ASDA Halves The Cost Of Everyday Medical Bills
Health Cash Plans - Just What the Doctor Ordered

ASDA today (10 May) announced the beginning of a health cash plan pilot in 40 stores which offers customers up to 50% cash back on everyday medical bills such as dental check ups and treatment, eye tests and glasses, physiotherapy, chiropody and hospital visits. Cover is available from just £1.33 a week.

According to ASDA, many people are put off making even annual visits to get their eyes or their dental health checked because of the costs involved. David Rutley, director of financial services at ASDA, said: " Our research shows that nearly one in three people go more than a year without getting a check-up at the dentist. They ' re put off by the fact that a check-up with a private dentist costs around £30, which, coupled with a visit to the hygienist costing £40 and a filling costing around £50, means their visit could set them back over £120.

"While putting off dental visits seems like money saved in the short term, you may only be storing up more expensive problems for later. Our Health Cash Plan is designed to help you keep your health in check throughout the year, for a small monthly payment."

ASDA research also shows that over sixty per cent of people in the UK have not had their eyes checked in the last year. The average cost of a pair of glasses increased by 13% in 2003 to £144.52, a hefty expense; particularly as nearly a quarter of people need to renew their glasses once every two years.

ASDA Health Cash Plan customers can choose from three levels of cover, starting from £1.33 a week. To claim, customers simply visit the dentist or optician as normal, get a receipt for treatment and send the receipt and claim form to ASDA Insurance. Customers will receive cash back towards the cost of their treatment within five days of ASDA Insurance receiving the claim.

"ASDA is the first supermarket financial services provider to design a straightforward product to help customers bring down the rising costs of everyday medical bills, for the dentist, optician, chiropractor or chiropodist" said David Rutley.

ASDA shook up the insurance market in April last year when it launched low cost home, motor and travel insurance, in some cases allowing customers to cut as much as £200 from their premiums. Since then, the company has expanded its product range, launching life insurance in January this year and pet insurance last month.

"Since launching our financial services business a year ago, sales both online and through our call centres, have far exceeded targets. Our conversion rates have been particularly strong, reflecting our value-for-money proposition. Our call centre operation has grown six fold in as many months. The formula is working well, we have now launched eight products and there are plans for more in the future."

ASDA Health Cash Plans are available by calling 0845 303 0880. Lines are open 8am-8pm Mon-Fri (excluding Bank Holidays) and Sat & Sun 9am-5pm. Information on all ASDA ' s financial services products is available in all its
265 stores or by visiting www.asda.com. ASDA ' s Health Cash Plan is underwritten by Norwich Union.