AS THE row about faulty breast implants rumbles on, I am keen to learn whether people purchasing elective cosmetic surgery are required to take out insurance to cover them if the procedure goes wrong.

On the internet all I can find are articles advising that private health-care insurance doesn’t usually cover you if you want an elective cosmetic surgical procedure. That is not the same thing.

It seems to me people choosing to have procedures that are not medically necessary should be required by law to take out insurance in the event that something should go wrong.

After all, you have to take out insurance if you engage in dangerous sports or if you drive a car, or many other pursuits that carry a risk.

It seems unfair that people could elect to undergo a surgical procedure that carries a risk and is unnecessary on medical grounds and then expect others to bear the cost if something goes wrong.

It may be that I have misunderstood and people are required to take out cover, but if that is the case why is the Government under pressure to pay to sort out the problems caused in the breast implant scandal?

Christian Vassie, Blake Court, Wheldrake, York.