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How We Rate the Insurers
APRIL Medibroker is proud to have implemented an independent Insurer Ratings program. Our objective in rating each insurer / plan provider is to maintain high quality service standards throughout the industry via direct accountability.
Results were achieved via the professional opinions of experienced APRIL Medibroker advisors and client servies staff, who were asked to evaluate the criteria listed below on a scale of 1 to 5 (Poor to Excellent). The results were added and insurer / plan providers were ranked according to points scored. Our advisors completed this exercise from their homes, thus resulting in unbiased and impartial rankings.
The APRIL Medibroker rating system has received great acclaim by the healthcare industry and these results will soon be published in various healthcare publications and websites. Below are the results of our June 2010 review:
April Medibroker Sales Manager Steve Nelson commented; |
April Medibroker Insurer Ratings - 1st June 2010 |
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Rating Points |
Star Rating |
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| IHI Bupa | 100.0 |  |
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| InterGlobal | 97.7 |  |
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| Bupa | 96.1 |  |
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| aLC health | 95.3 |  |
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| DKV Globality | 93.2 |  |
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| William Russell | 92.8 | |
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| IMG Europe | 90.9 |  |
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| Morgan Price | 85.5 |  |
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| Vanbreda | 84.2 |  |
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| HTH Worldwide | 82.3 |  |
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| Aviva | 81.0 |  |
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| AXA PPP | 79.8 |  |
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| Allianz | 79.6 | |
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| Expatriate Healthcare | 77.7 |  |
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| Coversure | 76.1 |  |
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| Aetna Global Benefits | 75.6 |  |
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| Cigna | 75.5 | |
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| MediCare | 74.4 | |
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| Exclusive Healthcare | 66.1 |  |
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| HealthCare International | 63.9 |  |
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| ExpaCare | 61.5 |  |
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Ten Rating Criteria:
(1) Service to Customer
Prompt client service, plan document despatch timing, availability of help lines multilingual 24/7, speedy and straightforward claims Provider services and support worldwide, plus medical assistance and emergency evacuation globally. Contract renewal annually as standard, no major leaps in premiums, year on year, or reduction in benefit structures of existing plans. Quality of continuing long term customer/client care.
(2) Service to Independent Broker Advisors and Intermediaries
Response times, accuracy of quotes, overall helpfulness and cooperation (Broker Friendliness) knowledge of customer/broker dealing staff, quality and timeliness of plan renewals, complaints handling, claims handling, general quality of Provider Administration.
(3) Price Competitiveness in the Global Market Place
Price structure across the individual, family and expatriate or retired market place, not the corporate or SME market place
(4) Quality of Benefits
Overall capping of cover, or full cover to limits, in dollars, sterling or euros. Flexible options as add on, routine maternity, chronic, well man/woman, family friendly plans, dental/optical cover, HIV/AIDS cover, high age limits for the retired. Clarity on inpatient/day-care and outpatient benefits, wide hospital choices and countries of cover. Elective USA cover. Continuity of cover once a Client has a plan and continues to pay premiums, i.e.: No cut off due to age.
(5) Quality and Clarity of Literature/Brochure Pack and Application forms.
Ease of use, plain clarity of English for terms and conditions, restrictions, underwriting etc Level of detail and ease of understanding for both clients and Advisors worldwide. Clarity of claims and complaints procedures and Underwriter quality.
(6) Application Process
Length, complexity of the application client process, strictness of underwriting and "client selectivity issues" regarding moratorium, full medical underwriting or other. Use of all major credit cards plus other bank transfer systems or cheques.
Speed of the confirmation of bonding of client cover by Provider/Insurer.
(7) Product Provider/Insurer strength
Length of time in years/decades in the international health insurance field. Quality of Underwriters or Panel. Historical control of year on year premium increases in line or below global medical inflation. Range of Plans offered. "Brand Name" and/or recognition awards in the Industry. Popularity with International Independent IFA's or specialist Advisors. Tied Agent sales forces or via independent broker networks for their distribution. Direct Sales or via Intermediaries or both. Availability and effective usage of latest technology, particularly client/broker support technology.
(8) Website
Availability, section for Agents and Advisors and Clients. PDF file availability on all applications, brochures etc
Quality and Clarity of downloads, PDF files and Producer Areas. "Pro activity levels" with Brokers.
(9) Payment and Currency Options
Multi currency options available for each Provider's Plan range plus multi frequency, e.g.: monthly, quarterly, half yearly, annually for client payments of premiums.
(10) Country Cover and Global Regional Options for Cover
Area (1) Europe, Area (2) Rest of World, Area (3) Other options such as elective cover in USA for 30 days, six months etc. Seamless cover transfer on returning to home country. Travel cover out of Area available.