Private Medical Insurance

jaxs

Through my work, I'm entitled to private medical insurance. The company pay for me and I opted to add my husband (so I pay for him out of my wages). I have been on the same level of cover for 13 years. I had my renewal notice come through last week and I noticed that the monthly amounts were quite different to what I had been paying. Called payroll to query this and they confirmed my level of cover was correct on one of their systems but on the other it showed I was actually receiving married cover instead of single.

They now tell me I owe them £750.00 (less tax - approx £600.00) as they have been giving me the wrong benefit since April 2007 (they've put it right going forward)!!! No claims were made between April 07 to date.

They can't take anything from my salary without my permission and want me to set up a repayment plan. I said I was going to speak to my manager first. His reaction was 'you re not paying - its historical and its their mistake'. He's gone directly to our HR Director but isn't back in until next week so i won't find out anything until then.

I know what I think but I'm curious as to whether they can insist I pay it back. The way I see it (rightly or wrongly) it was their mistake, why should I pay it back?

Thanks in advance for your comments/advice
Jaxs

SomeBozo

I can't see why "its their mistake" is a reason not to pay it back.

Its clearly an error. The company has noticed it and offered a payment plan (ie not wanting it in one go) and said they can't do it without your permission.

I would be trying to meet them halfway.

Bozo

jaxs

It was an error but who wouldn't try and NOT pay it back:p

To be honest, it was their tone that got my back up but if they insisted on a repayment scheme, of course I'd do it.

My boss is adamant that I'm not paying it. Maybe not quite the same context, but he was saying if a shop undercharges you, its their tough luck. In these circumstances he says, I received an enhanced benefit that I didn't request (and didn't know I was getting), I didn't use it so why should I pay.

I'd love for them to say 'oh silly us, never mind, we'll write it off' but I'm not sure which way it'll go. I'm just curious what others think.

Jaxs