Norwich Union Health insurance is now known as Aviva Health insurance in the UK.
Written on: 13/06/2013 by karriebell (1 review written)
I have telephoned Aviva, who we have insurance with, as I need a repeat MRI for liver tumours, following surgery last year. All they would tell me was that I was not covered as they class follow up appointments as routine, but they could not tell me what they meant by routine appointments, other than just a general check up, despite me saying that if the consultant asked to see me in 6 months for a scan, how can this be routine? I have had 4 tumours removed from my liver and one has been... (read more)
Compare healthcare providers - Visit ActiveQuote.comWritten on: 10/05/2013 by Razy
Recently I sight up for a Helth Insurange with aviva , 2 weeks after I sighn up with the company I tried to make a claim to see a specialist for my stomach , 8 weeks down the line they still not sorted anything out, making escuses about paper forms not being completed correctly !! Worst ever experience lies after lies , don't ever sigh with aviva they take your money easily but they never help you out with anything !! Can't believe how much frustration they coz and how much lies they tell... (read more)
Compare healthcare providers - Visit ActiveQuote.comWritten on: 16/03/2013 by DANYELL (5 reviews written)
I wish I had read these reviews before taking out an Aviva health insurance policy 2.5 years ago during which time I have contributed approx. £6100 and when I need them its just excuses after excuse not to pay out. How does a lay person like me know what’s a new condition that’s related to a previous condition? After being given the go ahead for tests they then change their minds and we are not covered. Private health cannot work in this country whereby you first need to see your NHS GP... (read more)
Compare healthcare providers - Visit ActiveQuote.comWritten on: 22/02/2013 by TrishFraser
My son who has just turned seventeen has been diagnosed with depression, not a nice situation for any family to be in but we thought we pay for it he will not have to wait on any waiting lists for counselling which was our family doctors reccomendation rather than putting a child he has known for nine years on anti depressants straight away. We after a lengthy conversations to and from Aviva various reports sent etc got a letter of authority with details of our maximum claim... (read more)
Compare healthcare providers - Visit ActiveQuote.comWritten on: 13/02/2013 by bababarold (1 review written)
Transferred to Aviva - worst decision in my life. After several years claimed for minor back procedure after slipped disc. Refused to pay as with most of my age have had chiropractic treatment before. Never had a slipped disc or sciatica and in pain without actual cover. Avoid at all costs. (read more)
Compare healthcare providers - Visit ActiveQuote.comWritten on: 20/01/2013
I personally found Aviva health insurance an excellent website to visit with informative information covering all aspects of the available health insurance products on offer within today’s society. The quality of the service provided was of the highest standard and I have rated Aviva 5stars. I have learnt invaluable information that I wasn’t previously aware of and I have been able to familiarise myself thoroughly with the numerous packages within the current market. The website was... (read more)
Compare healthcare providers - Visit ActiveQuote.comWritten on: 22/09/2012
My initial enquiry was just a vague thought - I didn't really think I could afford it. However, after explaining to Kyra exactly what I wanted, he was able to come up with an affordable policy which covered what I wanted it to. (read more)
Compare healthcare providers - Visit ActiveQuote.comWritten on: 09/06/2012 by crossedkeys
would just like people to know how bad this company is when helping the over 80s. Three weeks ago my mother had a heart attack while on a cruise ship. We was taken off the ship within france and sent to an hospital where my mother had to have two stents fitted. However we have been having lots of problems getting her back home. She had the all clear to fly home 2 weeks ago and we have been waiting since on being told many stories about getting her home. We have been told twice she is coming... (read more)
Compare healthcare providers - Visit ActiveQuote.comWritten on: 16/02/2012
This is the letter I wrote to Aviva following a 20% premium hike for a Medios health policy. The matter is now with the Insurance Ombusman. Also, follow this link to check out the full extent of their disgraceful behaviour. Several commentators are suggesting this amounts to fraud: http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?p=50703127 Dear Mr , I enclose a renewal notice from you re a Medios policy which I pay on behalf of my former wife, ********. The premium increase is... (read more)
Compare healthcare providers - Visit ActiveQuote.comWritten on: 06/07/2012
I am in a similar position. I have previously contacted Aviva (or Norwich Union when it was their policy) to ask what the annual, non age-related increases are on their non-Medios policies and the industry average. They have refused to give me the information. Have you had a response from the ombudsman? I am tempted to go to the ombudsman myself. Would greatly appreciate an update from you.
Written on: 09/07/2012
Yes we are waiting for a reply from the Adjudicator. A good number of other people have gone to the FOS so if I were you I would do the same.
Written on: 23/10/2011
I had open heart surgey this year (August 2011) to replace my Aortic valve. Aviva were brilliant and covered me fully. No hesitation in recommending them. (read more)
Compare healthcare providers - Visit ActiveQuote.comWritten on: 07/09/2011
I have had many private insurance over the years but now my husband's company has switched to Aviva. I needed to see a specialist urgently but they have refused to give me authorization even though the GP has requested it on a urgent basis. well, if they don't even pay for a specialist, what is private insurance for? Never spend your money on AVIVA, they are there just to get your money and not help you. BUPA and AxA are much better. (read more)
Compare healthcare providers - Visit ActiveQuote.comWritten on: 05/02/2013
Yes I too, my company moved from BUPA to Aviva, Aviva's cover is non existent in comparison.I have to pay £1000.00 fees myself as I didn't realise they do not pay out patient fees over an insurance amount. BUPA had no barrier.
I am still un well and out of pocket, can't go any where else with my existing ailment.
What patient would stop a consultant doing what he/she finds neccasary, I.e blood tests, to check cover.
Written on: 29/07/2011 by tweeedypie (7 reviews written)
I don't understand why you are so expensive, even when comparing to other sites. Even DirectLine is cheaper than you. So for me thumbs down. BTW still waiting to hear about my insurance overcharges (and won't call again to be left hanging on). (read more)
Compare healthcare providers - Visit ActiveQuote.comWritten on: 21/09/2010 by anniebanks
PLEASE NOTE I only gave 1 star as the rating is 1-5. AVIVA don't deserve 1. I've been paying premiums for 19years for which I got peace of mind should I be unable to work through illness. Recently, after periods of extended sick leave, I claimed against my policy. My health conditions make it impossible to do my job and I have supporting documentation from various health professionals.In fact I have subsequently had to give up my job for this reason. Aviva seemed accommodating efficient in... (read more)
Compare healthcare providers - Visit ActiveQuote.comWritten on: 11/05/2011
I recently made a claim under my policy for an ankle operation which required a hospital stay and I was therefore covered under my the terms of my policy. I had to wear a plaster cast for 15 days, however Aviva are refusing to pay for the appointment at the hospital to have the plaster cast removed!!! What did they expect me to do - live with it forever??
The customer service is also unbelievably bad, average wait for someone to pick up a phone call is 10 minutes.
If you have a choice -...
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Written on: 18/01/2012
That's very shame on Aviva We really don't expect this from aviva and thanks for the suggestion
Written on: 13/04/2011
Below is an extract from a letter I sent to Mr Simon Arnold, Customer Services Director, Aviva Health Care Insurance, in response to my cancelling my health care policy with them. This was the culmination of many exchanges of correspondence expressing my dissatisfaction at their levels of cover.
Thank you for your letter of 14th February 2011. For the record I had been a policy holder in excess of 18 years with Norwich Union/Aviva not the 7 and a half years as quoted by you. This loyalty...
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Written on: 17/02/2011
We have commented on this review site before. But we thought it important to bring our comments up to date. We have taken Aviva to task through the Financial Ombudsman route, as their level of cover continues to deteriorate, and their fee guidelines do not cover many consultant costs or procedure costs. This position has worsened with their introduction of a no claims discount - surely an ill person should not have to think twice about claiming on their health cover for fear of their... (read more)
Compare healthcare providers - Visit ActiveQuote.comWritten on: 14/02/2011
My Mother was diagnosed with incurable mesothelioma in November 2010. She has been paying up to £300 per month for the last 25 years to Aviva. Because she has the 6 week clause on her policy and Aviva are aware of the fact that cancer treatments on the NHS are usually available within the 6 week period, they have done everything they can to wheedle out of paying for everything they can get away with. We have been completely appalled by the way in which the "small print" is applied... (read more)
Compare healthcare providers - Visit ActiveQuote.comWritten on: 12/02/2011
I agree with most of the comments on here. I've been paying over £50 a month for nearly two years. I'm now trying to make a claim and they are making it as difficult as possible for me to go privately. Several things aren't covered that I was let to believe by the sales advisor would be. I felt that the lady I was talking to was trying to find reasons why I shouldn't claim on the policy and suggested I use the NHS! (read more)
Compare healthcare providers - Visit ActiveQuote.comWritten on: 21/12/2010
My experience with Aviva had been quite the opposite to some of the reviews on here. There customer service has been brilliant over the years, they are always happy to help and in very difficult cricumstances will do everything possible to help you through the claim. What people need to realise is that private healthcare is not an exact substitute for the NHS. It is an insurencae like anything else and like with your car insurance if have an accident/issue etc the insurance is put in place... (read more)
Compare healthcare providers - Visit ActiveQuote.comWritten on: 24/11/2010 by izinyoka (1 review written)
Not good at all.
I went to see a specialist about a lump in my armpit and he said it could be cancerous and needs to be removed right away under general anaesthetic, and have it sent away for biopsy.
Passed this information back to Aviva who said they are not going to pay because it's cosmetic and not medically necessary, and the 'very rude' representatives have no more authority then to read what is on their computer screen I.E there is no point arguing with them.
After having the...
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Written on: 20/09/2010
about 3 years ago i bacame practically paralised with pain in my neck/back anddown the left arm,after xrays and an MRI scan it was diagnosed as cervical degenerative discs in the neck,we put a claim in to aviva which took them 12 months to decline, apparently they had followed me on several occations, and saw me walking with my wife and driving the car, hardly running my hotel,after another painful couple of months i had to have another MRI scan which showed further degeneration, my... (read more)
Compare healthcare providers - Visit ActiveQuote.comWritten on: 21/09/2010
I have had a very similar experience and have written a review accordingly.
<br/>I have had my claim declined a couple of times to date. My IP policy was originally Norwich Union but Aviva seem to be applying their own rules on generic duties which seem totally out of line with my FA's description of the policy when I bought it 19 years ago. Aviva's definition for own occupation seems to facilitate an interpretation which could be used to decline virtually any such policy.
<br/>They also use supposedly INDEPENDENT Medical Experts(?) who they appear able to channel into answering questions to their own advantage and who possibly/arguably draw significant percentages of their income from this source, casting doubt on the INDEPENDENT descriptive.
<br/>Have you complained to the Ombudsman?
<br/>There must be numerous people in the same boat..perhaps we could get together and complain to Watchdog?? etc etc.
<br/>The worrying thing is that there are hundreds/thousands of people out there who are not aware that they have this to come, thinking that they have their family protected, believing Aviva's advertisments re being a caring?!! efficient?2!!! company willing to help in an appropriate fashion at times of need!!!! (NOT!!)
Written on: 24/09/2010
Great write-up cause in my language, I can not find much good source like this I am a big believer in commenting on blogs to help the blog writers know that they've added something worthwhile to the world wide web!
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Written on: 31/10/2010
I found this review helpful because...
<br/>
<br/>I am in a similar position and this review certainly gives a good insight into the way Aviva operate. My experiences to date follow the pattern...deny deny deny despite medical evidence...I think that their intention is that the client eventually gives up!! Advertising looks impressive but how many people out there are to receive the sucker punch when they try to claim!!
<br/>Have you tried the Ombudsman? and if so what was the response.
<br/>I think we should group together and complain to eg Watchdog, MPs etc.
Written on: 25/08/2010
We have been with Aviva Health Insurance for nearly two years. Due to a misunderstanding, when our daughter had trouble with her widsom teeth, we discovered we were not covered for this. However, our Agent in conjunction with Aviva, made it possible for us to slightly increase our subscription and therefore be covered for this treatment, which turned out to be quite costly.
Provided our subscription is not increased dramatically, we will stay with Aviva for many years to come, as happy...
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Written on: 16/08/2010
Aviva are dreadful. My father has bladder cancer and their customer service agents have repeatedly and aggressively sought to deny cover. They have not so far been successful in their attempts but the process of getting treatment cleared is arduous in itself. I strongly recommend people to avoid Aviva health cover. (read more)
Compare healthcare providers - Visit ActiveQuote.comWritten on: 06/08/2010
DREADFUL! Just try and get through on the phone. Will be moving insurance this month having been a member for over 7 years and tried to make a claim - very poor service! (read more)
Compare healthcare providers - Visit ActiveQuote.comWritten on: 06/08/2010 by snooky
Agree with other reviewers. I have been with Aviva for 7 years and have never made a claim until recently. Myself and both my children are on the policy.
My daughter needed a wisdom tooth extraction, for which we made a claim.
This was last month and we have now recieved our renewal notice and they have literaly over doubled all of our renewal rates. This is over a £100 a month differce to what I was paying before.
When I questioned this they said it was due to the claim and they had...
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Written on: 02/08/2010
I am posting this review on behalf of myself and a good friend who have been with Aviva Health care for many years. Making a claim, their default position appears to be that you are not covered unless the policyholder can prove otherwise! Premiums increase, cover reduces with every claim needing a topup from the policholder. They have now even introduced a no claims discount, which obviously discourages you to claim as your premium will increase substantially the next year. They are always... (read more)
Compare healthcare providers - Visit ActiveQuote.comWritten on: 27/05/2010
I recently injured my back and after the pain became worse with numbness down my leg I went to my GP who said I should have an MRI scan, when I contacted Aviva they said my GP could only send me to a consultant who would decide if I needed a scan. My GP said by the time I could see the consultant I would be better of going to A&E, which I did, and was treated immediately. Aviva are useless they take your money but make it as difficult as possible when you need to claim. I will not be using... (read more)
Compare healthcare providers - Visit ActiveQuote.comWritten on: 18/05/2010
Aviva are DREADFUL - I am a fully paid up gold service customer for my whole family and I am now having to lock horns with their claims regarding 2 GP referrals concerning my daughter bronchal problems and my wifes back pain. Both situations we are completely in the right and yet I am having to dispute week after week with them on the claims. Dreadful dreadful dreadful. (read more)
Compare healthcare providers - Visit ActiveQuote.comWritten on: 17/05/2010
Just try contacting them - what a waste of time and money. I'll be cancelling the ploicy forthwith. Typical insurance company, take your money and then stick 2 fingers up at you. I now hate Aviva and will not insure with them in any way shape or form. (read more)
Compare healthcare providers - Visit ActiveQuote.comWritten on: 11/05/2010
I was recently told by my dentist that I would have to have my impacted wizdom teem out as they began to hurt. I phoned Aviva and they said that although they are covered in my plan I was not covered because I already new about them.
Obviously everyone knows they have impacted teeth but only do something about it once they begin to hurt. Clearly Aviva are happy to take your money but will do all they can to get out of helping with the treatment.
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Written on: 22/04/2010
Aviva healthcare have been amazing as far as i am concerned....my mother became seriously ill 3 years ago, and Aviva have paid for everything, running the costs of the claims into tens of thousands. There have been no quibbles and no issues at all. I am so pleased we joined them originally when Norwich Union....they have been brilliant! I know if i ever have to claim, it will be an easy and seamless experience (read more)
Compare healthcare providers - Visit ActiveQuote.comWritten on: 20/04/2010
Had a terrible time recently with Aviva Health, we unfortunately switched from BUPA as a family (5 of us) and have been on the scheme for 7yrs. We had a recent claim for a serious injury and it was only then that we discovered Aviva don't pay the whole fee for your surgery leaving you with a shortfall at a very stressful time in your life, they even wouldn't pay for the anesthetic (which we had to cover), we feel so let down by them after this experience and are going to change asap. Beware... (read more)
Compare healthcare providers - Visit ActiveQuote.comWritten on: 30/03/2010
I have been a member of Aviva Health for 4 years nearly, and recently had to make my first claim. I had to have my wisdom teeth extracted under general anaesthtic with one nights stay in hospital. The service from Aviva both before my op, with obtaining authorisation, right through to the settlement of the bills, was amazing. Completely hassle-free and so pleasant to deal with. (read more)
Compare healthcare providers - Visit ActiveQuote.comWritten on: 23/01/2010
This firm are cynical operators. Decisions regards claims are made by administrators supported by nurses. They read into supporting evidence what they will to suit their own ends. Absolutely disgusted with the service I received when I claimed for my wife. Eventually after consultant intervened they allowed the claim but only after I fought robustly. It is worrying if we ever needed help for something more severe it might be denied, I just simply lack trust in them. I'm going back to Bupa,... (read more)
Compare healthcare providers - Visit ActiveQuote.comWritten on: 20/01/2010
Avoid AVIVA is my advice. I claimed for cancer treatment which was provided but be aware they do not cover for all complications of treatment that may occur. In my case there were two, as a direct result, and Aviva have decided they will cover one but not the other (one they class as medically important - the other not so). I'm not wealthy, but self employed, and took out the cover as if unwell I don't have an income and there isn't 'sick-pay' for the self-employed. In the end though I feel... (read more)
Compare healthcare providers - Visit ActiveQuote.comWritten on: 19/01/2010
I currently have a claim going through with this company. In so many words my claim has been refused due to the fact that I was not depressed enough to receive any compensation. I cant tell you how angry I am. I am currently seeking legal action. (read more)
Compare healthcare providers - Visit ActiveQuote.comWritten on: 15/01/2010
I asked for an insurance quote via their website and as per normal I do not give my real name. I made sure I ticked or unticked all the boxes regarding mailing preferences, privacy and contacting me - etc - low and behold I am now starting to get junk post with that made up name on - no way would I deal with a company you cannot even standby their own privacy policy. (read more)
Compare healthcare providers - Visit ActiveQuote.comWritten on: 16/12/2009
I have had an IPP for over ten years, originally with Norwich Union, now Aviva.
Never claimed, always kept payments up to date. I am a self employed IT Consultant.
I was signed off work with Stress, then depression over three months ago. All I have had from Aviva is a waste of time, dealing with a part time worker. Sending rediculous questions to my employer, who eventually turns out to be me? Rediculous accountancy questions, which cannot be answered as we are not at the FY end?...
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Written on: 24/03/2009 by garrym2 (1 review written)
People take out health insurance so that when things go wrong, they get a seamless, high quality, professional service. The true test of medical insurance is how things are handled when you need them. When you need rapid access to healthcare professionals, don't expect Norwich Union Health Insurance to make things easy for you.
When I had a recent accident, rather than helping to line up the help I needed, they asked for information from my GP. When they got the information, they said it...
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Written on: 06/11/2008 by stephanieayres (1 review written)
This company agreed to pay for treatment then, because my surgeon was ill and my operation had to be delayed, refused to pay because of the delay. Clearly not to be trusted. This is in now the hands of the ombudsman. (read more)
Compare healthcare providers - Visit ActiveQuote.comWritten on: 29/04/2008
Very poor at listening or dealing with your individual case. Only able to talk to the call centre advisor, they will not put you through to a decision maker. Very good at using your details to send you junk mail for every other product they sell. (read more)
Compare healthcare providers - Visit ActiveQuote.comWritten on: 05/03/2008 by adiab14 (1 review written)
This is my first claim to Norwich Union Health Insurance and so far I am very disappointing.
I've been suffering a back pain for 3 months and my GP advised me about a month and a half ago to see if a physiotherapy or osteopathy as treatment may help. I called Norwich the next day to see if I am covered with those treatments and if yes to get their approval. They said I needed to ask my GP to fill in a form and then send it back. I did this about 3 weeks ago and since then I've been waiting....
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As rated by real users
"Great Service from BUPA" Read More
"How to take money for nothing" Read More
"Do not get this insurance!!" Read More
"You can count on them!" Read More
"Very, very poor value" Read More
Archos's Response to Razy's Review
Written on: 02/06/2013
2 weeks after you started your policy? I'm sure the paperwork was around them thinking it was a pre-existing condition that you did not disclose...