Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question that remains unanswered, please review our frequently asked questions. Simply search for a topic by entering in a keyword or phrase, or use the drop down menu to filter search results according to product areas.
If the answer you are looking for is not immediately available, please ask us a question and we’ll direct your enquiry to the appropriate department who will be in touch with you shortly.
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- Can anyone join Benenden Health Cash Plan?
No - Cash Plan membership is only available to people who are already members of The Benenden Healthcare Society aged 16 – 65 inclusive.
In addition to paying for your Society membership you will also be required to pay an additional premium if you wish to join the Benenden Health Cash Plan. For further information please review Choosing your Plan.
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- Does my age matter?
Any Benenden Healthcare member aged between 16 and 65 (inclusive) may join in their own right and the same rate applies regardless of age. Once you’ve joined, you will keep your cover beyond 65.
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- Are pre-existing conditions covered?
Pre-existing conditions are not covered under the Plan, and that includes those symptoms which were present before joining. We'll provide further information in your welcome letter, based on your medical information. Please note the rules about pre-existing conditions do not apply to our dental and optical category or to chiropody or podiatry treatment.
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- Can I change between the three benefit levels whenever I want?
Yes. As time goes by, you may find that a different benefit level better suits your needs. You can transfer from one to another at any time before you reach 70. You can decrease or increase your cover as your needs change.
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- When does my cover begin?
- Cover begins from the date printed on the certificate you’ll receive when you take out the Plan. Most benefits have a qualifying period of 3 months before claim can be made. For full details of all the qualifying periods please compare benefits.
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- Will I need a medical to join?
- No. Just answer a few questions about your health and we'll need you to complete and sign the application form.
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- Can I really join from as little as £1.95?
- Yes, because we are a not-for-profit organisation and we keep our rates as low as possible. £1.95 is the rate for our Value benefit level. Classic is £3.90 a week, with Advantage - our most comprehensive level - available at just £7.20 per week. And remember, one contribution rate covers you, your spouse or partner and any dependent children up to the age of 18. For further information please review the benefits table.
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- Can I claim for private treatment or does the Plan just cover NHS treatment?
You can claim for both. Benenden Health Cash Plan allows you to claim for a variety of healthcare treatments and therapies, some of which aren’t available under the NHS. And it doesn’t matter if you have an NHS dentist - you can still claim.
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- How often can I claim?
Claim periods are worked out on the ‘rolling balance’ principle. You can claim up to your specified maximum level within any consecutive 12 month period. There is no fixed term period - e.g. beginning and ending on the anniversary of joining or when you change plans or a calendar year.
The amount you have left to claim is calculated based on the date that each claim is paid. Once 12 months have elapsed since any claim, the amount claimed returns into the full balance available to be claimed. Further information on the rolling balance principle is provided in the attached PDF document.
A full policy summary and terms and conditions will be sent with your welcome letter.
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- How can I cover my family?
With the Benenden Health Cash Plan your spouse or partner and any dependent children up to the age of 18 are automatically covered under the one contribution rate. On completing your application form simply fill in their details and they will automatically be covered under your plan at no additional cost.
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