Following recent news suggesting that men are more likely to suffer from common types of cancer compared to women, could it be that health insurance is more important for men than it is for women?

According to research from the National Cancer Intelligence Network and Cancer Research UK, men are 60 per cent more likely to develop various types of cancer.

Yet, not only are men more likely to be affected by the disease, but men are also 70 per cent more likely to suffer from fatalities from the disease compared to a woman with the same condition.

The national newspaper, the Daily Telegraph stated that reasons behind this could be because men are more reluctant to take regular check-ups from their doctors and are less likely to adopt a healthy lifestyle compared to a woman.

Men 'stiff' when it comes to health cover

Professor David Forman, the information leader for the National Cancer Intelligence Network, said: "Men have a reputation for having a 'stiff upper lip' and not being as health conscious as women.

"What we see from this report could be a reflection of this attitude, meaning men are less likely to make lifestyle changes that could reduce their risk of the disease and less likely to go to their doctor with cancer symptoms."

However, research has shown that it is not just cancer that makes up the majority of health insurance claims by men.

Statistics from the insurance provider, Aviva, revealed that hernias, disc disorders and knee cartilage operations are the most common claims made by men as well as for heart treatments and cancer.

Men are now being warned of the risks they may have to face, by failing to take out adequate a href="http://www.onlyinsurance.com/Health-Insurance-News/12750985-Health-insurance-will-protect-you-from-superbugs.aspx" title="health insurance">health insurance.

Financial stability

A number of reports stated that purchasing the insurance would ensure they are able to meet any financial consequences that may occur as a result of a serious illness.

Kevin Carr, the director of protection development for PruProtect said: "If you have people who are financially dependent on you and your income, then you should be doing something."

However, despite the figures from the Cancer Research UK, this does not just apply to men as health insurance is important for women as well.

Financial adviser, Alan Lakey who specialises in protection policies, told the newspaper: "Both men and women should ask themselves what would happen to their income if they had a long-term health problem or illness.

Those who work for an employer like the police or the NHS may have more generous staff benefits that would pay long-term sick pay at a reasonable rate. But most people won't have this luxury to fall back on.

If this is the case, then income protection should be your first port of call."

Matt Morris of Lifesearch, said: "Anyone with dependants or debts who relies on their salary to live should ensure that they have adequate income protection in place as a first priority. Ideally, everyone would have an income protection, critical illness and a basic life insurance policy - usually in that order of importance."