Vhi Healthcare announces a range of new benefits for all their members

9th October 2001 - Vhi Healthcare announced today a significant package of out-patient and hospital benefit improvements for members including for the first time assistance towards Child Home Nursing Care, the introduction of new cover for speech therapy, occupational therapy, dietetics and chiropody.

Vhi Healthcare also announced that 98% of Consultants have agreed to participate in its Full Cover Scheme for a two-year period effective to July 2003.

Specifically, 98% of all Physicians, Anesthetists, Pathologists and Radiologists have agreed to participate, along with 97% of Surgeons.

"This agreement means Vhi Healthcare continues to provide peace of mind for our members," said Vhi Medical Director, Dr Bernadette Carr.

"Vhi Healthcare is constantly working on behalf of its membership to provide the best quality healthcare at the most affordable price, and we greatly value our partnership with Consultants in trying to achieve that aim," Dr Carr added.

New Benefit details are as follows:

• For the first time, assistance towards Child Home Nursing Care is available as an integral part of Vhi Healthcare Plans A-E and A-E Options. The benefit provides for up to £60 per day towards the cost of nursing care at home for a child who has been hospitalised for 7 consecutive days or more.
• Totally new cover for Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Dietetics and Chiropody has been introduced. For Plans A-E, members may claim up to £10 per visit up to a maximum of 12 visits per year. For Option plan members, the eligible amount is up to £15 per visit.
• Cover for hospital accommodation costs for Maternity care has been substantially increased. Pre and Post Natal Benefit (which is payable under the out-patient scheme) and contributions towards the cost of home births have also been increased.
• Cover for Other Approved Therapies (previously referred to as Alternative Medicine) is considerably increased. Up to 12 visits are now covered and the treatments eligible are Acupuncture, Osteopathy and Chiropractic.
• Significant additions have also been made for subscribers to Assist from Vhi Healthcare, which provides cover for illness or accident abroad.

Out-patient benefits apply from renewals on or after 1 September 2001 and the hospital benefits for admissions on or after the 1 October 2001.

For further information please contact:
Corporate Communications
Vhi Healthcare.
Phone 7994078