Debt Ridden Britain Relies on Credit for Dental Bills

ANDOVER, England, March 31, 2010 - In the last year, 39% of Britons have had to pay for dental
bills over GBP50 using a credit card, and 2% have been forced to take out a
loan. These shocking results come as even more people struggle to find an NHS
dentist for themselves and their children (up from 59% to 63%), according to
Simplyhealth's Annual Dental Survey 2010. These financial consequences could
also signal a public health concern.

On top of this, 43% of people have put off visiting the
dentist because of cost. For 35% of these people, not visiting the dentist
has brought about devastating effects. 26% have suffered long term tooth
decay, 19% have lost a tooth and 2% have needed extreme dental procedures.
Moreover, the survey has revealed that 15% of people have bypassed the
dentist altogether and called NHS Direct or gone to A&E with tooth pain
putting additional pressure on public services.

James Glover from healthcare provider Simplyhealth, explains:
"It's extremely worrying that people are going to these lengths to pay for
their dental treatment and that others are delaying to the point of pain and
long term damage. The good news is that it doesn't need to be like this. By
putting aside just a little a week, health cash plans and dental plans can
help take away the financial bother of dental care. For example, a Simply
Cash Plan starts from just GBP2.25 a week providing cover for dental visits,
optician appointments, complementary therapies and more."

Simplyhealth provides cover for dental check-ups, treatment
and emergencies through its Simply Cash Plan and Simply Dental Plan. Perfect
for both NHS and private access with claims paid usually within a few days.
For further information visit www.simplyhealth.co.uk or speak to
someone in one of our UK call centres on 0800-072-6715.

Notes to Editor

    About Simplyhealth's Annual Dental Survey

    - The research was conducted by Opinion Matters using an
      online fieldwork methodology. Opinion Matters surveyed 250 HR managers
      and 1,005 working adults between 24 February and 4 March 2010

    About Simplyhealth

    - Previously known as HSA, BCWA, LHF, HealthSure and Totally
      Active, our family of health companies have joined together over the
      last 8 years to form Simplyhealth

    - At Simplyhealth, we have been providing healthcare solutions for
      nearly 140 years, dedicated to serving our customers through a variety
      of cash plans, dental plans, private medical insurance, healthcare
      trusts and mobility and living aids

    - Simplyhealth is a trading name of Simplyhealth Access, which is
      authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

    - As of December 2009, Simplyhealth had 1.3 million customers providing
      cover for some 2.3 million people

    - Simplyhealth is committed to making a positive impact on its
      communities. Each year, we help health related charities and causes
      to the tune of at least GBP1million

For further information, please bother us at:

www.simplyhealth.co.uk/media-centre

Abby Bowman, Senior Brand and PR Manager, +44-(0)1264-342561; Caroline Lakeman, Public Relations Manager, +44-(0)1264-342570; Rebecca Jeremy, Public Relations Assistant, +44(0)1264-342400 Or pr at simplyhealth.co.uk