FAST-LIVING Scots are building up health problems for the future by not exercising or sleeping enough.
Hectic lifestyles could have serious implications for people's ability to work, which means having adequate protection in place in the event of illness is vital.
The latest Legal & General Health Uncovered Index reveals that Scots are more worried than people in the rest of the UK about their lack of exercise.
Of those surveyed by YouGov in July, more than half of Scots said not exercising enough was a top health concern for them, compared with 48 per cent of Brits overall.
But Scots were slightly less concerned about not sleeping enough, with 41 per cent saying this was a worry, compared with 42 per cent of Brits.
Other issues keeping Scots fretting are general fatigue, availability of NHS dentists and stress from the daily routine.
Legal & General director of healthcare Chris Rolland said: "Far from echoing the government's view on health, these findings show that the public's concerns are different. It's becoming clear that people are far more worried about the way we live our lives, the lack of sleep and stress than smoking and drinking. There are few things more important in life than our health, so it is vital that people look at the causes of a poor lifestyle to ensure their health is not compromised - and hopefully prevent burn-out."
Despite the concerns over health, a large part of the population is not taking out adequate protection - whether it be accident, sickness and unemployment cover, critical illness or
income protection.
Although competition between providers means the cost of cover has been falling, there is still a protection gap.
But companies are finally starting to realise they have to get more creative with what they are offering, rather than trying to entice clients on rates alone.
Liverpool Victoria has launched its Extra Care service free for all existing and new critical illness (CI) policy holders. When a CI claim is paid, it will offer the customer and his or her family their own personal nurse adviser who can give advice on how to plan for and handle the diagnosis of a serious health condition or long-term disability. Extra Care is provided through Red Arc Assurance, an independent care advisory service.
Stuart Trangheim, intermediary sales director at Liverpool Victoria, said: "More than 40,000 of our existing policy holders now have access to Extra Care.
"We piloted the service over six months and clients found it very helpful, as the nurses understand all aspects of healthcare."
Bright Grey, a protection specialist, has been offering the Red Arc service through its Helping Hand programme since it launched in March 2003.
Bright Grey products director Roger Edwards said: "One of the big differences between our service and Liverpool Victoria's is that we offer Helping Hand as soon as a claim is made, rather than waiting until we pay out on the claim.
"This gives people a lot of emotional and practical support through a difficult time."
The service also includes a help line and discounts and deals, such as a personalised lifestyle assessment.
When considering the protection products on the market, it is important for people to look beyond the premium, to check the quality of service they will receive.
