British consumers are increasingly convinced the NHS will see deterioration in quality of service and increasingly consider low-cost insurance products to cover any shortfall.
Recent Research from Cigna Insurance Services shows 48% expect to see the NHS deteriorate over the next 12 months, rising to 57% for the over 55s.
The same proportion believes the State will be unable to sustain NHS spending in its current format.
"There is growing evidence that consumers have a real appetite to take greater control of their, and their families', healthcare and not rely wholly on the public sector," said Chris Jones, head of product management at Cigna Insurance Services.
Cigna found 32% are concerned about the NHS's ability to provide timely access to specialist consultants. A similar amount also worry about the time it takes to get treatment, while 30% warn about the time taken to get medical conditions diagnosed.
Asked whether they would consider alternatives to traditional private medical insurance, one in two consumers said they would be prepared to think about buying products or services to cover the shortfalls in NHS provision about which they worry most.
41% said they would (definitely or possibly) consider such products, while 9% have already purchased cover.
Consumers were most interested in products that focused on reduced waiting times or providing better access to aftercare treatments - they were particularly conscious of the negative impact on their lifestyles that problems with access to healthcare services might prompt and prolong.
They would be prepared to consider products and services offered by a broad range of potential providers, including insurers, employers, financial services companies such as banks and building societies and affinity providers.
Jones said: "It is up to us as an industry to rise to the challenge and deliver affordable, accessible and simple products and services which help address our customers' needs, particularly in areas such as speedier diagnoses or better aftercare."
