After two years of uncertainty and turbulence amidst the global pandemic, 2022 has, in many ways, marked a return to normality. And aside from the fact that the nation’s economy is far from stable even now, most have spent the past ten months attempting to resume life as they knew it before in an eagerness to forget.
One thing that has left its mark and that can’t be erased, however, is the fact that good health is one of the most important things in life. The pandemic shone a spotlight on something many of us had taken for granted previously, with virtual exercise classes enjoying a surge in popularity, new gym membership sign-ups seeing a dramatic uptick in the months after lockdowns were eased, and a growing number of individuals moving towards a plant-based diet.
These, of course, are just some examples of the shift we’ve seen towards healthier living as a society in 2022, but they all point towards a change – and high-net-worth individuals are in a privileged position in that they can access the best possible health and wellness resources to keep on top of things as best they can.
According to a study by Urban.org, there is a direct correlation between wealth and health, with those earning higher incomes less likely to suffer from life-altering diseases or premature death. On the flipside, individuals living off lower incomes tend to report poorer health and are at higher risk of disease overall.
With this in mind, it’s clear to see that bringing home a substantial sum each month gives you a distinctive advantage in this respect. There are many factors at play, but from access to superior private healthcare and better health insurance policies to gym memberships and higher-quality food, all of these seemingly insignificant things could be making a dramatic difference to your health and wellbeing in ways you can’t even see.
Private healthcare
Given the huge backlog of medical and dental appointments that has built up following months of cancellations during the pandemic, getting seen by or receiving treatment from the NHS in a timely manner is becoming more and more difficult.
With this in mind, affluent individuals are opting to pay for private healthcare for themselves and their families to ensure that they get quick and efficient care – and although the pandemic has had a knock-on effect in this area too, it’s still far preferable at the moment to waiting months, or even years, to get to the top of the NHS waiting list.
Private healthcare doesn’t come cheap, but those for whom money is no object are happy to pay the necessary fees – after all, you can’t put a price on your health, or your loved ones’, either.
Robust health insurance plans
Although the cost of private treatment might not be a problem for you if you’re a high earner, it’s still wise to take out a robust health insurance policy, which will cover you should the unexpected occur. These themselves come at a cost, but are almost always worth the upfront payments and monthly premiums in the long-run and will ensure that fees for big or risky surgeries and comprehensive treatment plans for a range of illnesses and injuries don’t get out of control.
As an added bonus, those making use of private healthcare can also now enjoy the benefits of taking out a health cash plan, which gives them cashback towards a variety of different medical and dental treatments. If you don’t have one yet, then now is the time to take one out.
Access to superior health fitness resources
For many, gym and health club memberships simply aren’t an option, particularly as belts continue to tighten in line with the current cost of living crisis. If you’re lucky enough to be a high-net-worth individual, however, then you’re likely able to take the current situation all in your stride, and paying for the very best gym or health club membership, regular personal training sessions and even a personal nutritionist and chef are all luxuries that can help to boost health and maintain it in the long-term.
If you’re wondering where to start when it comes to prioritsing your health and wellness and money is no object, then these are some easy ways to start. A robust insurance plan, balanced diet and regular exercise will all put you on the path to optimal health and a brand new you as we head into the new year.