ALLIANCE Surgical as.one
We reviewed Alliance Surgical’s as.one plan for individuals in June and this version is the corporate version, launched on 1 August.
Benefits are similar to the individual plan but vary based on the number of corporate members included in the scheme:
Corporate 5 is for companies with up to five employees and the plan includes two consultations and £250 of Health Credits if the Plus version is selected.
Corporate 10 is for companies with up to ten employees and the plan includes four consultations and £500 of Health Credits if the Plus version is selected.
Corporate 20 is for companies with up to 20 employees and the plan includes eight consultations and £1,000 of Health Credits if the Plus version is selected.
Corporate 50 is for companies with up to 50 employees and the plan includes 20 consultations and £2,500 of Health Credits if the Plus version is selected.
Larger schemes are quoted on an individual basis.
As a reminder, as.one is an alternative or supplement to conventional health insurance and provides speedy access to a specialist within five days. These are over 1,200 peer recommended specialists and all are based in the UK. Appointments are managed by as.one.
Employers do not need to name the individual employees covered, nor is there any need for a claimant to see a GP first or to obtain a referral from them. There is no requirement to disclose medical history and no exclusion of pre-existing conditions and age and gender of employees are ignored and there is no upper age limit. Employers can pay for the plan monthly or annually by direct debit. As.one says the cost is allowable as deduction for corporation tax purposes and that the benefit is not taxable for the employee either.
If the benefits are not fully used in any year, up to 40% of unused membership fees can be carried forward as Health Credits against future healthcare provision.
After seeing a specialist, if treatment is needed, as.one organises this free through the NHS or it can be paid for privately. Employees (optionally their families can be included too) also have access to a 24/7 GP helpline and employee assistance programme.
Commission is 5% initial and renewal or for larger 50 Bespoke plans, the broker can set their own commission terms and this is included in the pricing.
Comment: We had not seen pricing when we went to press, but assuming it’s broadly comparable with the individual version, this again looks to be very good value. Moreover, the plan is tax efficient for both employer and employee and simple to administer too.
The plan is not an alternative to full PMI for those who can afford it, but for those who can’t or won’t pay for full PMI this is a realistic alternative. We just hope as.one has done its sums correctly with regard to pricing.
Plus points: Simple alternative or add-on for PMI and HCPs; Now available corporately as well as to individuals; Good value; Guaranteed fast access to a specialist and opportunity to get back into NHS treatment if necessary.
Not so plus points: May not cover all employees’ healthcare needs; Not an alternative to a full PMI or HCP solution; Employers could choose a small plan and select appropriate employees only when ill-health arises, refusing benefit where it appears to offer little benefit to the employer.
Website: http://www.betterasone.co.uk.
Rating (max 10): Innovation: 9. Overall: 9. Platinum
Tags: Alliance Surgical; PMI