Feature – cash plans


be healthier and invariably the employer’s health costs come down.”


Westfield Health’s Davies believes that the Government is already shifting the cost of healthcare onto employers. She points to the example of new EU legislation, due to come into effect this year, which will mean that employees who drive for work will have to have their eyes tested regularly in order to keep their licence.


She says: “Legislation gets employers interested and they are looking for a return on investment. But the other side of the coin is that the employer wants to motivate staff and it is a good way of caring for them. We believe that growth in the corporate market will continue.” PMI Health Group’s Blake agrees. “Demand is growing – there is certainly


an increase in interest and new plans being bought by employers,” he reports. “Employees say it is a useful benefit and it’s not that expensive.”


He agrees with Medicash’s Sue Weir that financial incentives from the Government are doubtful. “Budget deficits mean the introduction


of subsidies towards health insurance, in the short term at least, are unlikely,” says


SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE IN SWITZERLAND


Health insurance is mandatory in Switzerland, covering the vast majority of healthcare treatments


In addition to this, 80% of population has supplementary health insurance


Supplementary health insurance providers cannot cover the statutory co-payments on the mandatory health insurance system


The mandatory heath insurance package does not cover:


Treatments whose efficacy or suitability is questionable or whose cost far exceeds any benefit that may be expected


Hospital care on private wards Hospital care outside the canton of residence – the insurance company will only reimburse the insured up to the rate set for hospital care by the canton of residence


Dental treatment unless for a serious mouth or jaw disorder Treatment abroad


Source: OECD


Weir. “However we would welcome any Government measures aimed at ensuring costs do not put people off accessing basic healthcare and encouraging them to take a preventative approach to their health. Cash plans are an ideal way to do this.” While it seems unlikely, politically, that the UK will


move towards adopting wholesale the healthcare models used abroad, the emphasis internationally on individual responsibility, preventative healthcare and engaging employers


Build customer loyalty…


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More and more intermediaries are... fi nding that corporate demand for Health Cash Plans is increasing year on year*; and… understanding how Best Doctors®


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* Source: Laing and Buisson Report, 2010. Medicash is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. April 2011 www.hi-mag.com HealthInsurance


in the health of the workforce all chime well with the messages coming from cash plan providers. Whether the Government uses charges, cuts, cost-sharing with employers or a combination of them all to fund rising demand for healthcare, an inexpensive product designed to “fill gaps” seems more relevant than ever.


HI Health insurance is mandatory in Switzerland


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