As you are by now probably aware, Aviva Health recently became part of the Irish Life Group. Irish Life has also assumed control of GloHealth, where they previously had a 49% shareholding. Irish Life Group is an insurer already trusted to look after one million people in Ireland and now that expertise is being extended to the health insurance market.
About Irish Life
Irish Life is one of Ireland’s leading financial services companies and is firmly established as the largest life insurance and pensions provider. For over 75 years, they’ve been helping people in Ireland look after their life insurance, pension and investment needs.
Since July 2013 Irish Life has been part of the Great-West Lifeco group of companies, one of the world’s leading life assurance organisations.
While Irish Life previously had a presence in the health insurance market in Ireland through their stake in GloHealth, the acquisition of Aviva Health demonstrates a real commitment to building a leading presence in the health insurance market in Ireland. GloHealth and Irish Life Health will continue to operate as two separate organisations for the time being, but we’ll watch that space!
What does this mean for consumers in general?
This development is great news for consumers. Irish Life has the richest pool available of insurance experience and know-how. This will now be brought to bear in the health insurance market. They also understand the role that technology and innovation are playing in transforming healthcare in Ireland today, and will look to deliver health insurance that will leverage this new health landscape.
What does this mean for existing Aviva Health policyholders?
First of all, there is no immediate change at all in relation to customers’ existing health policies and everything stays exactly the same. No action is required by customers, the price and benefits on their existing plans will stay the same. Customers will also have access to the same consultants and hospitals as before.
Customers will receive a new membership card and of course when their renewal is due, they will be offered the opportunity to renew with Irish Life Health rather than Aviva Health.
How can Lyons Financial Services help you?
We’re delighted with this new development in the health insurance market in Ireland. It’s good news for consumers! However we also recognise that the job of finding the most suitable health insurance plan for you has not got any easier. That’s where we can help.
We have deep insights into the health insurance market as a whole and will work on your behalf to find the very best plan to suit your own personal circumstances. We can do the legwork, at no additional cost to you! So whether you are taking out health insurance for the first time or your annual renewal date is approaching, please give us a call on 01 801 5808 or email us at health@lyonsfinancial.ie and we’ll start the search for the best plan for you.