Latest research released by Healthplan provider HSA reveals a worrying picture for the future health of the UK. The annual benchmark survey has found that the nation is losing its faith in our National Health Service with only a third of respondents thinking the NHS will always be a part of the UK healthcare system, and a further 59% are concerned they may not be able to afford the cost of health in the future.

These are just a few of the findings of HSA’s “Is the UK looking at a healthy future?” report which is now in its second year. The independent survey looks at the future of UK healthcare from three key perspectives - employee, employer and the UK at large, in an attempt to predict what the future health of our nation holds.

Abby Bowman, a spokesperson for HSA explains: “The National Health Service has been an integral part of our culture since 1948, and it is a service towards which many of us feel fiercely loyal. However, it seems that we are no longer convinced that it will always be around to support us. Perhaps it is time for the government to compensate those that purchase their own private healthcare, and who are effectively helping to take the strain off the NHS, by offering them reduced tax or National Insurance. In fact, HSA’s research also shows that 46% of people would be more likely to purchase private healthcare if it meant that their NI contributions were reduced.”

Key findings from HSA’s benchmark survey also reveal:

– When asked how people would budget for healthcare in the future - just under half of respondents would consider purchasing some sort of healthplan or set up a savings account specifically for healthcare

– When asked how people would budget for healthcare in the future - 48% of people would either not plan to budget, would not be able to or didn’t know what they’d do, 4% would take out a loan or use a credit card to fund their healthcare, 28% of respondents are concerned that a lack of NHS funding will mean that most people will not have access to vital services, only 3% of those surveyed did not have any concerns about the future health of the nation.

HSA used research agencies, Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS) and Reed Business Insight (RBI) for this research. Using the consumer Omnibus, Omnimas, TNS polled 1,067 adult consumers and 1,441 working adults during June 2007 via face-to-face interviews. RBI polled 593 HR decision makers throughout June 2007 using a questionnaire sent via email.

HSA is a trading division of Simplyhealth Access and is a provider of Healthplans, including Dental Plans and Personal Medical Plans Part of the Simplyhealth Group, Simplyhealth Access is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority HSA Healthplans provide a funding solution to help meet the cost of everyday healthcare. HSA Personal Medical Plans provide private medical cover for treatment in the UK. HSA also provides solutions for the corporate healthcare market.
As of January 2007 HSA had 892,000 customers providing cover for some 1,680,000 people.
As of February 2007, HSA had just over 5,000 UK corporate clients.
_______________
Souece:medicalnewstoday
Track: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/81521.php