Their annual benchmark ‘Is the UK looking at a healthy future?’ survey has found that only a third of Britons think the NHS will remain a part of the UK health system, causing 59 per cent to be concerned over whether or not they will be able to afford whatever takes its place in the future.

Abby Bowman, a HSA spokesperson explains: “The National Health Service has been an integral part of our culture since 1948, and it is a service towards which many of us feel fiercely loyal. However, it seems that we are no longer convinced that it will always be around to support us.”

Less than half of respondents would consider purchasing private medical insurance or setting up a specific savings account to pay for it; 48 per cent said they would not budget or would not be able to afford private healthcare, and 28 per cent are concerned that the majority of people will not have the means to pay for vital services and treatment. Just three per cent said they have no concerns about the future health of the country.

Ms. Bowman continued: “Perhaps it is time for the government to compensate those that purchase their own private healthcare, and who are effectively helping to take the strain off the NHS, by offering them reduced tax or National Insurance. In fact, HSA’s research also shows that 46% of people would be more likely to purchase private healthcare if it meant that their NI contributions were reduced.”

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