Cost deters check-ups

Over a third of Britons are risking their health by putting off important health checks, according to an independent nationwide survey conducted on behalf of HSF Health Plan.

Thirty-seven per cent of Britons delay vital medical appointments such as dental and optical checks because they cannot afford them or begrudge paying such high costs. The figure rises to over 50 per cent of 25-30-year-olds, who blame rising costs.

In the age group of 25-44-year-olds, 29 per cent say they have put off checks for over a year solely due to the costs.

Commenting on the possible damage of putting off an optical check, David Wright, chief executive at the International Glaucoma Association, said: 'It is not just sight and eye conditions, such as glaucoma and defective vision, that can be picked up by the optometrist, other health issues can also be detected such as diabetes, high blood pressure and multiple sclerosis, so it is extremely important not to put off optical checks.'