Cancer patients in Ireland have resorted to taking out loans to help with costs incurred as a result of illness, a new study has shown. The research, carried out by the National Cancer Registry of Ireland, found that sufferers were having to pay for childcare, domestic help and wigs, as well as routine household bills and transport costs, which became a struggle with the lack of a regular wage during recovery. Getting to and from clinics was also likely to become even more of a burden, as cancer treatments in the country are being transferred to just eight clinics. Some of the twenty-one patients that participated in the investigation had even reported eating into savings and being left asking friends and family to help out with added costs.

There are many aspects of being ill that can put pressure on people. Anything from the common cold to more serious bouts of illness can cause someone to take time off from work. Private health insurance could help patients by making it easier to access health care more quickly than on the NHS, with its long waiting lists, and by enabling patients to choose where they receive treatment. Cash plans mean that patients can choose to get treatment privately, or alternatively use the money to help with childcare costs for example, and wait for NHS treatment.