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This brochure includes promotional and contractual information

PRIVATE MEDICAL COVERPRIVATE MEDICAL COVERFOR OVERNIGHT & LONGERFOR OVERNIGHT & LONGER

STAYS IN HOSPITALSTAYS IN HOSPITAL

THE MEDICALSTARTER PLAN

PRIVATE MEDICAL COVERFOR OVERNIGHT & LONGER

STAYS IN HOSPITAL

1

HAT THE ASSOCIATIONS SAYW HAT THE ASSOCIATIONS SAYYou were introduced to the Medical Starter Plan through your membership of your sponsoring association or group. The Hospital and Medical Care Association now has over six hundred well-known associations participating in its plans. This is what some of them say about us…

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WGEM Motoring Assist has been arranging a wide range of top quality services for its members since 1932. For the past nine years we have been delighted to add HMCA to our list of chosen service providers and have always found working with them to be a pleasant and effi cient process. Many GEM members have benefi ted from this long-standing partnership which I hope will continue for many years to come.

Paula Williams MBEChief Executive, GEM Motoring Assist

Our members have been able to take advantage of HMCA medical insurance facilities for nearly ten years, the longest running benefi t that we have offered, which is much appreciated by them!

Gordon RainsfordChief Executive, English Bridge Union

HMCA has provided us with an excellent service, and has tailored several products to suit the needs of our organisation. We have found all products to be of a high quality and represent excellent value as a membership benefi t. We fi nd the entire HMCA team extremely professional, knowledgeable and helpful in their approach to business enquiries. I would not hesitate in recommending HMCA products and services to other professional bodies and organisations.

Sharon BrutyHead of Communications, CILEx Journal

HMCA is a valued membership benefi t for ROSL members here in the UK. Our members have commented positively on the quality of product and professionalism of the team. We are delighted to work closely with the HMCA team, and have developed promotional opportunities for the products via our communications and we are always pleased to see them at our regular New Member Receptions.

Gemma MatthewsDirector of Marketing, Royal Over-Seas League

As a long established club for Saab Owners, we know the worth of added value benefi ts for our members and are pleased with the response from our membership and the service provided by HMCA.

David GarnettClub Secretary, SAAB Owners Club

HMCA have provided a wide ranging service including medical cover to our members since 2014 at competitive prices. They are consistently both professional and friendly, we have received much positive feedback.

Penny CottonHead of Membership, Royal Academy of Dance

131474©2019 HMCA. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical or photocopied, recorded or otherwise, without prior permission of HMCA. All HMCA paper products are from a sustainable source and are recyclable.

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WHY IS HMCA SO COMPETITIVE?

What the Associations Say ............................................................1Why are we Competitive?..............................................................2Private Health Care is Peace of Mind............................................3Summary of Benefi ts .....................................................................4Questions and Answers .......................................................... 5 & 6Hospital Accommodation List ............................................. 7, 8 & 9Checklist ......................................................................................10Description of Benefi ts........................................................13 to 17Medical Starter Plan Contractual Information .....................12 to 18What Our Members Say ................................................Back cover

HMCA Members was established over 40 years ago and has grown to be one of the most successful membership benefit providers in the UK. HMCA membership is also one of the most exclusive as our plans are only available to the members of trade, professional and membership groups and subscribers of select publications. Our many years of experience ensures we have a plan to suit your needs at the best possible price.

Healthcare cannot be marketed like other products; it requires thoughtful planning and expert skills. Our goal is to provide the best service possible. When you call HMCA you can be assured that your call is answered in person by a member of our staff who will always be happy to help you. Whether you are making an enquiry, joining HMCA or submitting a claim, we are there for you.

These are the simple reasons why the Medical Starter Plan is competitive and leads the way.

J M BlackmoreASSOCIATION SECRETARY

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YEARSPROVIDING SERVICES TO

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hospitals throughout the UK; if they need to be admitted, they will have their own private room equipped with TV and telephone, and visiting is arranged to suit patient and family. A quick, private and

convenient service that removes many o f t h e a n x i e t i e s a s s o c i a t e d w i t h NHS hospital stays.

Furthermore, some providers have no upper age limit attached to their policies and cover can even be extended to include family members.

Taking control of your healthcareHowever, those interested in taking out health insurance should not leave it too late. As we get older our healthcare needs increase. Therefore, as only some of the health insurance companies provide cover for pre-existing conditions, the best time to invest in getting private treatment

for illnesses you may suffer tomorrow – is today. By acting now you

can ensure your future healthcare will not be dictated by NHS bureaucracy and, just as importantly, you will be able to benefi t from the widest possible cover.

Private health insurance cannot guarantee good health, but it can ensure that when you are feeling unwell you will quickly receive the best possible care, when and where you want it. The peace of mind that comes with that knowledge cannot be underestimated and is often the most important f a c t o r f o r p e o p l e d e c i d i n g t o take control of their healthcare provision and “go private”.

No matter how fi t and healthy we are, it is inevitable that at some point in our lives we will fall ill and need medical care. And when illness does strike it is to the NHS that most people will turn in seeking a diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

The NHS has for some years been showing signs that it, too, is now not in the best of health. A growing and ageing population is putting an ever-increasing strain on staff and services.

Reports of underfunding, a shortage of medical staff, noisy and overcrowded wards, cancelled operations and long waiting times will be familiar to everyone.

According to offi cial fi gures there are 4.2 million people waiting for an appointment with a hospital consultant*. NHS England says the maximum w a i t i n g t i m e f o r this type of hospital referral should be 18 weeks, but a growing number of health authorities are failing to meet this target.

Quick, private and convenient Understandably, these lengthy delays are causing additional stress for patients, undermining their health and quality of life even further. How many people do you know whose physical health and mental well-being has deteriorated from the anxiety of having to wait months for a hospital appointment?

All this can be avoided by taking out private health insurance. Seeing a doctor in private practice used to be only for the wealthy, but not anymore as the cost of private medical cover is becoming more affordable.

A private medical plan delivers prompt access to hospital consultants, thus avoiding lengthy waiting lists. Patients can choose from an extensive list of

*The King’s Fund - How is the NHS Performing? June 2018

Quarterly Report.

Private HealthcareIs Peace Of Mind

3

WHY CHOOSE THE MEDICAL STARTER PLAN?● All the benefits of

p r i v a t e m e d i c a l treatment in-hospital for you and your family.

● VIP treatment with the specialist of your choice, at the time of your choice, at the hospital of your choice.

● Any hospital on our list may be used and others with prior agreement.

● Excellent benefi ts with substantial savings over other major plans.

These are just some of the reasons why you should consider the Medical Starter Plan as your fi rst choice for your private hea l t h cove r. When you are ill you do not want any uncertainty or inconvenience , your worries can be substantial enough without added pressures. Whilst the National Health Service has a very good system for dealing with emergencies and chronic situations, the waiting list nationwide for less urgent operations continues to grow.Having to wait months, or even years, suffering d iscomfor t and pain could have disastrous effects on your work and family life. By joining the Medical Starter Plan, these problems will be overcome.

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“4.2 million people waiting for an appointment with a

hospital consultant*”

All this can be avoidedby taking out

private health insurance

4

MEDICALSTARTERPLAN

Summary of Benefi tsThe maximum benefi t payable for each person covered on the plan is £250,000 per year. For full details, please refer to the Description of Benefi ts in the contractual information at the back of this brochure.

IN-HOSPITAL TREATMENT FOR OVERNIGHT OR LONGER STAYS

● Accommodation Charges FULL REFUND

● Ward Nursing Charges FULL REFUND

● Ward Drugs FULL REFUND

● A £100 a night tax-free cash benefi t is available, for up to 30 nights, when all treatment is carried out as a National Health patient in a public ward of an NHS Hospital.

● Surgical charges for surgeons and anaesthetists combined fees are refunded based on the Description of Benefi ts.

● Theatre fees, consumables, drugs and surgical dressings are refunded based on the Description of Benefi ts.

● Benefi t is also payable for in-hospital treatment based on the Description of Benefi ts for medical charges for consultant physician fees, pathology and investigations whilst in hospital.

● SPECIAL GUARANTEED TRANSFER FACILITY Cover can be transferred from an existing medical plan, and future claims made

for acute conditions originating at the time the Member was participating in a previous plan, will be honoured.

● MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE If not satisfi ed you may return the Medical Starter Plan within fourteen days

for a full refund.

● FREE MEDICAL INFORMATION AND COUNSELLING HELPLINE This service is provided free of charge to Medical Starter Plan Members. It

is operated by qualifi ed medical staff and provides a wealth of support and information irrespective of whether the Member is making a claim for medical treatment. This also includes a counselling service which is available 24 hours’ a day, 365 days’ a year, allowing our Members to discuss their problems confi dentially with a qualifi ed counsellor at a time convenient to them.

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PRIVATE ROOM

UESTIONS &Here is a list of the questions most frequently asked by members of trade and professional groups on the subject of private medical cover provided by the Medical Starter Plan. If you have any additional questions please telephone our Helpline on 01423 799949.

5Promotional

GUARA NTEEDACCEPTANCE

Q. Do you pay my surgeon or hospital directly if I claim?

A. Yes. We are happy to pay your surgeon or hospital on your behalf or we can reimburse you.

Q. May I choose the hospital which treats me?

A. Yes. There are no restrictions, you can use any of the hospitals detailed on our comprehensive list. If your preferred hospital is not listed please contact our Helpline.

Q. Can you explain the benefit levels in the Description of Benefi ts.

A. C h a r g e s f o r i n - p a t i e n t accommodation, ward drugs and nursing charges are covered in full. Other benefi ts are based on the type of treatment received and the complexity of any operations carried out. The complexity of all operations is advised by the specialist carrying out your treatment. Our benefi ts are based on our experience of the likely costs involved and we apply limits to protect against over-charging which would have the effect of increasing claims costs and our Members’ subscriptions.

Q. Am I covered for sporting injuries?

A. Yes. Some hazardous pursuits are excluded only from the Personal Accident Benefit as listed on page 17.

Q. Do you have restrictive clauses relating to the NHS waiting lists?

A. No. We do not have restrictive clauses relating to the NHS waiting lists.

Q. Is the offer to join the Medical Starter Plan dependent upon my remaining a member of my sponsoring association?

A. You must be a member of your sponsoring associat ion when joining the Medical Starter Plan. After enrolment you become a Member of HMCA.

Q. Is the scope of the Medical Starter Plan wider than many others?

A. As well as providing comprehensive in-hospital benefi ts for treatment

of acute medical conditions, the Plan has a number of very im-portant extra features which extend the scope:● We include treatment for injuries

sustained whilst playing sport● A free helpline is provided to give

information on treatment, costs or any other general medical-related questions. This includes a confi dential counselling service.

Q. May I transfer from my plan to your Medical Starter Plan?

A. Yes. If you are in a medical plan you can transfer to the Medical Starter Plan.

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Q. Are your terms similar to those in my present plan?

A. The benefits are summarised on page 4 entitled “Summary of Benefits”, and the “Description of Benefi ts” is in the contractual information on pages 13 to 16. These may differ from your current plan.

Q. I have no existing private medical cover, can I join?

A. Yes, you can jo in and af ter one fu l l year 's membersh ip p r o v i d i n g y o u h a v e b e e n treatment and symptom free for

12 consecut ive months, any pre-existing medical condition that occurred prior to joining us will be covered.

Q. What is the maximum age at which I may join the Medical Starter Plan or transfer from another plan?

A. There is no age limit when joining HMCA.

Q. Who do I speak to when I want to make a claim?

A. Our UK based claims team who offer a personal service and provide prompt settlement.

Q. What is Insurance Premium Tax (IPT)?

A. IPT is a tax on general insurance, for example motor, household and medical cover, levied by the government.

NSWERS

Q. Does the Medical Starter Plan have an excess or deductible, such as the fi rst £500 of a claim being paid by the Member?

A. No. We believe that our Members should have cover f rom the commencement of any treatment covered under the Medical Starter Plan. However, excesses are available if you want to reduce your subscription. Please ring 01423 799949 for more details.

Q. What happens if I am admitted to an NHS hospital?

A. If you choose to have all your treatment solely through the NHS you will receive £100 a night spent in hospital, for up to 30 nights. Of course, this is tax-free cash which you keep to spend as you wish.

FREE MEDICAL & COUNSELLING

HELPLINE

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HOSPITALACCOMMODATIONLIST

ENGLAND BEDFORDSHIRE Bedford BMI Manor Hospital Bedford Bedford General

Hospital Luton Luton & Dunstable University

Hospital BERKSHIRE Ascot Heatherwood Hospital Reading Circle Reading Hospital Reading Spire Dunedin Hospital Reading Royal Berkshire

Hospital Reading Berkshire Independent

Hospital Slough Wexham Park Hospital Slough Spire Thames Valley

Hospital Windsor King Edward VII

Hospital Windsor BMI Princess Margaret

Hospital BRISTOL Bristol Spire Bristol ‘Glen’

Hospital Bristol Nuffi eld Hospital Bristol Bristol Bristol Eye Hospital Bristol Frenchay Hospital Bristol Bristol Royal Infi rmary Bristol St Michael’s Hospital Bristol Southmead Hospital BUCKINGHAMSHIRE Amersham Amersham Hospital Aylesbury Stoke Mandeville

Hospital Gerrards Cross Chalfont & Gerrards Cross

Hospital Great Missenden BMI The Chiltern

Hospital High Wycombe BMI Shelburne Hospital High Wycombe Wycombe Hospital Milton Keynes BMI Saxon Clinic Milton Keynes Milton Keynes General

Hospital Princes Risborough BMI The Paddocks

Clinic CAMBRIDGESHIRE Cambridge Addenbrookes Hospital Cambridge Spire Cambridge Lea

Hospital Cambridge Nuffi eld Hospital

Cambridge Cambridge Royal Papworth

Hospital Cambridge Cambridge Heart Clinic Huntingdon Hinchingbrooke HospitalHuntingdon Cromwell Clinic Peterborough Peterborough City

Hospital Peterborough Fitzwilliam Hospital Wisbech North Cambridgeshire

Hospital CHESHIRE Altrincham Althrincham General

Hospital Cheadle BMI Alexandra Hospital Chester Countess of Chester

Hospital Chester Nuffi eld Hospital

Grosvenor Crewe Leighton Hospital Crewe BMI South Cheshire

Hospital Macclesfi eld Macclesfi eld District General

Hospital Macclesfi eld Spire Regency Hospital Runcorn Halton General Hospital

Warrington Warrington Hospital Warrington Spire Cheshire Hospital CORNWALL Falmouth Falmouth Hospital Hayle St Michael’s Hospital Penzance West Cornwall Hospital Truro Duchy Hospital Truro Royal Cornwall Hospital CUMBRIA Barrow-in-Furness Furness Hospital Carlisle Cumberland Infi rmary Kendal Westmorland General

Hospital Whitehaven West Cumberland

Hospital DERBYSHIRE Buxton Buxton Hospital Derby Nuffi eld Hospital Derby Chesterfi eld Royal Derby Hospital DEVON Barnstaple North Devon District

Hospital Exeter Nuffi eld Hospital Exeter Exeter Royal Devon & Exeter

Hospital Exmouth Exmouth Hospital Ilfracombe Ilfracombe Tyrrell

Hospital Newton Abbott Newton Abbott Hospital Plymouth Derriford Hospital Plymouth Mount Gould Hospital Plymouth Nuffi eld Hospital

Plymouth Plymouth Royal Eye Infi rmary Sidmouth Victoria Hospital Tavistock Tavistock Hospital Teignmouth Teighnmouth Hospital Tiverton Tiverton & District

Hospital Torquay Mount Stuart Hospital Torquay Torbay Hospital DORSET Bournemouth Christchurch Hospital Bournemouth Nuffi eld Hospital

Bournemouth Bournemouth Royal Bournemouth

Hospital Dorchester BMI Winterbourne

Hospital Dorchester Dorset County Hospital Poole BMI Harbour Hospital Sherborne Yeatman Hospital DURHAM Bishop Auckland Bishop Auckland

Hospital Chester Le Street Chester Le Street

Hospital Darlington Darlington Memorial

Hospital Darlington BMI Woodlands Durham University Hospital of North

Durham Hartlepool University Hospital of

Hartlepool Shotley Bridge Shotley Bridge Hospital Stockton-on-Tees Nuffi eld Hospital Tees Stockton-on-Tees University Hospital of North

Tees ESSEX Basildon Basildon University

Hospital Basildon Orwell Private

Cardiothoracic Unit Brentwood Nuffi eld Hospital

Brentwood Brentwood Spire Hartswood

Hospital

Buckhurst Hill Holly House Hospital Chelmsford Baddow Hospital Chelmsford Broomfi eld Hospital Chelmsford Springfi eld Hospital Clacton-on-Sea Clacton & District

Hospital Colchester Oaks Hospital Colchester Essex County Hospital Colchester Colchester General

Hospital Epping St Margaret’s Hospital Grays Orsett Hospital Harlow Princess Alexandra

Hospital Havering Queens’ Hospital Illford King George Hospital Maldon St Peter’s Hospital Redbridge Spire London East

Hospital Southend-on-Sea Southend Hospital Southend-on-Sea Spire Wellesley Hospital Southend-on-Sea BMI Southend Private

Hospital GLOUCESTERSHIRE Cheltenham Cheltenham General

Hospital Cheltenham Nuffi eld Hospital

Cheltenham Gloucester Gloucester Royal

Hospital Gloucester Winfi eld Hospital Stroud Stroud General Hospital HAMPSHIRE Basingstoke Basingstoke & North

Hampshire Hospital Basingstoke BMI Hampshire Clinic Eastleigh Nuffi eld Health Wessex

Hospital Havant Spire Portsmouth

Hospital Lymington New Forest Hospital Portsmouth Queen Alexandra

Hospital Portsmouth St Mary’s NHS Treatment

Centre Southampton Spire Southampton

Hospital Southampton Southampton General

Hospital Southampton Princess Anne Hospital Southampton Royal South Hants

Hospital Winchester Royal Hampshire County

Hospital Winchester BMI Sarum Road

Hospital HEREFORDSHIRE Hereford Hereford County

Hospital Hereford Nuffi eld Hospital

Hereford

HERTFORDSHIREBishops Stortford Herts & Essex General

Hospital Harpenden Spire Harpenden

Hospital Hatfi eld One Hatfi eld Hospital Hemel Hempstead Hemel Hempstead

Hospital Hertford Hertford County

Hospital Hitchin Pinehill Hospital Sawbridgeworth Rivers Hospital St Albans St Albans City Hospital Stevenage Lister Hospital Watford Spire Bushey Hospital Watford Watford General

Hospital Welwyn Garden City Queen Elizabeth II

Hospital

You can use any hospital on this list, over 500 are available.

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TAX FREE NHSCASH BENEFIT

8ISLE OF WIGHT Newport St Mary’s Hospital KENT Ashford One Ashford Hospital Ashford William Harvey Hospital Beckenham BMI Sloane Hospital Benenden Benenden Hospital Canterbury BMI Chaucer Hospital Canterbury Kent & Canterbury

Hospital Chatham Spire Alexandra

Hospital Dartford Darent Valley Hospital Deal Victoria Hospital Dover Buckland Hospital Folkestone Royal Victoria Hospital Gillingham Medway Maritime

Hospital Herne Bay Queen Victoria Memorial

Hospital Longfi eld BMI Fawkham Manor

Hospital Maidstone Maidstone Hospital Maidstone Maidstone KIMS Margate Queen Elizabeth the Queen

Mother Hospital Margate Spencer Private

Hospital Orpington BMI Chelsfi eld Park

Hospital Sevenoaks Sevenoaks Hospital Sidcup Queen Mary’s Hospital Tunbridge Wells Tunbridge Wells

Hospital Tunbridge Wells Nuffi eld Hospital Tunbridge

Wells Tunbridge Wells Spire Tunbridge Wells

Hospital LANCASHIRE Blackburn BMI Beardwood

Hospital Blackburn Royal Blackburn

Hospital Blackpool Spire Fylde Coast

Hospital Blackpool Victoria Hospital Bolton BMI Beaumont Hospital Bolton Royal Bolton Hospital Burnley Burnley General

Hospital Chorley Euxton Hall Hospital Gisburne BMI Gisburne Park

Hospital Lancaster BMI Lancaster Hospital Ormskirk Ormskirk & District General

Hospital Ormskirk Renacres Hospital Preston Fulwood Hall Hospital Preston Royal Preston Hospital LEICESTERSHIRE Hinckley Hinckley & District

Hospital Leicester Glenfi eld Hospital Leicester Leicester General

Hospital Leicester Nuffi eld Hospital

Leicester Leicester Leicester Royal

Infi rmary Oadby Spire Leicester Hospital LINCOLNSHIRE Boston Boston West Hospital Boston Pilgrim Hospital Grantham Grantham & District

Hospital Grimsby St Hugh’s Hospital Grimsby Diana Princess of Wales

Hospital Lincoln BMI Lincoln Hospital Lincoln Lincoln County Hospital Louth County Hospital

Stamford Stamford & Rutland Hospital

GREATER LONDON Ashford Ashford Hospital Barnet Barnet Hospital Carshalton St Helier Hospital Enfi eld Chase Farm Hospital Enfi eld BMI Kings Oak Hospital Enfi eld BMI The Cavell Hospital Harefi eld Harefi eld Hospital Harrow Northwick Park Hospital Harrow BMI Clementine Churchill

Hospital Harrow St Mark’s Hospital Isleworth West Middlesex University

Hospital Kingston upon Thames Kingston Hospital Kingston upon Thames New Victoria Hospital Northwood BMI Bishops Wood

Hospital Northwood Mount Vernon Hospital Southall Ealing Hospital Stanmore Royal National Orthopaedic

Hospital Uxbridge Hillingdon Hospital LONDON (Postal Area) SE3 BMI Blackheath

Hospital SW3 Royal Brompton

Hospital SW10 Chelsea & Westminster

Hospital W6 Charing Cross Hospital NW4 BMI Hendon Hospital WC1N Royal London Hospital for

Integrated Medicine WC1 Great Ormond Street

Hospital SE1 Guy’s Hospital W12 Hammersmith Hospital W12 Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea

Hospital N6 Highgate Hospital WC1E Hospital for Tropical

Diseases NW8 Hospital of St John & St

Elizabeth NW8 British Hernia Centre W1G King Edward VII

Hospital SE5 King’s College Hospital SE13 University Hospital

Lewisham E1 Royal London Hospital

Whitechapel E1 BMI London Independent

Hospital EC1 Moorfi elds Eye Hospital WC1 National Hospital

for Neurology & Neurosurgery

N18 North Middlesex University Hospital

SW19 Parkside Hospital Wimbledon

W1 The Portland Hospital for Women & Children

SW15 Queen Mary’s Hospital Roehampton

NW3 Royal Free Hospital SW3 Royal Marsden Hospital W1 “Royal National Throat, Nose

& Ear Hospital” EC1 St Bartholemews

Hospital SW17 St Georges Hospital W2 St Marys Hospital SE1 St Thomas’ Hospital NW1 University College

Hospital NW1 Western Eye Hospital W1G Weymouth Street

Hospital

E11 Whipps Cross Hospital N19 Whittington Hospital SW5 BUPA Cromwell Hospital GREATER MANCHESTER Ashton-under-Lyne Tameside General

Hospital Bolton BMI The Beaumont

Hospital Bury Fairfi eld General

Hospital Leigh Leigh Infi rmary Manchester Spire Manchester

Hospital Manchester Christie Hospital Manchester North Manchester General

Hospital Manchester Royal Manchester Children’s

Hospital Manchester Royal Eye Hospital Manchester Royal Infi rmary Manchester St Mary’s Hospital Oldham Royal Oldham Hospital Rochdale Birch Hill Hospital Rochdale BMI Highfi eld Hospital Rochdale Rochdale Infi rmary Salford Oaklands Hospital Salford Salford Royal Hospital Stockport Stepping Hill Hospital Wigan Royal Albert Edward

Infi rmary Wigan Wrightington Hospital Wythenshawe Wythenshawe Hospital MERSEYSIDE Liverpool Broadgreen Hospital Liverpool Spire Liverpool Hospital Liverpool Royal Liverpool University

Hospital Liverpool Liverpool Women’s

Hospital Liverpool University Hospital

Aintree Liverpool Liverpool Heart & Chest

Hospital Ormskirk Ormskirk & District General

Hospital Prescot Whiston Hospital St Helens Fairfi eld Independent

Hospital St Helens St Helens Hospital Southport Southport & Formby District

General Hospital Wirral Clatterbridge Hospital Wirral Spire Murrayfi eld

Hospital Wirral Arrowe Park Hospital NORFOLK Cromer Cromer Hospital Great Yarmouth James Paget University

Hospital Kings Lynn BMI Sandringham

Hospital Norwich Spire Norwich Hospital Norwich Nolfolk & Norwich University

Hospital NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Kettering Kettering General

Hospital Kettering Woodland Hospital Northampton Northampton General

Hospital Northampton BMI Three Shires

Hospital NORTHUMBERLAND Alnwick Alnwick Infi rmary Hexham Hexham General

Hospital NOTTINGHAMSHIRE Nottingham Nottingham City

Hospital

Nottingham BMI The Park Hospital Nottingham Queens Medical Centre Nottingham Circle Nottingham Clinic Nottingham Nottingham Woodthorpe

Hospital Nottingham Spire Hospital Sutton in Ashfi eld Kings Mill Hospital Worksop Bassetlaw District General

Hospital OXFORDSHIRE Banbury Foscote Hospital Banbury Horton General Hospital Oxford Churchill Hospital Oxford Nuffi eld Orthopaedic

Centre Oxford Nuffi eld Hospital Oxford (The

Manor) Oxford John Radcliffe Hospital SHROPSHIRE Oswestry Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt

Orthopaedic Hospital Shrewsbury Nuffi eld Hospital

Shrewsbury Shrewsbury Royal Shrewsbury

Hospital Telford Princess Royal Hospital SOMERSET Bath BMI Bath Clinic Bath Circle Bath Hospital Bath Royal National Hospital for

Rheumatic Diseases Bath Royal United Hospital Taunton Musgrove Park Hospital Taunton Nuffi eld Hospital

Taunton Weston Super Mare Weston General

Hospital Yeovil Yeovil District Hospital STAFFORDSHIRE Burton-on-Trent Queen’s Hospital Newcastle-under-Lyne Nuffi eld Hospital North

Staffordshire Stafford Staffordshire General

Hospital Stafford Rowley Hall Hospital Stoke-on-Trent Royal Stoke University

Hospital SUFFOLK Bury-St-Edmunds BMI St Edmunds

Hospital Bury-St-Edmunds West Suffolk Hospital Ipswich Ipswich Hospital Ipswich Nuffi eld Hospital

Ipswich SURREY Ashtead Ashtead Hospital Camberley Frimley Park Hospital Caterham North Downs Hospital Cheam Spire St Anthony’s Chertsey BMI Runnymede

Hospital Chertsey St Peter’s Hospital Croydon BMI Shirley Oaks

Hospital Epsom Epsom General

Hospital Farnham Spire Clare Park

Hospital Guildford Nuffi eld Hospital

Guildford Guildford BMI Mount Alvernia

Hospital Guildford Royal Surrey County

Hospital Horley Spire Gatwick Park

Hospital Kingston-upon-Thames BMI Coombe Wing Leatherhead Leatherhead Hospital Redhill East Surrey Hospital

When we issue a claim form, we will send you an up to date list

9Sutton Royal Marsden Hospital Woking Nuffi eld Hospital

Woking SUSSEX - EAST Brighton Royal Alexandra Children’s

Hospital Brighton Royal Sussex County

Hospital Brighton Sussex Eye Hospital Brighton Nuffi eld Hospital

Brighton Crowborough Horder Centre Eastbourne Eastbourne District General

Hospital Eastbourne BMI Esperance Hospital Hove Spire Montefi ore

Hospital Lewes Victoria Hospital St Leonards-on-Sea Conquest Hospital St Leonards-on-Sea Spire Sussex Hospital SUSSEX - WEST Chichester Nuffi eld Hospital

Chichester Chichester St Richards Hospital Crawley Crawley Hospital East Grinstead Queen Victoria Hospital East Grinstead McIndoe Surgical

Centre Haywards Heath Nuffi eld Hospital Haywards

Heath Haywards Heath Princess Royal Hospital Horsham Horsham Hospital Worthing Worthing Hospital Worthing BMI Goring Hall

Hospital TYNE & WEAR Gateshead Queen Elizabeth

Hospital Newcastle Freeman Hospital Newcastle Nuffi eld Hospital Newcastle-

upon-Tyne Newcastle Royal Victoria Infi rmary Newcastle Walkergate Hospital North Shields North Tyneside General

Hospital South Shields South Tyneside District

Hospital Sunderland Sunderland Eye

Infi rmary Sunderland Sunderland Royal

Hospital Washington Spire Washington

Hospital WARWICKSHIRE Leamington Spa Nuffi eld Warwickshire

Hospital Nuneaton George Eliot Hospital Rugby Hospital of St Cross Stratford Circle Stratford Clinic Warwick Warwick Hospital WEST MIDLANDS Birmingham City Hospital Birmingham Children’s Hospital Birmingham Heartlands Hospital Birmingham BMI The Edgbaston

Hospital Birmingham BMI Priory Hospital Birmingham Queen Elizabeth

Hospital Birmingham Royal Orthopaedic

Hospital Birmingham Women’s Hospital Coventry BMI Meriden Hospital Coventry University Hospital

Coventry Dudley Corbett Hospital Dudley Russells Hall Hospital Halesowen West Midlands Hospital Solihull Birmingham Midland Eye

Centre

Solihull Spire Parkway Hospital Solihull Solihull Hospital Sutton Coldfi eld Good Hope Hospital Sutton Coldfi eld Spire Little Aston

Hospital Walsall Manor Hospital West Bromwich Sandwell General

Hospital Wolverhampton New Cross Hospital Wolverhampton Nuffi eld Hospital

Wolverhampton WILTSHIRE Malborough Savernake Hospital Salisbury New Hall Hospital Salisbury Salisbury District

Hospital Swindon Great Western Hospital Swindon BMI Ridgeway Hospital WORCESTER Droitwich BMI Droitwich Spa

Hospital Kidderminster Kidderminster Hospital Redditch Alexandra Hospital Worcester Worcester Royal

Hospital Worcester Spire South Bank

Hospital YORKSHIRE - NORTH Bridlington Bridlington & District

Hospital Harrogate BMI The Duchy Hospital Harrogate Harrogate District

Hospital Malton Malton Norton & District

Hospital Middlesborough James Cook University

Hospital Northallerton Friarage Hospital Scarborough Scarborough General

Hospital York Clifton Park Hospital York York District Hospital York Nuffi eld Hospital York YORKSHIRE - SOUTH Barnsley Barnsley Hospital Doncaster Park Hill Hospital Doncaster Royal Infi rmary Rotherham Rotherham Hospital Sheffi eld BMI Thornbury Hospital Sheffi eld Sheffi eld Children’s

Hospital Sheffi eld Claremont Hospital Sheffi eld Northern General

Hospital Sheffi eld Royal Hallamshire

Hospital Sheffi eld Weston Park Hospital YORKSHIRE - WEST Bingley Yorkshire Clinic Bradford Royal Infi rmary Dewsbury Dewsbury & District

Hospital Elland Spire Elland Hospital Huddersfi eld BMI Huddersfi eld

Hospital Huddersfi eld Royal Infi rmary Keighley Airedale General

Hospital Leeds Leeds General Infi rmary Leeds Spire Leeds Hospital Leeds Spire Methley Park Leeds Nuffi eld Hospital Leeds Leeds St James’s University

Hospital Pontefract Pontefract Hospital Salterhebble Calderdale Royal

Hospital Wakefi eld Pinderfi elds General

Hospital

HULL & EAST YORKSHIRE Cottingham Castle Hill Hospital Goole Goole & District

Hospital Hull Spire Hull & East Riding

Hospital Hull Royal Infi rmary Scunthorpe Scunthorpe General

Hospital WALES CLWYD Abergele Abergele Hospital Rhyl Glan Clwyd Hospital Wrexham Maelor Hospital Wrexham Spire Yale Hospital DYFED Aberystwyth Bronglais General

Hospital Camarthen BMI Werndale Hospital Camarthen Glangwili General

Hospital Haverfordwest Withybush General

Hospital GLAMORGAN - MID Bridgend Princess of Wales

Hospital Llantrisant Royal Glamorgan

Hospital Merthyr Tydfi l Prince Charles Hospital GLAMORGAN - SOUTH Cardiff Cardiff Bay Hospital Cardiff Spire Cardiff Hospital Cardiff The Vale Hospital,

Hensol Cardiff University Hospital of

Wales GLAMORGAN - WEST Neath Neath Port Talbot

Hospital Swansea Morriston Hospital Swansea Sancta Maria Hospital Swansea Singleton Hospital GWENT Abergavenny Nevill Hall Hospital Newport St Joseph’s Hospital GWYNEDD Bangor Gwynedd Hospital Llandudno Llandudno General

Hospital SCOTLAND CENTRAL Stirling BMI Kings Park Hospital Larbert Forth Valley Royal

Hospital GRAMPIAN Aberdeen BMI Albyn Hospital Aberdeen Royal Aberdeen Children’s

Hospital Aberdeen Aberdeen Royal

Infi rmary Aberdeen Woodend Hospital HIGHLAND Fort William Belford Hospital Inverness Raigmore Hospital Wick Caithness General

Hospital LOTHIAN Edinburgh Spire Murrayfi eld

Hospital Edinburgh Spire Shawfair Park

Hospital Edinburgh Royal Hospital for Sick

Children

Edinburgh Royal Infi rmary of Edinburgh

Edinburgh Western General Hospital

Edinburgh The Edinburgh Clinic Livingston St John’s Hospital STRATHCLYDE Alexandria Vale of Leven Hospital Ayr BMI Carrick Glen

Hospital Ayr Ayr Hospital Glasgow Nuffi eld Hospital

Glasgow Glasgow BMI Ross Hall Hospital Glasgow Queen Elizabeth University

Hospital Greenock Inverclyde Royal

Hospital Kilmarnock Crosshouse Hospital TAYSIDE Arbroth Arbroth Infi rmary Brechin Stracathro Hospital Dundee BMI Fernbrae Hospital Perth Perth Royal Infi rmary NORTHERN IRELAND COUNTY ANTRIM Belfast Belfast City Hospital Belfast Kingsbridge Private

Hospital Belfast Mater Hospital Belfast Musgrave Park Hospital Belfast Royal Victoria Hospital Belfast Ulster Independent

Clinic Belfast Ulster Hospital Lisburn Lagan Valley Hospital Newtownabbey Whiteabbey Hospital COUNTY ARMAGH Craigavon Craigavon Area Hospital COUNTY DOWN Downpatrick Downe Hospital Newry Daisy Hill Hospital COUNTY FERMANAGH Enniskillen South Western Acute

Hospital LONDONDERRY Ballykelly North West Independent

Hospital Coleraine Causeway Hospital Londonderry Altnagelvin Area

Hospital Magherafelt Mid Ulster Hospital TYRONE Dungannon South Tyrone Hospital Omagh Tyrone County Hospital CHANNEL ISLANDS Alderney Mignot Memorial

Hospital Guernsey Princess Elizabeth

Hospital Jersey Jersey General Hospital ISLE OF MAN Douglas Noble’s Hospital

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10

CHECKLIST

THE MEDICAL STARTER PLAN CHECKLIST

You should compare the HMCA plan with other plans by using this checklist.

NO MEDICAL EXAMINATION No medical examination is required when you join.

NO AGE RESTRICTIONS You can join at any age.

A PROMPT AND PERSONAL CLAIMS SERVICE IS PROVIDEDOur goal is to pay claims on the day we receive your hospital and specialist's bills.

NHS HOSPITAL CASH BENEFITA £100 a night tax-free cash benefi t is available, for up to 30 nights, if treatment is wholly in an NHS Hospital.

FREE MEDICAL INFORMATION AND COUNSELLING HELPLINE This service is provided free of charge to Medical Starter Plan members. It is operated by qualifi ed medical staff and provides a wealth of support and information irrespective of whether the Member is making a claim for medical treatment. This also includes a counselling service which is available 24 hours’ a day, 365 days’ a year, allowing our Members to discuss their problems confi dentially with a qualifi ed counsellor at a time convenient to them.

CHOICE OF COUNTRYWIDE HOSPITALS You have the choice of over 500 hospitals on our list and others with prior arrangement.

EXCESS OR DEDUCTIBLEThis is available, for more details ring 01423 799949.

NO MORATORIUM OR WAITING PERIOD FOR TRANSFERS

SPECIALISTFreedom of choice.

PROSTHESESHMCA includes these.

SPECIAL GUARANTEED TRANSFER FACILITYCover can be transferred from an existing plan, and future claims made for acute conditions originating at the time you were participating in a previous plan, will be honoured.

INITIAL CONSULTATIONYou will be covered for an initial specialist's consultation which results in treatment requiring an overnight or longer stay in hospital.

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

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CHOOSE YOUR OWN SPECIALIST

AND HOSPITAL

11

THIRD AGE MATTERS READER

Dear Sirs

I recently joined HMCA’s Private Healthcare scheme, and chose the top band of cover. Unfortunately, within weeks, I became extremely unwell. HMCA were incredibly helpful. Not only were they charming pre-my joining them, answering my endless questions with great patience, they were prompt and courteous about dealing with the claims that I submitted to them regarding my illness. Because I suddenly became unwell over a weekend, the easiest way for me to go forward was to self-pay as I went along, and to submit all my receipts to HMCA. My claim was dealt with extremely quickly. I unfortunately had a relapse, resulting in having to submit a further claim - again, payment was extremely prompt. Having personally paid out a large amount of money for my medical fees, I was so grateful to be remunerated so rapidly, and with such courtesy. I cannot recommend (and praise) HMCA highly enough. It is bad enough being unwell and vulnerable, let alone having to cover such high costs, so it was extremely reassuring to fi nd that my case was dealt with so quickly. Thank you to all the team at HMCA!

Third Age Matters Member

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PERSONAL ACCIDENT COVER

INCLUDED

If you wish to discuss your healthcare requirements or the Medical Starter Plan, please call our helpline on 01423 799949

12

INSURANCE

INSURANCE . INSU

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URANCE .

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

SECTION

13

MEDICAL

STARTER

PLAN

Contractual

MEDICAL STARTER PLANDESCRIPTION OF BENEFITS

Th e maximum benefi t payable for each person named on the Membership Certifi cate for acute surgical or acute medical conditions, in each subscription year, is £250,000

ACCOMMODATION CHARGES IN A HOSPITAL ON OUR HOSPITAL LIST

WARD NURSING CHARGES FOR EACH STAY IN HOSPITAL

NHS TREATMENTFor the duration of medical treatment carried out solely as a National Health patient in a public ward of an NHS hospital.

SURGICAL CHARGES FOR EACH STAY IN HOSPITALSurgeons and Anaesthetists Combined Fees including aftercare.Major Plus OperationMajor OperationIntermediate OperationMinor OperationAdditional Benefi t for an operation requiring specialised operative techniques

THEATRE FEES, CONSUMABLES, DRUGS AND SURGICAL DRESSINGS FOR EACH STAY IN HOSPITALMajor Plus OperationMajor OperationIntermediate OperationMinor OperationAdditional Benefi t for an operation requiring specialised operative techniques

PATHOLOGY, INVESTIGATIONS & PHYSIOTHERAPYWhen charged individually by the hospitalWhen charged as part of a package price

WARD DRUGS & CONSUMABLES FOR EACH STAY IN HOSPITALWhen charged separately for in-hospital treatment.

PROSTHESES FOR EACH STAY IN HOSPITALProstheses payable in accordance with the operation.Major Plus OperationMajor OperationIntermediate OperationMinor OperationAdditional Benefi t for an operation requiring specialised operative techniques

PHYSICIAN FEES FOR NON SURGICAL STAYS IN HOSPITALFirst three days

After three days

Full refund

Full refund

100 a night for up to 30 nights’ a year

up to 1625up to 1145up to 765up to 435up to 2100

up to 2500up to 1575up to 1030up to 745up to 2725

up to 1100up to 500

Full refund

up to 3000up to 1260up to 745up to 455up to 1350

up to 120 fore a c h d a yup to 60 fore a c h d a y

FOR OVERNIGHT OR LONGER STAYS ONLY

IN-HOSPITAL TREATMENT

£

14

1000

5000

£ MEDICAL

STARTER

PLAN

PERSONAL ACCIDENT DEATH BENEFIT

PERSONAL ACCIDENT DISABILITY COVER

500

250

PERSONAL ACCIDENT BENEFITS

FREE MEDICAL INFORMATION & COUNCELLING HELPLINE SERVICE

OUTPATIENT & ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

RADIOTHERAPY/CHEMOTHERAPYA grant is given towards treatment.

INITIAL CONSULTATIONYou will be covered for an initial specialist’s consultation which results in treatment requiring an overnight or longer stay in hospital.

each yearup to 800

up to 250

£

£

This service is provided free of charge to all Medical Starter Plan members. It is operated by qualified medical staff, counsellors and health advisers and provides non-diagnostic advice on medical matters irrespective of whether you are making a claim for medical treatment. Advice can be sought by Members on behalf of themselves and their immediate family even if the latter are not Members.

A few examples of actual calls received are:-

• Drugs and medication information on hypertension• Gynaecology advice on ovulation• Neurology advice on headaches and head injury• Surgery advice on prostatectomy and hip replacement• Cardiology advice on pericarditis, hypertension and cholesterol• Digestive system advice on cholesterol, gallstones and irritable bowel syndrome• Counselling Helpline; stress, anxiety, depression, bereavement

PRIVATE MEDICAL PLAN

MEMBERSHIP CARD

15Contractual

THE MEDICAL STARTER PLANDescription of Benefi ts1 DEFINITIONSThe following expressions have the following meanings:-1.1 Association HMCA Members.1.2 Scheme A Scheme, managed by HMCA Members,

for providing benefi ts in respect of treatment for acute surgical or acute medical conditions for any disease, injury or illness on a short term basis by Specialists at any hospital on the list.

1.3 Insurer HMCA Insurance Limited.1.4 Year Any twelve calendar months commencing

at the date of enrolment or annual renewal of a subscription.

1.5 Member A person who is either an individual or group and applies for enrolment under Condition 3.1 and is accepted.

1.6 Dependants1.6.1 The Member’s Spouse or partner if living at the

same address.1.6.2 A child, or grandchild, of the Member, or the

Member’s partner, up to the age of 26, single and living at home.

1.6.3 A child, or grandchild, of the Member, or the Member’s partner, in full-time education.

1.7 Patient “The Patient” means the Member or one of his Dependants receiving benefi ts under the scheme.

1.8.1 NHS Hospital A hospital operated under the National Health Service with facilities for medical and surgical treatment.

1.8.2 Private Hospital A hospital or nursing home with facilities for medical and surgical treatment which charges fees for its services and in the United Kingdom is registered under the Nursing Homes Act 1975 (or is excluded from the defi nition of a nursing home in the Act by Section 1 (2)(a) thereof but is not an NHS Hospital) or overseas is operated or recognised by the appropriate authority where it is situated.

1.9 Acute Medical Condition Any disease, illness or injury of rapid onset, severe symptoms and brief duration.

1.10 Long-term Illness A medical condition that has become either recurrent, persistent or incurable.

1.11 Treatment Surgical or medical procedures undertaken by Specialists needed to diagnose and/or cure an acute medical condition.

1.12 In-Hospital Treatment An overnight stay by a Member or his Dependant for private treatment in a Private Hospital in connection with the treatment of an acute medical condition.

1.13 Specialist A medical or dental practitioner who is registered under the Medical Acts and holds or has held a consultant appointment in an NHS Hospital or otherwise holds a certifi cate of specialist accreditation recognised by a competent authority.

1.14 General Practitioner A registered medical practitioner in general practice.

1.16 Interpretation Where appropriate, reference to the masculine gender shall be deemed to include the feminine.

1.18 Accident or Emergency Admissions1.18.1 by ambulance to either an NHS or Private Hospital

as a direct result of or immediately following an accident

1.18.2 to either an NHS or Private Hospital directly from the Accident & Emergency or Casualty department for urgent or unplanned treatment

1.18.3 to either an NHS or Private Hospital on the same day as a referral for treatment is made by either a General Practitioner or Specialist, when immediate Treatment or Diagnostic Tests are a medical necessity

1.19 Chemotherapy The treatment of cancer using specifi c chemical agents or drugs that are selectively destructive to malignant cells and tissues.

1.20 Ward Drugs Medication which is administered whilst the patient is an in-patient on the ward. This does not include Chemotherapy drugs.

1.21 Day Case An admission to a hospital that does not involve an overnight stay.

1.22 EEA Includes all member states of the EEA, as well as the Isle of Man and Channel Islands.

2 EXCLUSIONSBenefi ts shall not be payable for:-2.1 Treatment of a Long-term Illness (refer to condition

3.3.2 to see how this exclusion is applied); monitoring of any condition; routine follow-up consultations; treatment which does not address the underlying medical condition and only offers temporary relief of symptoms (i.e. palliative care).

2.2.1 Pre-existing injury or disease contracted prior to your enrolment date (or the Member’s previous plan under the terms of the transfer facility). After one full year’s membership such pre-existing injury or disease and conditions arising or resulting therefrom of which no symptoms (indication of a disease or disorder) have manifested themselves or treatment, or medication, or advice, including check-ups, has been rendered in the preceding 12 consecutive calendar months, will be covered.

2.2.2 At the time of joining, if the Member is undergoing treatment or investigations (including with your General Practitioner) these are excluded unless fully disclosed and accepted by the Insurer in writing.

2.3 Pregnancy or childbirth, except in cases of complications of childbirth when the NHS benefi t will be payable subject to both parents having been enrolled for at least twelve months.

2.4 The investigation or treatment of Infertility.2.5 Treatment for alcohol and drug abuse.2.6 Treatment for sexually transmissible diseases

including Acquired Immune Defi ciency Syndrome (AIDS) or AIDS Related Complex (ARC) howsoever this Syndrome has been acquired or may be named.

2.7 Treatment for injury or illness directly or indirectly occasioned by, happening through or in consequence of war, invasion, acts of foreign enemies, hostilities (whether war be declared or not), civil war, riot, terrorism, rebellion, revolution, insurrection, military or usurped power.

2.8 Treatment or advice given by a General Practitioner or Dentist.

2.9 Self infl icted injuries or disabilities.2.10 Sight testing, routine medical examinations and

any dental condition not involving an oro-surgical operation.

2.11 Spectacles or other optical aids, hearing aids, surgical medical appliances or equipment, denture or dental appliances.

2.12 Rehabilitation, convalescence, or time spent in a community or cottage hospital, a nursing home or similar establishment.

2.13 Cosmetic surgery, whether or not for psychological reasons.

2.14 Dialysis in Chronic Renal Failure.2.15 Treatment received outside the country of

residence when the purpose of being abroad is wholly or in part to obtain such treatment, unless agreed in advance with HMCA.

2.17 Treatment not being undertaken by a Specialist.2.18 Treatment when received as a public ward patient

in an NHS hospital.

16

INSURANCE

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URANCE .2.19 (i) the completion of claim forms (ii) medical

reports which may be required at any time in respect of Members or Dependants.

2.20 Drugs and dressings prescribed on an out-patient basis.

2.21 Treatment for mental illness or psychiatric disorders or anxiety/stress related conditions.

2.22 Drugs not licensed in the U.K. for specifi c usage.2.24 Treatment of joint and back problems will

not be covered for the fi rst twelve months’ of membership. This does not apply to Members who enrol under the transfer condition or in respect of treatment required where accident is the sole cause.

2.25 Correction of abnormalities or deformities which are congenital or which originate before the date of enrolment, and any treatment related to any such abnormality or deformity.

2.26 Treatment which is experimental or has not been accepted as being effective.

2.27 Breast reductions for whatever reason.2.28 Accident or Emergency Admissions, except when

the treatment is received free as an NHS patient, when the NHS grant is payable.

2.29 Where previous treatment has been received by the Member for any joint, either before they became a Member of the scheme or since joining it, no benefi t will be payable under this policy in the case of any revision or repeat treatment to that joint.

3 CONDITIONS3.1 Anyone resident in the EEA shall be eligible to

apply for enrolment of himself and his Dependants in the Scheme.

3.2 The Insurer reserves the right to refuse any application or to restrict the range of benefi ts and the Applicant shall not be entitled to know the reason for such decision.

3.3 Cover may be transferred from an existing plan and future claims made for acute conditions originating at the time the Member was participating in the previous plan, will be honoured subject to the Description of Benefi ts applicable at that time.

3.3.1 The Member must provide evidence of the existing plan and the commencement date of it to HMCA for the transfer terms to apply.

3.3.2 When a condition is fi rst diagnosed (and did not exist prior to enrolment) benefi t will be provided for such diagnosis and any necessary treatment for one initial episode only. Subsequent treatment is not covered. When these circumstances occur the Insurer will issue an appropriate endorsement to the certifi cate.

3.6 On the death of a Member, a spouse who is registered as a Dependant may without formality become a Member in his or her own right at the appropriate rate, according to whether the spouse was the only Dependant or whether there were one or more child Dependants.

3.7 The contract is an annual one renewable from year to year at the option of the Member, subject to the Description of Benefi ts and Subscriptions in force at the date of renewal.

3.9 Members who take up residence outside the EEA shall cease from the next renewal date to be Members of the Scheme.

3.10 The Insurer shall be entitled at any time in relation to a Member or Dependant to terminate the contract, or to subject the contract to different terms, if

(a) The Member, or an enrolled Dependant, has at any time

(i) misled the Insurer by mis-statement or concealment.

(ii) otherwise failed to act with the utmost good faith.

(b) the Member is a member of a group which is wound up, or whose special arrangements are amended.

(c) The Insurer decides to discontinue the Scheme or any part thereof.

3.11 The subscription is payable in advance and eligibility to benefi t ends when the period covered by the subscription has expired or any instalment of subscription has not been paid on the due date.

3.12 Where the annual subscription is paid by instalments, such instalments are payable for the full year. The Insurer reserves the right to deduct any outstanding instalments on settlement of a claim.

3.14 The Insurer will consider claims for treatment at hospitals on the list provided. Other hospitals may be accepted subject to prior notifi cation and the Insurer’s written agreement.

3.15 Where discounts off the basic rates are allowed, only one discount will be given.

3.16 Benefi ts may be claimed for treatment by a specialist after referral from the patient’s GP. Where more than one surgical procedure is carried out whilst an in-patient then the benefi t payable towards Surgical Charges and Theatre Fees shall be 100% of the highest rated procedure plus up to 50% of the appropriate benefi t for each subsequent procedure. For the purposes of benefi ts, operations are classifi ed as Complex, Major Plus, Major, Intermediate or Minor. When a course of treatment is received solely as an NHS patient, the cash benefi t detailed in the Description of Benefi ts shall be payable for each eligible night spent in hospital.

3.17 A claim form will be sent to the Member on request. Such a request should be made immediately the Member is advised to have Specialist treatment for which a claim for benefi t will be submitted.

3.19 A member shall not be entitled to ask for payment in any foreign currency and claims in any such currency shall be paid in Pounds Sterling at the rate of exchange prevailing on the day of the cheque in settlement of the claim is drawn.

3.20 Any claim for benefi t must not exceed the actual expenses incurred and is payable up to the limit for the time being prescribed within the Member’s chosen level. Such a claim must be in the Insurer’s prescribed form supported by accounts from whoever has provided the service. Any claim shall be made within three months’ of commencement of treatment or giving of advice. It shall be supported by such further evidence as the Insurer may reasonably require. In the event of treatment or the giving of advice continuing further, accounts shall be submitted within one month of them being rendered and the requirement as to further evidence shall apply.

3.21 If expenses are covered by an insurance on the Member or by any Provident Association, the Insurer reserves the right not to pay more than its rateable proportion thereof.

3.22 For the purposes of calculating daily payments, the days of admission and discharge together count as one day.

3.23 Accommodation charges are payable only when directly related to the In-Hospital treatment received in Private Hospitals or the private wing of NHS Hospitals.

3.25 Where the treatment required results from the fault of another, the Member must;

(i) Take all reasonable steps that the Insurer requires to recover from the party at fault the cost of the benefi ts paid by the Insurer and interest thereon.

(ii) If recoverable, repay to the Insurer the cost of the benefi ts paid to the Member with interest.

3.26 The benefi ts payable towards a claim are those applicable to your certifi cate at the time the claim form is issued. Therefore benefi ts from two separate membership years cannot be applied to the same claim.

3.29 Each In-Hospital stay must be pre-authorised at least the day before, with HMCA Members being in receipt of the completed claim form, a consultant’s report and details of the hospital’s charges, before any agreement can be given as to the eligibility and benefi ts payable.

17Contractual

THE PERSONAL ACCIDENT CASH PLANDescription of Benefi tsIncluded with your Medical Starter Plan are Personal Accident benefi ts. Please read these Description of Benefi ts and make sure that they meet your needs and that you are clear about the cover and the exclusions. These documents form the contract of insurance between you and the Insurer.

Certain words in this Plan have a specifi c meaning. The defi nitions of such words are detailed under Defi nitions. Where a word has been defi ned, the defi nition will apply wherever that word appears in this Plan.

DEFINITIONSInsurer: HMCA Insurance LimitedInsured: the person stated on the Certifi cateAnniversary Date: 12 months’ after your enrolment date, stated on your membership certifi cateAccidental Death: death caused by an accident which is due to a sudden, unexpected, unusual specifi c event which occurs at an identifi able time and place. You/your: the InsuredHazardous Pursuits: shall mean ballooning, caving, diving, hang-gliding, hydro-planing, riding on a motorcycle over 250cc (as a driver or passenger), mountaineering, parachuting, pot-holing, racing of any kind (other than on foot), rock or cliff climbing, white water rafting or canoeing, any sport carried out as a professionalPermanent Disablement/Disability: refers solely to loss of limb or loss of sight as separately defi ned.Loss of limb: means loss by physical separation of a hand at or above the wrist or of a foot at or above the ankle and includes total and irrecoverable loss of use of hand, arm, foot or leg.Loss of Sight: means total and permanent loss of sight in both eyes if the Insured Person has been added to the register of blind persons on the authority of a fully qualifi ed ophthalmic specialist, or in one eye if the degree of sight remaining after correction is 3/60 or less on the Snellen Scale.

EXCLUSIONSThis Plan does not cover death or disablement/disability resulting directly or indirectly from;a) the Insured’s criminal activity, intentional actions

or self-injuryb) war, whether war be declared or not, hostilities

or any act of war or civil war c) nuclear reaction, nuclear radiation or radioactive

contamination

d) any act of terrorism For the purpose of this exclusion, an act of

terrorism means an act or series of acts, including the use of force or violence, of any person or group(s) of persons, whether acting alone or on behalf of or in connection with any organisation(s), committed for political, religious or ideological purposes including the intention to infl uence any government and/or to put the public in fear for such purposes

e) the Insured being intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, except as prescribed by a registered qualifi ed medical practitioner

f) acquired immune defi ciency syndrome (AIDS) or HIV

g) hazardous pursuits

FRAUDInsurance fraud is a crime, and costs innocent customers money every year because insurance companies have to charge higher premiums.

If you, or anyone acting on your behalf, supply the Insurer with facts or information and/or make a claim which you know to be false or inaccurate and with the intent of seeking fi nancial gain you may be committing a fraudulent act, which is a crime. If the Insurer obtains evidence which suggests that this is the case, the Insurer may cancel the Plan and refuse to settle your claim. The Insurer will also report the matter to the police.

18

INSURANCE

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URANCE .IMPORTANT INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR YOUR PROTECTIONHMCA Insurance Limited is the insurer that underwrites the Medical Starter Plan and promotes its various plans through HMCA Members both in the UK and Republic of Ireland. It does not own, nor is it owned by, any part of HMCA Members.

HMCA Members is an insurance intermediary that works on behalf of the underwriters, HMCA Insurance Limited. HMCA Members undertakes all aspects relating to administration, marketing and management of claims. In return for this, HMCA Members is remunerated by HMCA Insurance Limited from the subscription the members pay.

HMCA Members only promotes Medical Plans underwritten by HMCA Insurance Limited and its experienced Telephone Helpline provides a non- advised sales service. The Telephone Helpline is here for you to ask any questions regarding any aspect of the Plan. You can contact the Helpline on 01423 799949.

We do not offer advice and the information sent will allow you to make a choice of how to proceed.

DEMANDS AND NEEDSThis Plan meets the demands and needs of individuals who wish to have benefi ts towards the cost of their private medical treatment in-hospital, now and in the future.

COMPENSATIONHMCA Insurance Limited is covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). You may be entitled to compensation from the scheme in the unlikely event that HMCA Insurance Limited cannot meet its obligations. This depends on the type of business and circumstances of the claim and would provide cover for 100% of the fi rst £2,000 and 90% of the remainder of the claim without any upper limit. Further information about compensation scheme arrangements is available from the FSCS. (www.fscs.org.uk - telephone 020 7741 4100.)

HMCA/S PLC, trading as Hospital & Medical Care Association, HMCA and HMCA Members is an intermediary and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, reference no. 307587. This can be verifi ed by visiting the FCA’s website https://register.fca.org.uk or by contacting the FCA on 0800 111 6768.

COMPLAINTS PROCEDUREIf you have a complaint, please write to The Directors of HMCA Members, Beech Hall, Knaresborough, Yorkshire, HG5 0EA. If you are dissatisfi ed with the response you should write to HMCA Insurance Limited, 33/2 Cannon Lane, Gibraltar, GX11 1AA. If after their review you are still dissatisfi ed, your complaint can be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service at Exchange Tower, Harbour Exchange Square, London E14 9SR.

THE DIRECT DEBIT GUARANTEE • This Guarantee is offered by all banks and

building societies that accept instructions to pay Direct Debits.

• If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit, HMCA/S PLC will notify you three working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request HMCA/S PLC to collect a payment, confi rmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request.

• If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit by HMCA/S PLC or your bank or building society, you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society.

• If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when HMCA/S PLC asks you to. You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society. Written confi rmation may be required. Please also notify us.

WE ARE HERE TO HELPIf you wish to discuss your health care requirements or the Medical Starter Plan, please telephone our helpline on (01423) 799949 or fax on (01423) 866586 or write to: HMCA, Beech Hall, Knaresborough, Yorkshire HG5 0EA. Email: hmca@hmca.co.uk Website: www.hmca.co.uk Beech Hall, Knaresborough

I have nothing but praise for your Association. It is very reassuring for me to be able to use one of the leading eye surgeons in the world for my treatment for glaucoma. In this modern world how nice to deal with people with old fashioned values, long may you continue. I cannot thank you enough.

First Voice Magazine Reader, Derbyshire - March 2019

I would now like to say how happy and relieved I am to have become a member of the association. Of course, the subscription paid a part but it was the care and understanding that made me want to be a member and I cannot praise you enough for that.

RCN Bulletin Reader, Sussex - March 2019

We would both wish to thank you for the effi ciency and professionalism, but most of all, the kindness and friendliness displayed by all the staff who we have dealt with over the telephone at HMCA regarding recent claims.

GEM Motoring Assist Member, Denbigh - October 2018

Thank you. I sent in my bills less than a week ago and have already received a full settlement. I have dealt with insurance companies before and HMCA are the best I’ve come across in my time. I am very appreciative for the support from HMCA and will be sure to tell everyone I meet and also other members of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.

Professional Engineering Reader, Surrey - September 2018

I write to say how impressed and appreciative I am regarding the staff of your Organisation. Whenever I make contact, every person I speak with is unfailingly polite, helpful and approachable. I always feel I am an individual client, not simply a number.

Freemasonry Today Reader, Warwickshire - April 2019

Beech Hall Circa 1737

READER OF FREEMASONRY

TODAY

READER OF FIRST

VOICE

READEROF RCN

BULLETIN

READER OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING