Simplyhealth poll shows rising uptake of private health services

Simplyhealth has published new research that shows the increasing prevalence of private services in UK healthcare provision.

A YouGov survey conducted on behalf of the health and dental plan provider revealed that concerns over cost, access and waiting times for NHS services are causing consumers to seek private alternatives.

According to the poll, 12 percent of respondents have already taken out dental insurance as a precautionary measure, while nine percent have private medical insurance and six percent have a health cash plan.

Raman Sankaran, a spokesperson for Simplyhealth, suggested that concerns over the reliability of the NHS are being exacerbated by uncertainty surrounding the government's current reform programme.

He added: "Many providers have affordable health cash plans that help to supplement the NHS with access to a number of everyday healthcare needs."

Last month, the organisation expressed concern over NHS figures showing a fall in the frequency of dental check-ups among UK children in the last five years.