The health insurance provider HSA has called on people to make their health maintenance a key factor in 2009 and to make the most of their wellbeing on the inside.

The majority of Britons; amounting to 58 per cent, are unaware of how much they actually spend on their health care, according to HSA, despite knowing their expenditure for their outer appearance. This implies that everyday heath checks or even an unexpected health bill may not be budgeted for, making a trip to the dentist, optician or physiotherapist – and the cost involved – even more painful.

Beauty and health expenses should be skin deep

The health insurance provider also found that women spend around three times more on their outer appearance than their inner appearance.

Also 62 per cent of the nation, were said to spend less than £10 per month on inner health including dental care. Moreover people in Newcastle were found to be the most likely in the UK, to spend less than £5 per month on their inner health.

Abby Bowman from HSA said: "Budgeting for a replacement winter coat or a regular haircut is a habit that most people have formed over time; however it appears that many people haven't formed the same good habits when it comes to health. During difficult financial times, it is more important than ever for people to add up the cost of their health, to help ensure they stay fit, healthy and at work.

She added: "Budgeting for health is much easier than people might think and could prevent a hefty bill or time off work, should health problems prolong or go undetected. For a small weekly price, people can spread the cost of everyday health, with a Health Cash Plan from HSA. So, making inner health the priority for 2009, may in fact take away some of the financial pain."

Heath Lambert joins with MedicAlert

Health insurance customers could be making a difference not only in their lives and well being, but in the lives of others, by taking out a life cover policy from a life insurance provider.

The independent insurance broker, Heath Lambert Group has announced that it is launching a new insurance programme with MedicAlert, which provides a life saving identification system for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions and allergies. The programme, which forms part of the Heath Lambert Unique Insurance Services offering and has been designed specifically for people living with medical conditions, disabilities and allergies and for their families, carers and supporters of MedicAlert.

Di Caplehorn, Associate Director at Heath Lambert, esaid: “We understand how difficult it can be for people living with medical conditions to obtain insurance cover. As a result we have worked with medical charities and underwriters over many years to create our Unique Insurance Services which address specific insurance needs. So it is great to be working with MedicAlert as we can now reach even more people and enable them to enjoy peace of mind knowing they can get insurance cover that is tailor-made for them.”

To make the policy even better for those who take it out, a donation will be made to MedicAlert, for every policy that is taken out.

Saeed Jaffrey OBE, Ambassador for MedicAlert, concluded by saying: “I am delighted to support Heath Lambert’s Unique Insurance product. It is very important that people who have medical conditions can obtain a fair insurance product which will enable them to live their lives more enjoyably. I hope that many MedicAlert members will benefit from this scheme.”