19 July 2003

New AXA PPP logo?

AXA PPP Healthcare have just had to write me a cheque for over £1000. Why is this so interesting? Well, for the past 18 months I have been fighting for a refund of part of the premiums I had been paying them from 1998 to 2001 for health insurance.

My AXA PPP healthcare premiums had been rising suspiciously fast since I moved from the Associated Press's corporate scheme to a personal scheme in 1998, but the final straw came when I called AXA PPP healthcare for a quote, pretending to be a potential new customer and was quoted premiums from 28% to 56% below what I was paying.

After 5 telephone conversations, 12 letters, a complaint to the Financial Services Ombudsman, and 18 months, I finally won a refund from AXA PPP healthcare. No apology, mind you, just the cash.

If anyone is wondering: I now purchase my health insurance from BUPA, which seems like a really great company. They were courteous and efficient throughout the process of changing provider, have not spammed me with unsolicited mail, and seem to have premium inflation under control.

I am posting this record of my struggle with AXA PPP healthcare not because I consider it fascinating, but because I think there is a public service benefit to be gained if more people realise how easily a health insurance company like AXA PPP healthcare can exploit their customers. And, at the same time, you need to know just how tenacious you will have to be if you want to beat them at their game.

If you think AXA PPP healthcare or another health insurance company is ripping you off - read these pages carefully - especially the lessons to learn. And when you get your own refund, think of me when you have your celebratory drink!