HSF

Survey reveals cost delays important medical checks

30th Nov 2007

Over half (55%) of Irish people put off routine medical checks, such as visits to the GP, dentist and optician because of the cost, according to new research published today.

Of these, over a third (36%) have delayed a medical check for 6 months or more and 10% of respondents have put off a medical check indefinitely.

Over half (55%) of Irish people put off routine medical checks, such as visits to the GP, dentist and optician because of the cost, according to new research published today.

Of these, over a third (36%) have delayed a medical check for 6 months or more and 10% of respondents have put off a medical check indefinitely.

The independent nationwide survey, conducted by Empathy Research on behalf of HSF Health Plan, found that men are slightly less likely to put off medical checks at 50% versus 61% among women.

Routine medical expenses add considerably to household spending with 85% of respondents spending up to €650 and 10% spending more than €400 on GP visits and prescriptions over a six-month period. Almost two thirds (65%) spend up to €250 over six months.

77% of respondents spend up to €650 on visits to the dentist and 60% of respondents spend up to €650 on visits to the optician, over a six month period.

The research also shows that routine medical costs are at the bottom of the list for household savings behind house, wedding, education, holidays, retirement, rainy day, car and socialising. While the top three priorities changed slightly by age group and marital status, routine medical costs remained consistently low in priority for all.

'The results are not surprising as everyday medical expenses are proving to be costly to Irish families,' said Roy Smith of HSF Health Plan. 'A family of 2 adults and 2 children can easily clock up a bill for routine medical expenses of around €2,500 with eight visits to their GP, four prescriptions, twice yearly dental check up, four fillings, chiropody visits and two pairs of glasses.

'What's concerning is that while 51% of Irish people take out private medical insurance against the risk of getting sick, we're not preparing ourselves for what should be viewed as a necessary expense,' said Smith. 'These costs don't need to be such a problem if provisions are made.'