While we all know someone who’s broken a bone, had a fall or been hospitalised, few of us are aware of the sheer scale of everyday accidents in the UK. Every day, 53,908 people are showing up at hospital, many of them the victims of everyday accidents and newly diagnosed conditions.
Accidents today make up 1 in 10 of all hospital visits – 76% of these lead to admission for further treatment, lost work days and the need to fund the change in circumstances that follow. And for most people, their savings are often not enough to cover the unexpected.
Is this a silent epidemic putting our health services and finances under extreme pressure? And what can we do to help put the right protections in place?
What are the most common reasons for hospital admissions?
Falls, trips and bumps – These top the list, with 453,004 people admitted as a result of falls or trips. While often dismissed as minor incidents, their impact can be life-changing.
Accidental poisoning – A surprising 85,283 hospital visits stem from accidental ingestion of food, chemicals, drugs, and other substances. This figure is almost enough to fill Wembley Stadium.
Transport accidents – With 59,701 unplanned hospital visits caused by transport-related incidents, road safety remains a critical issue.
Domestic and work accidents – From sharp glass to powered tools, 55,351 admissions were due to accidents at home or in the workplace.
Allergies, bites and stings – Severe allergic reactions and stings resulted in 18,581 hospital visits, showing that nature’s smallest threats can have significant consequences.
Everyday accidents: common, surprising, and costly
The sheer normalcy of these incidents underscores how anyone, anywhere, can be affected. Consider these surprising facts:
- Falls on flat surfaces – two in five accidental falls occur on flat surfaces, dispelling the myth that stairs and uneven terrain are the primary culprits.
- Beds are more dangerous than stairs – falling out of bed leads to almost twice as many hospital admissions as falling downstairs.
- Chairs vs. insect bites – falls from chairs are more than twice as common as hospital admissions from insect stings or bites.
These incidents don’t just cause physical pain—they disrupt lives. Lost income, prolonged recovery times, and unforeseen expenses take a toll on families and individuals alike.
The financial impact: why preparation matters
For the self-employed, the financial repercussions of everyday accidents are even more pronounced. Representing 13% of the UK’s workforce, self-employed individuals face unique challenges.
Unlike their employed counterparts, they lack access to paid sick leave and often feel the pressure to return to work quickly, even when unwell. On average, self-employed workers take just 4.2 sick days annually, compared to 6.2 days for employees. This disparity highlights the financial strain and lack of safety net for those working independently.
The reality is that many people in the UK have insufficient savings to cover unexpected expenses. With the NHS under increasing strain, winter healthcare pressures mounting, and long wait times becoming the norm, even minor accidents can have outsized effects on your health and finances. A simple fall or allergic reaction can lead to days off work, medical bills, and stress—all of which could be mitigated with the right insurance protection.
Protecting your future: why now is the time to act
While the risks are significant, there’s also good news: affordable protection is available. Life and health insurance can provide a financial cushion in times of need, ensuring that accidents and illnesses don’t derail your life or your goals. These policies offer peace of mind, helping cover medical expenses, lost income, and other unexpected costs.
For families, having the right insurance ensures that loved ones are taken care of in case of a sudden accident or illness. For individuals, it’s about maintaining independence and security, even when life takes an unexpected turn.
Winter brings its own set of risks: icy pavements, flu season, and additional strain on healthcare services. Coupled with the year-round dangers of everyday accidents, it’s clear that preparation is key. By securing life and health insurance now, you can take control of your future and face whatever comes your way with confidence.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Protect yourself and your loved ones today so you can continue to embrace life’s adventures every day—secure in the knowledge that you’re covered no matter what.
Find your nearest Howden branch, and speak to an expert advisor today about what the best course of action for you and your family could be.
Sources: BBC News, Met Life Risk Report.
You could also read:
- When will car insurance premiums go down?
- Watchdog: ‘Increasing number of home insurance claims rejected’
- Are you driving in an uninsured hotspot?
- How to protect young drivers from ‘ghost brokers’
- Your car’s essential winter vitamins
This is a marketing blog by Howden Insurance.