News
Credit Crunch Prompts Brits to Risk Health
Nearly half of Brits are risking their health because they can’t afford essential important medical checks, new findings suggest.
A worrying 48% of UK residents are putting off medical checks, such as the dentist or optician, because of the cost – a rise of 30% since 2006, according to a survey by HSF health plan. Experts say the trend could be a result of the slowing economy.
“The cost is living is going up and, unfortunately, this will soon be reflected in the nation’s overall health,” said Stephen Duff of HSF. “As more of us put off visits to the dentist or optician there will be an increase in preventable diseases, like mouth cancer and glaucoma.”
But Duff said that in fact, detecting dental and optical conditions early on actually saves money, and also increases the chances of successful treatment.
The survey of more than 2,000 people in the UK also found that a staggering 70% believe dental visits should be covered by taxes, rather than paid for by the individual, with a further 57% adamant that the Government should be paying our optical bills.
With recent public debate about hefty profits gained from hospital parking, it comes as little surprise that 43% of those questioned say extra costs from staying in hospitals, such as food and parking, should also be covered by taxes.
ADVERTISEMENT - Article Continues below
Comment on this Article