Covid-19 has resulted in many calls from CLA members about the impact of this crisis upon their private healthcare policies; some calls have come from members who are already CLA Healthcare clients and some have come from members who have sourced their policy directly from an insurer.
But one member’s comment about how reassured she was that she could get independent and impartial advice about her policy from the CLA Healthcare team whenever she needed it prompted me to highlight why working with a dedicated broker to source your healthcare can be beneficial, especially during challenging times.
Value for money
A good broker will be able to search the market on your behalf and locate the most competitive prices available. Many brokers will have access to the entire market and to special rates with insurers that aren’t available to the public. Some may also have the buying power to negotiate discounts with your current insurer.
They’ll make sure that you get the most appropriate level of cover to meet your individual needs and not simply cheap insurance that doesn’t give you the right level of protection.
Removing the hassle
Comparison websites make it easier than ever to compare insurance policies. But when buying health insurance directly, there are lots of factors to be considered, including;
- the terms and conditions offered;
- the type of cover you’re buying;
- if any pre-existing conditions will be covered if you change insurers;
- any limitations of the policy; and
- the cost of the insurance premium.
Working with a broker can save you time and remove the hassle of having to shop around.
Making sure you have the right cover for your individual needs
Brokers have access to a wide range of insurance products and services, they can accurately compare and recommend insurance based on current market service standards, to make sure you get the right policy to meet your individual needs, circumstances and budget.
Giving you more choice
If you go direct to an insurer, you’re limited to the range of products and services they offer. A broker has access to the entire market which means that they can consider the options available and offer you more choice.
Specialist market knowledge & experience
Healthcare insurance can be complicated. Insurance brokers are experienced within the marketplace and understand the product in all its complex intricacies. They understand the benefits and pitfalls of policies and will be able to ensure that you get the level of cover that is right for you.
Keeping it simple
The insurance market is renowned for using jargon. A good broker will take their time to explain what any terminology means and will be responsible for ensuring any optional extras or cover not included within your policy are clearly disclosed so you understand the level of cover being offered.
Independent & Impartial advice
Many brokers will provide independent and impartial advice. This means that they aren’t biased towards individual insurance providers and they will consider the options available in the market to find you the most appropriate cover to meet your needs.
Claims support
If you need to make an insurance claim, your broker will be on hand to help you with the claims process. Their market knowledge and understanding of policy intricacies can help to ensure that your claim is managed quickly and efficiently, helping to reduce stress.
Dedicated team
A good broker will get to know their clients and speak to them on a regular basis. They’ll know your history and will be able to offer relevant advice as your insurance needs change. Working with a dedicated team means that you’ll receive a personal service.
Find out more
To find out more about the specialist healthcare services for CLA members, call 01274 717361 or email healthcare@cla.org.uk. Our expert team are on hand to help.