HealthCare Compare launches to curb customer confusion

Based in Dublin, HealthCare Compare aims to remove the confusion and costs associated with choosing an insurance provider.

Ireland’s newest health insurance comparison website, HealthCare Compare, has launched its new platform which aims to remove the confusion and overpaying associated with health insurance plans.

The Dublin-based company’s aim is to help consumers make informed decisions on reviewing cover at the renewal stage.

HealthCare Compare (HCC.ie) is unique in that it helps users identify the most suitable healthcare plan to suit their requirements and budgets through its advanced comparison tools and advice from health insurance specialists. 

The launch comes ahead of one of the busiest periods for the sector (December to March) which sees thousands of policies up for renewal.

“We hope to be able to help consumers identify the most suitable plan for them at the best rate”

The concept for HCC.ie came from Barbara Sheahan, a health insurance expert, who developed the concept for a personalised insurance premium comparison platform following her years of experience within the industry.

Ms Sheahan noticed a sizable gap in the market for a health insurance policy comparison platform that would better inform consumers on the best plan for them and their families.

Fear

According to the HIA, almost 2.3 million Irish people currently have health insurance policies, with over 320 insurance providers on the market. Further research has revealed an inertia or fear when it comes to changing providers.

According to recent figures from the ESRI, 14 per cent (pc) of Irish people claim it is difficult to switch insurers, with 11pc saying it involves unnecessary time and work. It was also found that 7.2pc of people said they failed to change providers due to difficulty comparing plans.

HCC.ie offers a wide range of easy to navigate plans from Ireland’s three providers, Irish Life Health, Laya Healthcare and VHI. The company enables consumers to choose the right insurance premium for them through conducting a full review of their insurance wants and needs.

“We are delighted to have launched our personalised health insurance comparison site to give consumers better insight into the benefits and cost savings associated with selecting a health insurance plan,” said Barbara Sheahan, managing director of HealthCare Compare.

“December to March is when most consumers renew their health insurance, and we understand it can be difficult to sieve through the endless options available. Although many would like to review their options, fear of change and inertia prevents them from doing so.

“Through HCC.ie, we hope to be able to help consumers identify the most suitable plan for them at the best rate, whether that includes fertility benefits, maternity, cardiac, health screening, counselling,” she added.

Through the site, consumers can compare all insurance plans through selecting the type of cover they require, whether it be a basic, corporate or high-end plan. They can then select their annual budget, outline the level of excess they would be willing to pay and tailor their premium through selecting which benefits are most important to them.

“Our team of experts will help advise on the most suitable options available, helping them navigate their way through the huge, often-confusing maze of options available to them.

“We offer a personal service and ensure everyone fully understands the benefits of their plan by simplifying the overwhelming amount of information into their key requirements,” she finished.

For more information on HealthCare Compare, you can visit www.hcc.ie.

By Stephen Larkin

Published: 13 November, 2020

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