Smear tests are now offered as routine tests every three to five years for each woman between the ages of 25 and 65 in the UK, both on the NHS and as part of thorough health checks offered through some health insurance policies. They are vital in the early detection of illnesses such as cervical cancer, and are said to save up to 6000 lives every year but many women feel embarrassed by the thought of going for such a test and bypass the procedure. However, research has shown that up to half of all new cases of cervical cancer come from those women that have never or rarely had a simple smear test.

It is feared that lesbians might be more at risk from the disease as many have the preconceived thought that because they have never had intercourse with a man, or not for a long time, that they are unlikely to develop cervical cancer, but this is far from the case. The disease is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus, which many women are led to believe only occurs in women who have had a heterosexual relationship, but around one in five who have never come into close contact with a man have the virus. Some doctors and nurses have even misled women by telling them that such a test is unnecessary. This, and the fact that many lesbians feel isolated from previously discriminating health insurance policies, may mean that they are discouraged from visiting a health centre for the pain-free examination that could potentially save their lives.

Private health insurance companies such as Freedom Healthnet, have offered discrimination free policies ever since the company was set up four years ago, meaning that either as an individual or as part of a same sex couple or civil partnership, the gay and lesbian community are getting quotes for private medical cover.