Worried Britons are cancelling or postponing essential medical treatment – in many cases failing to understand that they would receive it free on the NHS, according to a survey out today.
Two-thirds of the UK population admitted to cancelling or postponing check-ups or consultations because they were worried about the cost, with nearly one in three delaying healthcare for at least six months because they thought they could not afford it.
Ahead of likely spending cuts to the NHS in today's comprehensive spending review, the research – carried out for online health insurance provider Health365.com – reveals not only consumer concerns about the costs associated with accessing healthcare treatment, but also widespread confusion as to what they will need to pay for.
As one of the biggest spending Whitehall departments, the Department of Health spends a whopping £100bn every year on the NHS – and it is feared that it will be hit hard by today's cuts.
The survey of 1,000 UK adults found there was confusion over which procedures and treatments were charged under the NHS; a third of Britons did not know they had to pay for a dental check-up and almost a half (43%) incorrectly thought eye tests were free.
Women were more likely to be aware of the charges associated with treatments, but they were also more prone to worrying about the cost of healthcare and cancelling treatments as a result. Over four-fifths (81%) admitting to worrying, while nearly half (47%) who cancelled or postponed treatment did so for a minimum of six months, as opposed to just 38% of men.
The research also revealed that worry about healthcare costs is most widespread among the under 45s, with 83% of 25s-45s admitting concern – compared with just over half of the over 65s.
People of pensionable age were also less likely to cancel treatments. Only 30% of the over 65s had cancelled or postponed treatment due to the cost, compared with more than three-quarters of 25 to 34-year-olds.
Paul Shires, sales and marketing director of Health365.com, said: "Our research provides startling evidence that worry about the financial implications of accessing healthcare is widespread and endemic among the British population. What's more, many are delaying and even cancelling treatment because they are concerned about the cost. This is not only worrying from a financial perspective, but could arguably have a detrimental effect on the health of the nation."
A further, related survey reveals that the spending cuts will be announced at a time when nearly half of consumers (47%) believe the economy will deteriorate further, while more than half (51%) feel financially worse off than they did a year ago.
The survey, which was carried out by Datamonitor, warned that while it will take several years before the full extent of the cuts are felt in full, they will have an immediate impact on unemployment, consumer confidence and attitudes towards financial services.
Gilles Ubaghs, an analyst at the data provider, said: "If the cuts avoid widespread fall in consumer sentiment, the impact on unemployment and consumer demand will be minimised. As a result consumers will still spend but will continue to search for ways to save money."
