Vhi Healthcare reduces 2009 premium for Children on Plan B and Plan B Options. 200,000 children and their families to benefit.
4th March, 2009 – Vhi Healthcare today announced the introduction of reduced premiums for children under the age of eighteen on its most popular plans, Plan B and Plan B Options. The company has reduced the 2009 premiums for children on these plans to €200 - a reduction of at least €100 per child with effect from 1st April 2009.
Commenting on today’s announcement Mr. Jimmy Tolan, CEO, Vhi Healthcare said “We have been listening to the issues and concerns that are being raised by parents in conversations with staff in our contact centre. The reality is that families in Ireland are feeling the impacts of the deteriorating global economic environment and are experiencing changed financial circumstances. Despite this, many parents consider it very important to have the highest quality health insurance cover in place for their families.”
“To support these parents we have introduced reduced premiums for children. Almost 200,000 children and their parents will benefit from this measure and we hope that this will go some way to help alleviate the pressures on families. The reduced premiums for children on Plan B and Plan B Options will be funded through expected savings of €20m achieved through a range of cost containment initiatives right across the organisation including negotiations with providers of medical services.”
Vhi Healthcare will write to all members who are renewing their policies in April to advise them of this new rate. The company will also write to all members who renewed with us in January to March ’09 to advise them of the reduction in their policies (from 1st April). Members renewing at a later stage of the year will be advised of the revised pricing as their renewal falls due.
Vhi Healthcare is Ireland’s only not for profit specialist health insurer with over fifty years experience. In 2009, Vhi Healthcare expects that over 90% of its customers premium income will be spent in ensuring that’s its customer’s medical needs are met.
Further information regarding Vhi Healthcare can be accessed on
www.vhi.ie.
ENDS
Note to Editors:
Today’s announcement means that the annual premium for a family of two adults and three children on Plan B will now be€2,256 (previously €2,556) and on Plan B Options will be €2,400 (previously €2,760). Members on Plan B and B Options who renewed their plans between January and March ’09 will also receive this reduced rate from 1st April.