No one likes going to the doctor or dentist, but the idea of having a check up is likely to be even more off putting if you know that you'll have to wait weeks before you can even get an appointment with your practitioner.

A survey conducted by HSA has revealed that at any one time in the UK, 55% of people will be waiting for health check-ups or treatment. Waiting times are ridiculously high, with 33% of respondents claiming to have been waiting for treatment for over 12months.

The length of the NHS waiting lists has been an issue for some time now but it seems that is not the main reason why people choose to delay checkups. Although the fear of finding out depressing results was a major delaying factor for most people, 4 in 10 respondents claimed that the cost of the check ups was the main reason that they chose to delay them.

The age group most concerned about the cost of health check ups and treatments was the 25 - 34 age group. However, despite these concerns, only 5% of respondents had a cash plan set up specifically to cover healthcare costs, whilst an astounding 66% of respondents claimed not to put aside any money at all for health care.

There is a well-proven link between timelines of treatment and medical outcomes. Putting off a check up or simple treatment when you need it costs more in the long term since the risk of developing a condition grows or its outcome worsens. According to HSA, the NHS is never going to be able to afford to meet the needs of everyone who needs healthcare treatment in the UK. The NHS, quite rightly, has to prioritise conditions that are acute which means that other treatments fall down the list. With this in mind it's vital that people are aware that there are organisations in the private sector, such as HSA, which can help manage the cost of and access to healthcare.

For more information you can visit www.hsa.co.uk.