The Cost of Brain Injury to the UK Economy: Why Timely Treatment Matters

Acquired brain injury (ABI) costs the UK an estimated £43 billion every year. But much of that cost is preventable. A recent report from UKABIF (The Cost of Acquired Brain Injury to the UK Economy, May 2025) makes a clear case: the right treatment, at the right time, reduces long-term costs and transforms lives.

At Reach, we deliver home-based neuro-treatment tailored to individuals living with the effects of ABI. This report confirms what we already see in practice: specialist rehabilitation is not only clinically effective, but also economically essential.

How much does brain injury cost the UK?

According to the UKABIF report, ABI imposes a £43 billion annual burden on the UK economy. This figure includes:

• £20 billion in healthcare and social-treatment costs
• £21.5 billion in lost productivity and welfare payments
• £1.5 billion linked to criminal justice and housing services

Beyond these financial costs, the report estimates an additional £91.5 billion in lost wellbeing – a powerful reminder that ABI impacts families, communities, and futures.

Why early treatment works

The report shows that early neuro-rehabilitation delivers a 16:1 return on investment. That means for every £1 spent, we could save £16 in future costs. This could total up to £680,000 per patient, thanks to reduced hospital readmissions, improved independence, and fewer social interventions.

At Reach, we focus on community-based rehabilitation that restores real-life function, whether that’s returning to work, rebuilding routines at home, or managing everyday tasks with greater ease.

Home-based neuro-treatment delivers results

Hospital environments can’t replicate the challenges people face in their daily lives. That’s why we treat people in their own homes, where treatment is most relevant, immediate, and effective.

Our neuro-occupational therapists work with clients to rebuild independence where it matters most. By doing this, we not only improve outcomes but also reduce unnecessary reliance on NHS services and long-term care.

Learn more about our neuro occupational therapy services

A roadmap for system-wide change

UKABIF’s report calls for five key reforms to reduce ABI-related costs across the UK:

1. Introduce a statutory Right to Rehab
2. Create a dedicated funding mechanism for neuro-treatment
3. Establish a cross-government committee to drive ABI strategy
4. Improve data and outcome tracking
5. Embed ABI data in services like education, homelessness, addiction, and justice

These recommendations align closely with Reach’s mission: to provide cost-effective, specialist neuro-treatment that empowers people to recover fully and live with greater independence.

Let’s act on the data

Every person who regains independence through effective treatment reduces the human and economic burden of brain injury. At Reach, we stand ready to partner with legal teams, case managers, insurers, and commissioners who want to make evidence-led decisions and build better futures for their clients.

If you’d like to discuss how Reach can support rehabilitation goals within your caseload or region, please get in touch.

Download the full report

The Cost of Acquired Brain Injury to the UK Economy – UKABIF Report (May 2025)