Cosmetic surgery insurance scheme on the cards

The PIP breast implant furore could prompt the creation of an insurance scheme for cosmetic surgery patients to prevent similar remedial problems in the future.

It is being touted as similar to the one run by the Association of British Travel Agents (Abta).

The Abta style format would see clinics pay a subscription fee to become members, which would then provide a financial safety net to fund corrective treatment if needed.

It was suggested by Sir Bruce Keogh, who is leading the government review into PIP implants, although he added that he did not wish to preempt the review's findings.

At present the NHS is committed to replacing the PIP breast implants of those it treated, however private clinics have refused to reciprocate for their patients, despite the government maintaining they they have a moral obligation to do so.

Sir Bruce told BBC Radio 4 that such a scheme would protect consumers.

"One of the things my review will be looking at will be something like the Abta arrangement, which means that when an organisation runs into trouble for whatever reason, the consumer is covered," he said.

He added that this model "captured the flavour of where we want to go."