BUPA helps cut healthcare costs

Bupa has launched a product designed to help meet the cost of essential, everyday healthcare items that are not readily available on the NHS.

The average British household spends about £1200 a year on "core" health services such as dental, optical and chiropody treatment, according to a recent study by thinktank Reform.

To help cover these healthcare costs, along with others such as reflexology, acupuncture and prescriptions, Bupa has launched Additional Health. The product represents the perfect complement to private medical insurance, which provides valuable peace of mind when more serious illness strikes. It can also be purchased separately.

Emma Exelby, sales manager, Bupa Cash Plan, said: "We have included benefits that customers particularly want such as reflexology.

"Additional health is aimed at both individuals and corporate clients. It is very cost effective, starting at just £1.20 per month for a company with 5000 staff, so could help more employers promote health and wellbeing in the workplace."

Bupa Additional Health offers 100 percent cash back on prescriptions and includes a helpline benefit. It also offers 100 percent cash back on level 2 and level 3 cover and 50 percent cash back on level 1 cover for all benefits (dental, optical, chiropody, reflexology and acupuncture treatment).