Sean Quinn (right), founder and chairman of the Quinn Group; pictured with Ian Pearson, Northern Ireland Minister for Enterprise; and Viola McBride, call centre agent, at a Group call centre in Enniskillen. The Quinn Group and UK health insurer BUPA announced on Jan 31, 2007 that agreement had been reached for the purchase of BUPA Ireland Ltd. by the Quinn Group. This agreement will give the Quinn Group the expertise, systems and personnel to enter the health insurance market. It will facilitate existing BUPA Ireland members in getting the same quality service from the team in Fermoy, County Cork, to which they are accustomed. The Quinn Group also announced that there will be no price increase during 2007.

BUPA Ireland today confirmed that the prize freeze for 2007, signalled when Quinn Group took over its business, would become effective from 1^st March 2007. 

With no price increase for any existing members and all new members able to avail of cover at 2006 premiums, BUPA Ireland said that it represents the best value in the market. 

BUPA says that VHI’s premium for the average family is now 27% more expensive than BUPA Ireland.

BUPA Ireland says that its across the board price freeze comes in marked contrast to the 12.5% average increase for VHI members last September and the subsequent price hike of up to 15% for Vivas customers in October 2006. These savings will become even more pronounced later in the year should the other insurers raise their prices, BUPA says.

The saving for a family of two adults and two children on BUPA Ireland’s mainstream Essential Plus product is now €391.12 when compared to VHI’s most comparable Plan B Option product.  The savings when compared to the Vivas We Plan Level 2 -day to day are €362.12. 

BUPA says health insurance customers can shop around for health insurance at any time and they can switch insurers easily with no penalties or loss of cover.  Switching insurance can often be as simple as making a phone call. 

Commenting on the announcement BUPA Ireland Sales Director Ann O’Donnell said, “There has never been a better time to switch to BUPA Ireland as the new arrangement with Quinn brings major benefit for members”