Health Insurance - IMAN

[Guest zebbedy]

Hi all,

 

We are moving to Perth on a 457 Visa. For health insurance we chose IMAN as their cover seemd OK and price was OK.

We have paid our first month (from end March as this is when we arrive) but have just received and email from them regarding price and changes to the cover.

We were on the 120 plan (now called Basic Visitor Cover) and this has rocketed from $172 per month to $210 per month. Nearly 30% increase!!!

Added to this they have changed the cover.

 

"You don't need to do anything. We will be in contact with you to confirm the date the new premium amount becomes applicable to your membership, which will be from the next payment due on or after 1 April 2011.

Changes to Emergency Department Cover

In recent years, we've seen a significant growth in the cost of claims for non-emergency visits to Emergency Departments, across all IMAN Plans. To continue to provide Members with cost-effective health insurance, we need to make tough choices between the level of benefits we offer and the price impact of these to our Members.

From 1 May 2011, we'll no longer pay benefits under Basic Visitor Cover (120 Plan) for Emergency Department visits that do not result in a hospital admission, unless the treating Doctor certifies that the treatment was given in response to a genuine emergency.

This benefit will be fully-covered on our more comprehensive Plans. If you wish to retain this benefit please contact us to discuss your cover options.

Removal of Cash in Hospital Benefit

From 1 May 2011, we'll no longer pay a Cash in Hospital benefit on any IMAN Plan. Please note that if you are hospitalised and receiving this benefit on 30 April 2011, we will honour this benefit until you are discharged.

New Rules for Credit for Time Away

At IMAN we understand that you may leave Australia for various periods, either for work or for personal reasons. We currently allow Members to temporarily suspend their membership for periods up to 10 weeks and to receive credit for premiums paid in advance so you are not paying for cover while you are away. The new rules will mean Members will be able to suspend their membership when:

· All individuals covered on the Plan will be leaving Australia; and

· The period of absence from Australia is at least four (4) weeks; and

· IMAN are notified prior to the commencement of travel."

 

 

 

So.......... it looks like they are going to charge 30% more and provide little more than the recipricol cover I'd get anyway.

 

 

Any suggestions on alternatives?

 

 

Many thanks