Health Insurance Policy Changes May Hit Elderly Policyholders

Health insurance providers are reportedly altering the terms of their policies, introducing new conditions that discourage policyholders from claiming. Aviva is one private medical insurance provider who is reportedly removing no claims discounts for any customers who make claims in consecutive years, sparking fears among policyholders that they will not be able to afford their subsequent policy premiums if they need to make a claim.

The change is expected to hit pensioners particularly hard. With pensioners arguably more susceptible to illness and health problems, the decision by Aviva to shift these policyholders onto the new Healthier Solutions health plan – which threatens to remove the no claims discount in the event of regular claims, there are fears that these vulnerable policyholders may be left without cover as they cannot afford the premiums. Indeed, one elderly couple – already faced with a premium of nearly £3,500, told how one claim would see this increase to £4,200, and four claims would see it jump to nearly £10,000.

The prospective premium increases are all the more steep in light of the fact that Aviva frequently increases the premiums of elderly pensioners as they get older each year. Aviva has, however, pledged to treat all existing customers fairly, insisting they seek to offer flexible and personal pricing.