AXA PPP healthcare announces Covid-19 support package

AXA PPP healthcare has announced plans to maintain access for its members and ‘adjust’ for delays in treatment in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak.

The insurer said it fully supports the partnership between the NHS and private hospitals, which means most private treatment will be suspended for at least 14 weeks, and is stepping up virtual services and pre-authorisation for members.

It has launched a virtual clinical support centre, comprised of specialists and practitioners across a range of treatment areas, including cancer, cardiology and orthopaedics. Members will not require a GP referral to access services, which include support on managing symptoms while waiting for treatment and onward referral to newly established urgent and immediate care pathways.

Members can also have eligible treatment pre-authorised, enabling them to access services quickly once private treatment resumes. In addition, the insurer is enhancing NHS cash benefits for members who are hospitalised was Covid-19 and other conditions and extending virtual GP services free of charge.

Over the last few weeks, PMI providers have been responding to the potential threat of mass policy cancellations as members are unable to access treatment and the economic outlook worsens.

Axa PPP healthcare said it was introducing a ‘customer promise’ to adjust for any impacts of the delays in treatment during the coronavirus crisis. Data will be reviewed at the end of 2021 and independent auditors have been appointed to review the numbers.

CEO Tracy Garrad said: ‘This timing enables us to ensure we take a longer-term approach to the crisis, knowing that there will be a significant surge in claims as and when private hospitals re-open. We don’t know for how long treatment will be delayed but we do know that, when the services resume, we need to be in a position to settle the claims that will have built up. We want to reassure our members that they will be funded for treatment when normal private services resume. We are committing to pre-authorising treatments now so that our members have the confidence of knowing they will receive their treatment providing they maintain their cover. It is necessary to look at claims and funding over the longer term to ensure that what we are offering is fully sustainable financially.’

Earlier this week, Bupa also announced plans to rebate customers for any financial benefit it derives from the cancellation of private treatment during the outbreak.

‘These are difficult times for our members and the country overall,’ added Garrad. ‘Our focus is on doing the right thing. So that’s about continuing to deliver the best service but also ensuring that members get the best value during these extraordinary times.’