Bupa expands healthcare services as profits soar

Bupa’s only UK hospital, Cromwell Hospital in Kensington, West London, is gearing up for expansion. Currently housing 100 beds, 700 consultants, and 900 staff, the hospital has established itself as a leader in specialist fields such as cardiothoracic medicine, women’s health, and cancer treatment. With demand for its services surging, a new adjoining facility is under preparation to handle the growing number of patients. Such developments underscore Bupa’s strong presence in the UK healthcare market.

Annual revenue for Bupa increased to £16.9 billion in 2024, representing a 16 per cent yearly rise. Profits reached nearly £1 billion, driven by post-pandemic demand for private healthcare as UK residents face long NHS wait times. The company, which has no shareholders and reinvests all profits, serves 60.5 million customers globally, up from 50 million in 2023. In the UK, Bupa’s offerings extend beyond Cromwell Hospital to include 70 health clinics, 400 dental centres, 116 care homes, and ten Richmond care villages.

Bupa is also breaking new ground through its push into primary care services. A subscription-based doctor-on-demand service, Well+, is rapidly gaining popularity. This product, launched in 2023, offers virtual or hybrid GP consultations at £15-£20 per month. Bupa forecasts it will grow from 25,000 members in 2024 to approximately 500,000 by the end of this year. Well+ tiers include remote physiotherapy sessions, mental health support, and fitness classes, linking patients with accessible preventive care options.

The healthcare provider remains focused on “smooth” and guided customer interactions, aiming to address healthcare concerns at the earliest stages. Chief Executive Carlos Jaureguizar plans to expand Bupa’s GP network—from 476 to a target of 1,000—to strengthen its position in primary care. Jaureguizar emphasises the unique value of Bupa compared to free public systems by offering superior customer experiences that reduce inefficiencies.

Beyond direct care, Bupa aims to improve collaboration with the NHS. While it has no intention to address NHS waiting lists, Bupa intends to foster efficiency through sharing best practices and advancing preventive care. Jaureguizar highlighted the need to combat fragmentation in the NHS, noting how Bupa’s integrated services could help “join the dots” and reduce systemic pressure. He believes proactive, preventive care is key to better health outcomes and more efficient healthcare systems.

As the UK healthcare landscape evolves, Bupa’s commitment to innovation and expansion positions it as a crucial player in bridging gaps between private and public provision. Its approach, which integrates care provision with preventive health measures, represents a shift from a purely insurance-focused model into a fully-fledged healthcare organisation.