Aviva UK Health, formerly the healthcare arm of Norwich Union before being re-branded in 2009 and one of the UK’s largest providers of private medical insurance, income protection, occupational health and group life products and services, has launched Speedy Diagnostics.

It’s a new low cost private health insurance policy which, claim Aviva UK Health, gives people prompt access to specialist consultations and diagnostic tests. The main benefits, say the insurance experts, is that there is no overall maximum benefit limit; it provides good access to specialist consultants; diagnostic tests such as CT and MRI scans, x-rays and ECGs are covered; and, also included are the relevant hospital costs usually associated with such diagnostic tests.

And that’s not all; Aviva’s new Speedy Diagnostics service provides people with 24 hour GP and stress counselling helplines, and a leisure and gym club membership discount of up to 40%.

Neal Archbold, head of propositions and market development at Aviva UK Health said:
“We’ve launched Speedy Diagnostics in direct response to customer feedback which showed that people wanted a low cost alternative to full private health insurance that complements NHS provision.

"Speedy Diagnostics does just that by helping to diagnose problems quickly and enabling customers to make informed decisions about next steps of treatment – whether it’s provided by the NHS or on a self-pay basis.

“In addition to this, we recognised that there is a gap in the market – particularly for younger and older customers who do not want, or may not be able to afford, a full health insurance policy, but still want peace of mind that if they do become unwell the problem can be diagnosed promptly. Speedy Diagnostics fills this gap. It also acts as a complement to other lower cost products such as Aviva’s My Health Cash Plan.”

There’s always a list of things not included of course and in this case, it’s worth having a quick look at the items not covered by the new Speedy Diagnostics service from Aviva.

First thing that’s not covered is the treatment itself, nor are the consultations and diagnostic tests after a specialist has made up his, or her mind, what’s wrong with you. Other items off the list are routine medical examinations and screening; any diagnostic tests that are ordered by a GP without referral to a specialist, tests that are designed to find the cause of infertility; and, sleep disorder tests.

So if you’re an infertile insomniac who visits the doctor a lot, this may not be a good policy for you.

Guest Article by Neil Camp