Bupa

Perhaps more often thought of as a protection provider, Exeter Family Friendly is a major player in the PMI market with serious growth plans. Paul Robertson discusses the changing market with Mike O'Brien.

A third of people (33%) claim that they have switched insurers over the past two years because of poor service; according to research.

Bupa UK has emphasised the importance of patient centred care and the need to develop services meeting the needs of older people.

Bupa is seeking at least a 15% reduction in major hospital group fees following the Competition and Market Authority's (CMA) final remedies on private healthcare.

Bupa is to hold an open day for IFAs and other health industry advisers at its Solihull clinic on 25 April.

Bupa has reported an 8% increase in revenues to £9.1bn; according to the health insurer's preliminary results for 2013.

Bupa is opening up its individual private medical insurance (PMI) product, Bupa By You, so intermediaries will be able to sell it to consumers.

Shirts that detect blood sugar levels, contact lenses monitoring retinal changes and toilets that record vitamin intake and hydration levels will become commonplace for all, according to Bupa research.

Bupa has introduced a member offers programme, offering discounts and offers from firms in health and wellbeing, leisure, travel, home entertainment and retail.

New Competition Commission proposals to shake up the private healthcare sector are a move forward for customers, who should see a financial benefit, Bupa has said.