample of 500 UK business leaders (DMs) between 19.06.2026 – 25.06.2026. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS Code of Conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.
The full Healthy Workforce, Healthy Economy paper can be accessed here.
About Bupa Global, India & UK
Bupa’s purpose is helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world. Health insurance accounts for a large part of our business with Bupa UK Insurance, the UK’s leading health insurer, providing health and dental cover to over 4.2 million customers. Bupa Global is the premium health insurance arm of Bupa, serving 400,000 customers around the world. Niva Bupa is a leading provider of health insurance and retail health insurance in India with 23.1 million customers. Bupa Dental Care is a leading provider of dentistry in the UK, providing dental services in 390 centres across the UK and Ireland. Bupa Care Services supports around 6,500 residents in over 113 care homes and 10 Richmond Villages. Bupa Health Services includes over 110 health clinics, and the Cromwell Hospital, New Victoria Hospital and King Edward VII Hospital which provide care for insured, self-pay and international patients. www.bupa.co.uk
About the Health Foundation
The Health Foundation is an independent charitable organisation working to build a healthier UK. www.health.org.uk
