86% delay medical treatment because of rising costs

Almost nine in every 10 people will deliberately delay going to a GP or hospital for medical treatment because of spiralling health insurance costs.

The situation — which insurers claim is the direct result of Health Minister Dr James Reilly’s imminent health insurance levy — was revealed in a survey commissioned by private health company Laya Healthcare.

According to the report, published on the first of a two-day National Healthcare Conference, 86% of people will avoid attending their local doctor because of the expense involved.