Expacare
As well as limiting price rises this year to 3-5% (lower than underlying medical inflation) Expacare has introduced a number of changes to its plans from 1 July. These include:
The emergency evacuation benefit now includes an option for the patient to go back to where they came from after treatment or to go to their home. Up to 20 nights at up to £200 a night accommodation costs are also covered after being discharged from hospital if unfit to fly.
Maternity limits have been increased.
A new intermediate outpatient level has been introduced under the Choices plans. It sits between the old Basic and Extended versions and has an overall outpatient limit of £3,000.
Choices can now be underwritten on a FMU (fully medically underwritten) or CPME (continued personal medical exclusions) basis as well as MHD (medical history disregarded).
Renewals will now be sent by email as standard, with snail mail remaining as an alternative.
Comment: A number of small but nevertheless useful changes and improvements here. Of greater significance to many customers will be Expacare keeping its price rises below underlying medical inflation for the second year running.
Plus points: Below medical inflation price rises; More underwriting choices; New intermediate level outpatient benefit option; Increased maternity benefits; Improved emergency evacuation benefit.
Not so plus points: Prices rises are still above prices inflation (at least using UK inflation rates); Relatively minor changes.
Website: http://www.expacare.com.
Rating (max 10): Innovation: 7. Overall: 8. Gold
Tags: iPMI; Expacare