For James Thomas, an insurance broker from Acuma Wealth Management in Dubai, being set the task of finding the best private health insurance scheme, with the best performing provider, for a discerning corporate client represented a challenge of significant importance. Because of their status as a leading company in their field, employing around 350 staff, James was understandably keen to deliver for his client, particularly as they were displeased with their previous insurer.

This particular client already had an international health insurance package in place, in order to attract and retain high-calibre employees, whilst promoting good health in the workplace. However, the service they had received until then from their existing insurance provider was somewhat lacking. James’ brief was clear – to find a provider who could pledge a high level of customer service, with simple application procedures and high-quality solutions.

It was a challenge that James understood and relished. He explains, “In my 6 years of working in the UAE, I’ve witnessed that corporate demand [for] the highest quality PMI products has increased. Unfortunately, though, the service my clients and I receive from insurance providers is often contrary to the products they sell, with many delivering schemes without the desired aftercare to intermediaries, administrators and claimants alike.”

Through a combination of both research and experience, Acuma discovered that international private medical insurance (PMI) products are generally of a much higher standard than domestic policies. Indeed, because of the added bonus of international, portable cover, they tend to recommend these to companies regardless of their expatriate staff concentration, to ensure that their clients receive a premium product. In this case,  however, as with most employers in the UAE, expatriates do make up the vast majority of James’ client’s workforce.

Before long, a solution began to draw closer. James explains, “When William Russell entered the market last year in association with Dubai Insurance Company, it was clear from the outset that, as a smaller provider, they were big on service.” It became evident that the service proposition at William Russell was much better than James or his client had experienced with other providers.

They selected William Russell’s competitively priced and best-selling plan, Global Health Elite Silver, for comprehensive in and out-patient cover. The scheme was set up on a medical history disregarded basis, with a nil excess for cash-free access to medical treatment for its members.

Colin Ward, Business Development Manager on behalf of William Russell and Dubai Insurance Company, exclusively sells William Russell’s Global Plans for individuals and employers in the UAE. These include international cover for health, travel, personal accident, life, accidental death and dismemberment, and income protection. Colin says: “We are delighted to be working with James to not only offer an outstanding product, but to fulfil the service promise that William Russell pride themselves on, and one that we have been acknowledged for the world over.”

Colin continues, “William Russell won Best International Private Health Group in the recent International Investment awards, and with Dubai Insurance’s experience in underwriting insurance risks in the UAE, our client’s scheme blends the best product from the best provider, with the best financial security.”

With his task now accomplished, James concludes: “The review was approached with a can-do attitude. Colin was happy to meet the client and answers to queries, cards and packs all arrived when they said they would. Plus, one particular member had concerns about a serious treatment she was undertaking, but William Russell called her to explain the process, and the necessary treatments were arranged and paid for this was within the first few days of the scheme being live."

“Whilst these don’t represent major accomplishments on their own, no other provider has been able to deliver all these things together. The first-rate service and after-care has continued and the client and I look forward to an on-going relationship with William Russell and Dubai Insurance.”