Health insurance study finds resentment against lifestyle treatment

A study by a health insurance company has found that many people resent the National Health Service paying out to treat lifestyle-related medical conditions . Furthermore, many of those surveyed by the private medical insurance company believed that the NHS should cut costs by stopping paying for treatment of drinking, smoking and obesity related conditions.

Some 78 per cent of those surveyed believed that binge drinkers should help pay for their hospital treatment. Furthermore, 34 per cent said drinking related conditions should be one area where the NHS can cut costs. 28 per cent applied this to smoking conditions and 26 per cent said that obesity treatment should be cut. The study was conducted by medical insurer AXA PPP .

Fergus Craig of AXA PPP healthcare was reported as showing: The idea that people should take greater personal responsibility for their health is popular. What our research also shows is what people really want is quicker diagnosis of serious illnesses such as cancer, shorter waiting lists, access to GPs out of surgery hours and long term care for the elderly.