Tesco has launched three new levels of health cover in response to customers’ feedback asking for a straightforward, flexible product. The three levels are; Operations and Procedures, Consultations and Tests, and Additional Therapies. 

Each level will cover different aspects of a patient’s journey and the products are designed to be straightforward and do what they say on the tin. Tesco Health Insurance cover starts with Operations & Procedures and customers can choose to add either one or two additional cover options: Consultations & Tests and Additional Therapies. 

Level of Cover	Key Benefits
Operations and Procedures:	-Covers cost of surgery -Covers cost of treatment requiring an overnight or 1-day hospital stay -Covers radiotherapy and chemotherapy -Covers CT, MRI and PET scans -Choose a time that’s convenient to you -Private room
Consultations & Tests: (option 1)	Includes Operations and Procedures and: -Quick referral to consultations and tests -Covers specialist fees and diagnostic tests -Cover limit of £1,000 each year (typically this would cover six referrals)
Additional Therapies: (option 2)	Includes Operations and Procedures and: -To assist your recovery, cover includes:     Physiotherapy     Chiropractic     Acupuncture               Homeopathic treatment     Cover limit of £1,000 each year

 

For additional flexibility, customers can choose to reduce their monthly premium by adding a six week option to their policy. Under this option, if the NHS cannot provide the treatment within six weeks, the customer would be able to go privately straightaway under the Operations & Procedures element of the product. 

Cover starts at around £21 a month for a 35 year old customer choosing the 6 week option with their policy. New customers can get three months free when they take out Tesco Health Insurance from 30 April.

 

Jeremy Sutton, head of Tesco Health Insurance said, “We launched Tesco Health Insurance in January 2007 with the aim of making it affordable, simple to understand and easy to buy. We have launched these new levels of cover in response to feedback, which told us customers wanted flexibility and choice, with a range of options, to suit their needs.”

 

To apply or for more information, customers can log on to www.tescofinance.com or call 0800 169 99 44.

New customers can get three months free when they take out Tesco Health Insurance from 30 April.

 

Drivers will be encouraged to buy new cars as a result of the vehicle scrappage scheme, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

The number of people looking to renew their car insurance policies could increase as a direct result of the vehicle scrappage incentive scheme, it has been suggested.

In this week's Budget, Alistair Darling announced drivers with autos that are over ten years old will be eligible for £2,000 towards a new model if they are prepared to get rid of their old set of wheels.

Due to be introduced next month, the programme is exclusively available to people who have owned the car they intend to scrap for at least 12 months.

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the initiative is a step in the right direction.

Chief executive Paul Everitt said: "The scheme recognises the economic value of the motor industry and we are determined to make it a success."

Drivers who are planning to take advantage of the initiative may be able to reduce their costs further by searching for cheap car insurance cover online.


AIG Direct offers more than just health insurance. Visit http://www.aigdirect.co.uk for more information.

Women who eat walnuts may have a lower risk of developing breast cancer, according to a new survey.

A report by healthcare experts at the Marshall University School of Medicine in West Virginia, US, reveals that substances in the nut may be effective in cutting cases of the disease.

Walnuts contain antioxidants, phytosterols and omega-3, all of which have been shown to prevent breast cancer.

Elaine Hardman, associate professor in the department of biochemistry and microbiology at the facility, says the food also offers a healthy alternative to snacks such as biscuits, crisps and chocolate.

"We know that a healthy diet overall prevents all manner of chronic diseases. It is clear that walnuts contribute to a healthy diet that can reduce breast cancer," she comments.

Healthcare experts at the University of Texas recently discovered that the protein PEA-15 may be able to reduce breast cancer tumours, which may interest health insurance customers.

AIG Direct offers more than just health insurance. Visit http://www.aigdirect.co.uk for more information.