Press Release - Now is definitely the time to take cover

Chartwell Healthcare, the independent private medical insurance broker, today reported a surge in demand for tailored healthcare products and services. Chartwell Healthcare said that in line with its business strategy, the firm had written over £1 million in annual premium income within the first 7 weeks of opening its doors.

Chartwell Healthcare MD Gary Noble said the boom was the result of individuals and employers taking an increasingly holistic approach to financial planning as well as greater awareness of the flexibility and affordability of private medical insurance (PMI).  Chartwell's premium income figures back recent statistics from the ABI, which show the number of people covered by PMI rose by 2.13% from 2006 to 2007 (from 5,879,000 in 2006 to 6,004,000)*.

"PMI is increasingly seen as essential rather than simply desirable, particularly by companies wanting to attract top quality staff.  We are also hearing from corporate clients convinced that employing a specialist healthcare adviser can provide additional employee benefits and saves them time and money in the long run and also creates happier, healthier employees," said Gary Noble, MD of Chartwell Healthcare. 

Gary Noble also believes new approaches to financial planning have had a positive effect on business: "In the last 12 months there has been a trend towards holistic financial planning among individuals and companies.  As part of a larger financial planning group, we are in a privileged position being able to offer our clients a full range of bespoke services. There is far more understanding of the benefits of PMI among individuals now and we're experiencing huge demand from new clients seeking cover for their most previous asset - their health."

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Gary Noble, 0117 917 1892

Photograph and biography of Gary Noble available on request by contacting FD on the numbers above.

 *Association of British Insurers: Private Medical Insurance coverage rises again (press release), 23 April 2008