Boots launches private medical insurance on the high street

Boots has announced a partnership agreement with PruHealth to launch private medical insurance (PMI) in its 1,500 Boots stores. Recent research by Boots highlights that around 80% of people believe they are precluded from taking out private health insurance due to its cost. In addition, 36% of people would consider taking out PMI if they felt they were offered a competitive rate.

The new health insurance offering is being introduced as part of the first anniversary celebrations of the Boots Health Club, which offers its 1.5 million members personalised health information, advice and money off health-related products and services. Anyone joining the Boots Health Club before October will qualify for half-price health insurance premiums for the first year.

The PMI policy will deliver rewards to those who make no or low claims and take part in its 'Vitality programme'. Customers will collect Boots Vitality points by taking advantage of a range of current offers such as completing an online health review or stress test, having an eye test (available from September) or downloading online meal plans. These points will count towards a vitality status and could mean substantial no claim bonuses of 25%, 50%, 75% or, with enough effort, even 100% of this year's premium towards the cost of next year's cover.

Boots PMI will offer three levels of cover which include the following as standard:

* Access to every registered private hospital including Nuffield and BUPA hospitals
* Access to every NHS private patient unit in the UK
* Access to over 13,000 consultants and specialists
* Full cancer cover at every stage of treatment
* 24-hour access to the Call-A-Doctor service

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