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February 2011 Health Shield: HCP

Health Shield has added a new entry level ‘Access Level’ to its existing voluntary Corporate scheme. This costs just £1.25 a week (or £2.50 a week if partner cover is required too) and provides maximum annual benefits (100% reimbursement unless indicated otherwise) of:

• Dental: £30.
• Dental accident: £100.
• Optical: £30.
• Hospital benefit: £10 a night/day up to 25 pa.
• Parental hospital stay: up to 25 nights a year.
• Maternity: £75 cash sum single payment.
• Physiotherapy; chiropractic; osteopathy; acupuncture, and homeopathy: £60.
• Specialist consultation, ECG, X-ray and pathology fees: £60.
• Chiropody: £30.
• Health and wellbeing: £30.
• Health screening: £30.
• Personal accident protection: up to £2,500.
• Prescriptions: One item a year can be claimed.
• Fitness benefit: access to special rates through Incopore’s Corporate Fitness Network.

Cover is worldwide and includes access to a 24/7 helpline. Customers can choose five other cover levels. The highest (Prestige Level) includes contribution protection (waiver of premium), up to £500 a year for family planning and £2,000 critical illness cover, all for £12.50 a week (£25 for couples). Other price points are £1.95; £4.00; £6.50; £8.25, and £12.50 a week (for the Prestige Level) for individuals.
Plus points: A useful addition, which adds a very low price point but still offers useful benefits that will be valued (and used regularly) buy employees; Health Shield paid 322,571 claims last year, with 89.6% paid within two working days.
Not so plus points: Most benefits are relatively low and may not cover all regular health costs; Many brokers are still ignoring HCPs, which is short-sighted.
Website: http://www.healthshield.co.uk.
Rating (max 10): Innovation: 7. Overall: 7.5.