Medibroker
> Rate The Insurers
How
We Rate The Insurers
Medibroker
is proud to have implemented an independent Insurer Ratings
program. Our objective in rating each insurer / plan provider is to maintain
high quality service standards throughout the industry via direct accountability.
Results were achieved via the professional opinions of experienced
Medibroker advisors and client services staff, who were asked to evaluate the criteria listed below
on a scale of 1 to 5 (Poor to Excellent). With a maximum of 250 points
to earn, the results were added and insurer / plan providers were ranked
according to points scored. Our advisors completed this exercise from
their homes, thus resulting in unbiased and impartial rankings.
The Medibroker rating system has received great acclaim
by the healthcare industry and these results will soon be published
in various healthcare publications and websites. Below are the results
of our January 2007 review:
Ten
rating criteria:
(1) Service to Customer
Prompt client service, plan document despatch timing, availability
of help lines multilingual 24/7, speedy and straightforward claims Provider
services and support worldwide, plus medical assistance and emergency
evacuation globally. Contract renewal annually as standard, no major leaps
in premiums, year on year, or reduction in benefit structures of existing
plans. Quality of continuing long term customer/client care.
(2) Service to Independent Broker Advisors and Intermediaries
Response times, accuracy of quotes, overall helpfulness and cooperation
(Broker Friendliness) knowledge of customer/broker dealing staff, quality
and timeliness of plan renewals, complaints handling, claims handling,
general quality of Provider Administration.
(3) Price Competitiveness in the Global Market Place
Price structure across the individual, family and expatriate or retired
market place, not the corporate or SME market place
(4) Quality of Benefits
Overall capping of cover, or full cover to limits, in dollars, sterling
or euros. Flexible options as add on, routine maternity, chronic, well
man/woman, family friendly plans, dental/optical cover, HIV/AIDS cover,
high age limits for the retired. Clarity on inpatient/day-care and outpatient
benefits, wide hospital choices and countries of cover. Elective USA cover.
Continuity of cover once a Client has a plan and continues to pay
premiums, i.e.: No cut off due to age.
(5) Quality and Clarity of Literature/Brochure Pack and Application
forms.
Ease of use, plain clarity of English for terms and conditions, restrictions,
underwriting etc Level of detail and ease of understanding for both
clients and Advisors worldwide. Clarity of claims and complaints procedures
and Underwriter quality.
(6) Application Process
Length, complexity of the application client process, strictness of underwriting
and "client selectivity issues" regarding moratorium, full medical
underwriting or other. Use of all major credit cards plus other
bank transfer systems or cheques.
Speed of the confirmation of bonding of client cover by Provider/Insurer.
(7) Product Provider/Insurer strength
Length of time in years/decades in the international health insurance
field. Quality of Underwriters or Panel. Historical control of year
on year premium increases in line or below global medical inflation. Range
of Plans offered. "Brand Name" and/or recognition awards in
the Industry. Popularity with International Independent IFA's
or specialist Advisors. Tied Agent sales forces or via independent
broker networks for their distribution. Direct Sales or via Intermediaries
or both. Availability and effective usage of latest technology, particularly
client/broker support technology.
(8) Website
Availability, section for Agents and Advisors and Clients. PDF file availability
on all applications, brochures etc
Quality and Clarity of downloads, PDF files and Producer Areas. "Pro
activity levels" with Brokers.
(9) Payment and Currency Options
Multi currency options available for each Provider's Plan range plus multi
frequency, e.g.: monthly, quarterly, half yearly, annually for client
payments of premiums.
(10) Country Cover and Global Regional Options for Cover
Area (1) Europe, Area (2) Rest of World, Area (3) Other options
such as elective cover in USA for 30 days, six months etc. Seamless cover
transfer on returning to home country. Travel cover out of Area available.
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