Hibernian Health, the new health insurance arm of the Hibernian group, was launched today in Dublin as more consumers than ever are seeking to switch health insurance.
Hibernian Health, the new health insurance arm of the Hibernian group, was launched today in Dublin as more consumers than ever are seeking to switch health insurance. New research published by Hibernian Health today shows that 67% of health insurance members are now prepared to switch. The majority will switch for savings of €500 or less for a typical family plan. Hibernian Health said it would triple its membership to in excess of 500,000 members within the next five years, with increased investment and greater distribution networks allowing it to reach more consumers. It has today launched a multi-million euro awareness campaign across print, TV, on-line and outdoor media under the campaign slogan of "Looking out for you".
Hibernian Health said it will win new members with:
- The most comprehensive cover in the market
- Unrivalled customer service
- Best products at best value prices
- A strong commitment to innovation and being the first to market with new benefits and treatments including meeting the growing trend for preventative healthcare to ensure people stay healthy.
Research published by Hibernian today shows that the majority of consumers are now focusing on preventative measures to manage their health with as many as 61% going for a full health check-up every year, according to research conducted in the past week by RedC.
"The entry of Hibernian into health insurance will be the catalyst for major change in the health insurance market in Ireland. With Hibernian's reputation for service excellence, trust and innovation, along with the financial strength of our international parent company Aviva, consumers can now choose a health insurer who they know will be looking out for them at all times," said Hibernian group chief executive Stuart Purdy.
"Already 1.2 million customers trust Hibernian to look out for their important financial assets like their cars, homes, businesses and pensions. And our research shows that consumers are very positive about Hibernian also looking out for their most precious asset - their health. With a climate of switching now prevalent in a number of sectors, our research shows that consumers welcome the option to manage all their insurance needs with Hibernian - a trusted provider who is known for delivering on its promise of quality, service and value," he added
Hibernian Health will be managed by a strong team lead by Dick O'Driscoll, managing director of Hibernian Insurance and Hibernian Health. Speaking at the launch, he said: "Hibernian has a unique and powerful sales distribution network. Its products are available from brokers and financial advisers, the Hibernian nationwide branch network, online or via its call centre, and through AIB's branch network, one of the largest retail networks in the country. This distribution strength, allied with Hibernian's renown for service excellence will enable us to grow significantly."
Mr O'Driscoll said switching was now a feature of consumers' habits in other products and services and this is increasingly a feature in health insurance. "Our message today to consumers is to shop around - switching cover is easy and can be done with just a phone call. Our commitment is to looking out for the unique needs of each of our customers, giving them exceptional value in terms of comprehensive cover on primary healthcare, access to the latest health benefits and treatments, unrivalled service excellence and the best overall value in the market. We are building on the success story created by Vivas Health and look forward to providing customers with even more reasons to join us as we develop our plans over the weeks and months ahead."
Hibernian Health is the new name for Vivas Health from 1 July and, under its banner of looking out for the consumer, Hibernian Health is highlighting the fact that members can easily switch health insurer without suffering any loss of benefits when switching to an equivalent plan with the new provider. At the same time, consumers can still make large financial savings on their current health insurance premiums and healthcare costs when switching. Hibernian Health offers savings of over €428.78 for the typical family*, along with the lowest outpatient excess when comparing the most popular plans**.
Hibernian completed its acquisition of the majority shareholding in Vivas Health in May 2008. AIB, with whom Hibernian has a strong relationship retains its 30% stake. In addition to senior Hibernian group management, the Hibernian health team also includes several long serving Vivas Health figures including Brian Scollard (Provider Affairs), Maria-Teresa Kelly Oroz (Legal & Regulatory), Deirdre Ashe (Sales & Marketing) and Jim Dowdall (Operations), Stephen Loughman (Actuarial).
More information and switching details are available on www.vivashealth.ie/ or from 1850 717 717.
-ends-
*
| Hibernian Health "we plan" Level 2 | VHI Plan B Option | |
| 2 adults, 2 children | €1,541.00 | €1,969.78 |
All prices net of tax relief at source at the standard rate and include 10% group discount.
** Hibernian Health "we plan" Level 2 compared with and VHI plan "B" options.
Notes to editors:
- Hibernian is one of Ireland's largest and most successful financial organisations with activities spanning general insurance, risk management, pensions, life assurance, and personal financial services.
- Hibernian's full year results for the year ended 31 December 2007 produced an operating profit of €352.9m (2006: €188.9m).
- The group occupies the number one position in the general insurance market and a top three position in life and pensions.
Research details:
RedC conducted 1006 phone interviews using a random digit sample between 30May and 3 June 2008. The sample was representative of the total population in Ireland aged 18+.