IFAs and PMI intermediaries get access to WPA's XS Health

WPA is to make its web-based offering, XS Health, available to IFAs and PMI brokers following requests from intermediaries.

The plan, which was previously only available direct via the internet and the telephone, offers cover for individuals willing to pay an excess of £1,500 or £3,000 in return for significantly reduced premiums.

The move comes after several key players, including Standard Life Healthcare and BUPA, introduced similar high excess products to the broker market.

David Ashdown, communications director at WPA, said that XS Health has been WPA's fastest selling product so far and the company has succeeding in its bid to attract young and healthy individuals into the PMI market.

He said: "Around 50% of our applicants are new to PMI and these are the people we need to attract."

IFAs selling the product will receive £100 commission for applicants over the age of 28, and £50 in year one followed by £50 in year two for younger applicants where premiums are lower.

Ashdown said: "XS Health has created a new sector in health insurance. Most people say they would prefer to pay £1,500 towards a private operation rather than wait 12 months for one on the NHS. It is so much cheaper than traditional health insurance that everyone from young families to senior citizens can take control of their healthcare."

The insurer has also launched a new website designed to help policyholders manage their PMI. It will enable IFAs and their clients, both individuals and company groups, to track their claims, buy or renew a policy, add members and change levels of cover.

Ashdown said: "This new service is what the internet has always promised but not delivered. The WPA website puts all the details you need, in their simplest form, in front of you so you can manage every aspect of your policy."

In addition, the site carries details of medical complaints and offers details of local healthcare providers such as osteopaths or physiotherapists.