More than half of Canadians skipping health care such as dental, survey suggests [Video]

As the Canadian Dental Care Plan expands this week to include all eligible age groups, 35 per cent of Canadians report they’ve skipped or reduced dental visits, a new survey suggests. Dental care was the most commonly delayed health service, according to the survey released Tuesday.

The Canadian digital insurance company PolicyMe carried out the online survey of 1,500 adults in partnership with the Angus Reid Institute from May 9-12.

More than half of Canadians (56 per cent) said they’re delaying health appointments due to costs, with some skipping appointments.

“They’re skipping as a result of cost,” said Andrew Ostro, CEO and co-founder of PolicyMe in Toronto.

Young adults aged 18 to 34 were the most affected of respondents, according to the survey, with 66 per cent saying they were delaying health care compared with 58 per cent among those aged 35 to 54.

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