The Bupa Wellbeing Index
What is the Bupa Wellbeing Index?
Over recent decades, healthcare has evolved. From ageing populations to digital advancements, our expectations of healthcare have evolved too. Most notably, the COVID-19 pandemic created lasting shifts in lifestyles and health.
In a post-pandemic world, we'd like to know how people feel about their health. Both physical and mental. That's why we launched the Bupa Wellbeing Index. With over 8,000 participants across the UK, we can learn about the nation's health and wellbeing. By understanding what people want from healthcare, we can fulfil our purpose:
Helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world.
A word from Carlos Jaureguizar, CEO of Bupa Global, India & UK
February 2025
Men’s health in the UK is at a critical juncture. For too long, conversations about men’s wellbeing have been held back by silence, societal expectations and harmful stereotypes that discourage men from prioritising and speaking about their health or seeking the support they need.
It’s well known that men face specific health challenges such as higher rates of suicide, lower life expectancy and increased prevalence of certain health conditions, whilst also being less likely to seek medical help for both physical and mental health concerns.
The lack of communication around men’s health has ripple effects, visible and invisible, short and long term. It can strain and break down relationships, reduce workplace productivity, and increase the burden on healthcare systems as they are seeking support once things become more serious.
The Government’s upcoming Men’s Health Strategy represents a pivotal moment to drive real change—and at Bupa, we’re proud to contribute to this vital national conversation. Our latest Bupa Wellbeing Index turns the spotlight onto men’s health, addressing the impact of physical and mental ill-health and encourages conversations between generations about health and wellbeing. These topics resonate beyond the individual, affecting families, workplaces, and society at large.
Employers, policymakers and healthcare providers all have a critical role to play in tackling these challenges. Societal expectations must change to foster an environment where men feel empowered to speak openly, seek help and prioritise their health without embarrassment and fear of judgement. It’s not a case of ‘man up’ but feeling comfortable to talk to each other and seek help when they need it, we know how powerful a conversation can be especially when it comes to our mental health.
Through this report, our call to action is for more meaningful conversations and societal change.
Together, we can break down the barriers in society and create a future where historic stigma and fear of weakness is replaced by support and better outcomes for the individual and those around them.
Explore the Wellbeing Index
Chapters 1 and 2
Barometer baselines
How has healthcare changed since the COVID-19 pandemic? We uncover how the pandemic altered our health, our priorities and what action we’re taking to look after our health.
What this means for the future
Explore how the lifestyle changes we made during the pandemic fare in the future. Also learn about the challenges and barriers we face when trying to stick to healthier habits.
Chapters 1 and 2
(PDF, 1.6MB)
Chapters 3 and 4
Health and wellbeing improvements
Has our health improved since the pandemic? Discover how people view the condition of their mental and physical health. We also learn more about how our health needs have evolved in recent years
The workplace frontline for healthcare and support
Employees' focus on health has shifted. Explore how the importance of employers supporting health and wellbeing has grown. We also take a look at what benefits employees are looking for from their employer.
Chapters 3 and 4
(PDF, 1.0MB)
Chapters 5 and 6
Healthy planet, healthy people
Employees and the environment go hand in hand. Discover how the health of people and our planet relate to one another. We also take a look at the future workforce. Gen Z and Millennials are feeling the burden of climate change so we explore how employers can help.
Tackling the stigmas and taboos around women's health
This report examines some of the most persistent stigmas and challenges around symptoms and conditions related to women s health. Explore the important role employers can play by embracing the future of women's health.
Chapter 5
(PDF, 1.7MB)
Chapter 6
(PDF, 1.7MB)
Chapter 7
Multigenerational health and the missing middle
Families come in all shapes and sizes. Discover more about multigenerational health and how a portion of the UK population are missing out on career opportunities, social occasions and looking after their own health.
The new generations
This report explores the complex needs of multigenerational family health as people live longer and family trees evolve. It investigates the effects on caregivers social and professional lives and the impact on their physical and mental health.
Chapter 7
(PDF, 1.7MB)
Chapter 8
Lifting the lid on men’s health
Asking for help can be difficult. Discover the facts about fostering open dialogue, raising awareness, and providing support for men’s health. It calls on employers, healthcare providers, and society to come together to address these challenges.
Breaking down society’s barriers
This report provides an in-depth exploration of mental health, intergenerational conversations and multifaceted challenges men face. Including stigma, barriers to seeking help, and the wider impacts on relationships, workplaces, and families.
Chapter 8
(PDF, 0.9MB)
Advice and tools for your health and wellbeing
At Bupa we produce free health information for you and those around you. Find information about conditions, treatments and procedures. You’ll also find advice from our experts about staying healthy and living well.
Bupa health insurance is provided by Bupa Insurance Limited. Registered in England and Wales with registration number 3956433 . Bupa Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Arranged and administered by Bupa Insurance Services Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales with registration number 3829851. Registered office: 1 Angel Court, London, EC2R 7HJ.
Bupa Health Assessments and Occupational Health services are provided by Bupa Occupational Health Limited. Registered in England and Wales with registration number 631336. Registered office: 1 Angel Court, London, EC2R 7HJ.
