Over 70% of people con-sidering private healthcare plan to self-pay rather than go down the insuranc...
Over 70% of people con-sidering private healthcare plan to self-pay rather than go down the insurance route, according to research published by Legal & General (L&G).
However, the findings, which form part of the insurer's Consumer Intentions Survey, also revealed people are underestimating the cost of treatment.
Only 3% of those surveyed knew the correct cost of a private knee replacement operation. A total of 57% of people estimated the bill would be under £4,000, when the real cost is nearer £6,000. Almost 30% had no clue and did not even attempt an estimate.
"It is extremely worrying that so many people who might want to use private healthcare have underestimated the cost of paying for treatment," said Steve Bryan, head of healthcare development at L&G.
"Most people will not have thousands of pounds immed-iately available, or a credit card that will stretch that far. We would strongly recommend any-one who might like to go private to consider a private healthcare policy to cover the costs."
