With the NHS becoming increasingly privatised, Andy Wilkins, CEO of Newport based health cash plan provider Plutus Health, discusses how future charges could affect both your wallet and wellbeing.

The NHS’ great defining feature has always been that it provides access to healthcare without barriers.

Yet over the past two decades this principle has come under threat from new waves of privatisation and political rhetoric.

The NHS has been put under huge financial pressure in recent years, which has led to increased privatisation. Many experts have warned this could result in the fragmentation of health services and private companies putting profits before patients.

Understandably, this trend is extremely concerning for many, particularly those who utilise NHS services on a frequent basis.

In a recent Plutus Health survey of 1,000 adults in Newport and South Wales, we found that 22 per cent of respondents consider NHS charges 'a big worry', and one in five said their 'health would suffer' if charges were implemented.

This is unsurprising given how many Newport residents think future charges will become a reality.

More than three quarters – 77 per cent – feel the NHS will begin charging for missed appointments, 43 per cent think prescriptions will no longer be free, and more than one in four believe hospitals will even start charging for patients’ food.

And with the government set to make £22bn of savings over the next five years, surely these additional costs will be implemented sooner rather than later?

Of course, for many of us, paying for our healthcare is already a reality; 81 per cent of respondents stated they have paid for dental care, 59 per cent for optical care, and one in four of us have paid medical specialists fees.

Of those paying for these services, one in five of the people we asked claimed that doing so put them in financial difficulty.

In light of these very real concerns about the future financing of the NHS, it’s more important than ever to future proof our health, or face potentially serious financial implications.

Health cash plans are an increasingly popular way of safe guarding your health.

These plans, which can start from as little as £1.90 a week, cover you and your family for simple treatments such as dental and optical check-ups, to more advanced services such as maternity benefits and hospital in-patient and out-patient allowances.

With the likelihood of the wide spread implementation of NHS charges on the horizon, having the ability to manage unforeseen healthcare bills is becoming ever-more important. Health cash plans offer this security without having to break the bank.

For more information visit www.plutushealth.co.uk or call Freephone 0808 178 1179