The week that was has emphasised the forces that are affecting the health insurance industry for the better but hampering the everyday consumer making a living in the rat race.   

Firstly, it has been announced that half of Britons put off important medical checks due to it being too expensive according to HSF health plan.

Costs

The figures show that 48% of UK dwellers do not conduct necessary medical check ups like a trip to the dentist, solely due to the rising costs. A trip to the dentist for an example has risen by 30% since 2006.

Spokesperson for HSF, Stephen Duff, commented, “The cost of living is going up and, unfortunately, this will soon be reflected in the nation’s overall health. As more of us put off visits to the dentist or optician there will be an increase in preventable diseases, like mouth cancer and glaucoma.’’

He added, ‘‘detecting dental and optical conditions early not only saves you money but also increases the chances of successful treatment. That is why it is important to sign up to health cash plan. It will ensure your health doesn’t suffer along with your wallet.”

Sickies

Meanwhile the HSA have released figures showing that many employers are being urged to complete basic work tasks, even if they are too ill to come into the office.

A worrying 42 per cent of British workers have stated that time off is a no go area considering the current economic slowdown and 21 per cent are less able to act on lingering or background health issues due to spiralling costs.  

Many avoid the doctor for fear of the outcome being less than favourable, especially if it was likely to involve added time off work. HSA commented once again through, Clare Lee, “The economic slowdown is clearly leaving people less inclined to take time off work as they are worrying about keeping their jobs”.
Richard Halley, head of sales at HSA, said: "Companies are under pressure to get the best out of employees, especially during these tough economic times.

Warning

"However, this should not be done at the expense of employee health and welfare. Companies will only battle through an economic downturn with the support of their employees, and their wellbeing should therefore be of paramount importance."

It appears that many of these workers reside in Belfast, as more people polled in N Ireland have been found to be less likely to act on any sort of health problems than any other resident in the UK.

In an effort to justify this behaviour Professor Cary Cooper, a professor of organisational psychology said that workers are suffering from classic symptoms of ‘presenteeism,’ ‘‘which usually occurs in a downturn because employees want to show commitment. This will usually mean coming in earlier, staying later and showing their face even if they are sick. Despite their good intentions, the practise is actually counterproductive as working while one is ill reduces their productivity, increases the likelihood of accidents and making mistakes.’’