Britons underestimate the cost of NHS treatment

Despite the vast majority of Britons relying on the NHS to cover the cost of their healthcare, they consistently underestimated the cost of the treatment they receive, according to new research by Legal and General.

In a survey that asked a representative sample of more than 5,000 people, common medical procedures were underestimated by 38 per cent.

This shows that most patients do not appreciate how much the NHS saves them, when compared with the costs of private health insurance.

Tessa Webster, customer services director at Legal & General HealthCare, said: "When you consider the amount of money Britons spend on staying healthy a year, over £1.25 billion on gym membership alone, you can see how highly we value our health. However, few are aware of the actual costs of treatment should they need an operation, which only the minority could afford if they were expected to pay it themselves."

As the UK population ages and the demands on our already creaking healthcare system take their toll it is likely that income tax will rise in the long term to pay for the shortfall, and more people may be forced to take out private health insurance to supplement the quality of government provided healthcare.

Currently, 82 per cent of British people do not hold private health insurance.



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