Two Million Brits Choose Private Appointments as 15 Million Opt for Digital GP Visits
It appears that the traditional face-to-face GP appointment may soon become a thing of the past, as patients increasingly turn to online and private healthcare options.
According to new data from digital healthcare platform ZAVA, there has been a significant rise in demand for digital healthcare services, with 28% of the population having had an online GP consultation in the past year and over 29 million relying on online repeat prescriptions. Additionally, two million Britons have utilized digital private GP consultations, with the younger generations leading the charge towards on-demand private healthcare.
The demand for these services is driven by the growing frustration with long waiting times for NHS GP appointments, with 64% of Britons expressing concern over this issue. With 7.46 million NHS appointments currently delayed, it is clear that patients are seeking more accessible and timely care options.
The government recently struck a £889m deal with GPs to ease NHS pressures, but critics argue that this falls short of addressing the fundamental issue of access to timely care. This is evident in ZAVA’s data, which shows that many patients feel private digital healthcare is out of their reach, with only 27% willing to pay for a virtual GP appointment. The perceived cost remains a major barrier to access for many individuals.
David Meinertz, CEO and Co-Founder of ZAVA, points out a fundamental flaw in the current system, stating: “Innovation is democratising healthcare, but many see digital services as an expensive luxury rather than a viable option. The future of healthcare isn’t just about giving people another option. It’s about making sure that option actually works for them: on-demand, doctor-led digital care which is affordable, accessible, and transparent.”
The new report also highlights trust as a major issue for patients considering switching to digital healthcare. Currently, only 25% of patients believe that an online GP can provide the same level of care as a doctor seen in person. ZAVA’s data shows that while AI-driven healthcare has potential, it has not yet solved the trust and accessibility problems. 61% of Britons fear that AI is replacing doctors too quickly, and only 18% would feel comfortable receiving a diagnosis from an AI system.
David adds, “AI has huge potential to remove bureaucracy and improve diagnostics, but a rush into this technology has elevated expectations and burned trust. People need doctors they can trust, treatments they can afford, and access that actually works. That’s what we’re building at ZAVA. The future of healthcare isn’t AI replacing doctors – it’s making sure people can actually access one when they need to.”
ZAVA, one of Europe’s leading digital healthcare platforms, has delivered over 12 million consultations across the UK, Ireland, France, and Germany, providing on-demand, transparent, affordable, and safe treatment pathways. Unlike traditional private healthcare, which often involves costly subscriptions or employer-backed insurance plans, ZAVA offers a more accessible option with on-demand access to doctors, prescriptions, and testing. Unlike AI-driven startups, ZAVA’s model is doctor-led, prioritizing care over technology.