BUPA versus AXA - any opinions?

[PoohBears#1fan]

Our BUPA renewal is up at the end of the month and we've had a very competitive quote from AXA, which seems like a more comprehensive policy for quite a bit less money.

We've stuck with BUPA for years (no idea why really, just that every renewal they offer us a deal that's competitive, albeit not in the 1st instance!) so am just a little wary of jumping ship.

Ours is a just incase policy, there are no pre existing conditions to consider.

Any opinions please?

Thank you

[Moorlandman]

I have claimed under both Bupa and Axa.

Things I would check before swapping;

Cover is like for like especially excess periods

Hospitals and consultants are similar

Some private insurers have sneaked terms in such as - we will not cover if the NHS can provide treatment within 6 weeks. This effectively rules out cancer claims as the NHS usually aims to start something within two weeks

[kiwiinabd]

I was with Axa for many years as I had ongoing issues with my knee and they have always been very good.

Did not renew with them this year as their premiums have gone mad and I got a replacement knee joint last year (on Axa) which hopefully will now last 10 to 20 years !

[tspill]

Used to have BUPA years ago, but never claimed so dont really know about that.
My company used Axa and now I have retired I have kept them on. Have claimed multiple times and they have been exceptional every time. An absolute breeze to claim and never a single question/objection.

However, if changing - you will need to understand how existing conditions will be covered (or not).

[4fromsuffolk]

We have BUPA with my Husbands job. I can’t comment on AXA I’m afraid - I think maybe we were with AXA to begin with but we didn’t have to claim when with them. We have used the BUPA policy a few times in the last 2 years and can’t fault them. They are easy to get hold of and quick to refer onwards.

I’m not really being much help, sorry!

[novocastrian]

my company scheme has just changed from bupa to axa

havnt had to use axa yet (hopefully never) but used bupa a good few times, well my mrs did.., couldnt fault them hopfully axa just as good

our swap was like for like ie/ existing conditions covered

[Pumba75]

Originally Posted by Moorlandman

ISome private insurers have sneaked terms in such as - we will not cover if the NHS can provide treatment within 6 weeks. This effectively rules out cancer claims as the NHS usually aims to start something within two weeks

See more...

The Six week option with AXA hasn't been "snuck in" - it's offered as an option, and can reduce the premium (although, as far as I'm aware, it's only available on their corporate plans). It's not a standard part of the cover, has to be opted for, and doesn't then preclude a claim for cancer.

OP - word of warning on AXA- their quote may look competitive now in an effort to win your business, but you need to think ahead to what may happen at next renewal. At the moment, they're starting point on renewals on corporate appears to be c.25% increase in premium (average across the market is around 12-14%pa) - again, this is on the corporate side, but may be an indicator of what to expect from them.

Also, just to bear in mind, all providers are currently running with reduced hospital capacity as they turned it over to the NHS - they are beginning to get some of it back, but it's just to make you aware.

[Tigger71]

I have AXA through my work and have had to claim several times. Sometimes its been easy but other times hard:

Easy:
- Referral from GP to see various specialists and any tests that specialist wants to do.
- Gallbladder surgery

Difficult:
- Not all procedures or checkups covered:
1. I needed surgery for acid reflux. Referral was easy but then surgeon offered two options: one op that has been around for 10 years with quicker recovery using an implant and the other op more invasive but procedure been around for 30 years. Axa refused the new procedure saying it was “new”. I know Bupa however covers that one.
2. I had my op and then surgeon says they routinely book 2 follow ups due to procedure being invasive. Axa would only pay for 1.
3. I have bone growth in my skull and was sent for CT scan (that part was easy). Specialist said they needed to do another one but wait 3 months, to see if they had grown. Axa refused as it was “monitoring a condition” which is not included.

[Clare]

Have used both and (just based on my claims experience which unfortunately I’ve had quite a lot) have found AXA very good.

In my area there’s good hospital coverage including some of the top London specialist hospitals, I recently had 2 broken ankles and AXA agreed to reimburse me for my own choice of physio (I couldn’t get out to any of the recommended AXA physios), never had a problem with coverage for claims. Like most insurers once a condition becomes ‘chronic’ or requires monitoring coverage will usually stop for those conditions, but I’ve found AXA the easiest to deal with and good coverage compared to Bupa and others.

[Bobbins]

Originally Posted by Pumba75

OP - word of warning on AXA- their quote may look competitive now in an effort to win your business, but you need to think ahead to what may happen at next renewal. At the moment, they're starting point on renewals on corporate appears to be c.25% increase in premium (average across the market is around 12-14%pa) - again, this is on the corporate side, but may be an indicator of what to expect from them.

See more...

Do you happen to know if they'll move much on the increase?

We just got our (very small company) renewal and it's leapt this year - but we do have one guy who has developed a serious health issue and he thinks AXA have been marvellous.