Westfield Health buys PatientChoice

Cash plan provider Westfield Health has acquired the business of PatientChoice, which administers, markets and sells health insurance products.

PatientChoice products, currently underwritten by Great Lakes reinsurance, will be underwritten by Westfield from 1 May.

For clients' policies this change will take place from the annual review date. All terms, conditions and payments remain the same until that date.

Westfield took on sole responsibility for the administration of PatientChoice policies from 22 March.

Since 2007 PatientChoice has also administered Westfield Health's Surgery Choices, an add-on module to Westfield's corporate paid plans that covers policyholders for surgical procedures normally classed by the NHS as non-urgent. Westfield has also assumed responsibility for the administration of Surgery Choices.

Jill Davies, chief executive of Westfield Health, says in a statement: "The acquisition of PatientChoice is an exciting development and a natural progression for Westfield Health, which is extremely positive news for our policyholders and stakeholders. The acquisition further strengthens Westfield's commitment to delivering innovative and relevant health cover."