Vitality's forthcoming Health Claims and Insights Report 2025 signals a growing focus on mental health support within the UK health insurance market.
The insurer reveals that its mental health claims have more than doubled between 2019 and 2024, increasing by 119%. The trend underscores a major shift in how policyholders use private health insurance, with mental wellbeing now one of the fastest-growing areas of claims activity.
A large part of the increase comes from Talking Therapies, which include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), counselling, and other structured psychological treatments. Claims for these therapies rose 167% over the five-year period, reflecting demand for accessible, preventative forms of mental health care.
Vitality's data also shows that claims related to anxiety disorder and depression grew 68% and 53%, respectively, illustrating how mental health needs are becoming more prevalent across the insured population.
The insurer observed that younger adults are driving this trend. According to the company, Talking Therapy usage was highest among members aged 30 to 39, followed by those under 30 years. The findings mirror national data from NHS England, which reported that one in five young people aged eight to 25 years had a probable mental disorder in 2023. This demographic shift suggests insurers will need to adapt both product design and pricing models to meet the evolving needs of younger, more health-conscious policyholders.
While claims for outpatient and inpatient care fell - down 17% and 41% respectively - Vitality attributed this to increased early intervention through outpatient and digital therapy support. This shift toward preventative treatment could influence how insurers allocate resources, moving away from higher-cost hospital care and towards community-based and technology-led solutions.
For insurers, the figures indicate a growing cost exposure in mental health benefits, but also an opportunity to engage customers more effectively through digital platforms and wellness pathways. Insurers may face renewed pressure to embed comprehensive mental health services within standard health policies rather than as optional add-ons.
VitalityHealth CEO Arun Thiyagarajan said the data shows mental health support is now integral to how people engage with their health insurance. “What’s particularly striking is how younger people are leading this shift,” he said, adding that the trend represents the future of healthcare - proactive, personalised, and centred on mental wellbeing.
