Pruhealth gym loophole Article Discussion

bargainseeker100

most probably will join the university gym where I work, will cost the same (£25 pm) for me there but with less facilities where I go now (nuffield city branch) - no free towels, pool, sauna

norris7

russell07 wrote: »

I've just received my letter this morning

Its very sad news as I've been regularly going to the gym most mornings before work and have really enjoyed the benefits that brings.

Fortunately mine won't expire until September 2010, but after that I guess it will be runs in the rain and press ups in the bedroom...

My premium (with gym fees) will be increasing from about £4 per month to about £40 a month, so needless to say it will be nigh on impossible to continue financially.

Clearly without this I won't be able to build up enough points to enjoy any reward, so it will be goodbye PruHealth.

It has been a great scheme, and I imagine everyone taking part will be immensely disappointed that PruHealth has decided to go from one extreme to the other on this, and ignoring the fact that the previous system (where more frequent gym goers received lower gym fees) acted as both an incentive on cold wet dark mornings, aswell as benefitting PruHealth by less frequent claims by these individuals.

It would be interesting to hear what others' plans are in terms of alternative fitness activities? Morning Jogs? Tennis/Squash Clubs? Home gym? Cycling? Retain a gym membership/PruHealth Scheme?!

So long pru... thanks for everything... its a shame it had to end this way...

I'm with you on that one! I joined the scheme when it first started, and it's taken me two years to build up to platinum level, and therefore get the highest discounts. This is the second time they've changed the T&Cs as it started off by being 'gym membership for £5 a month'. I for one will not be renewing when my contract is up, and it's no longer a financially beneficial option for me. It's pretty outrageous for a company to have a product that is based on loyalty and building up points, and then keep changing the goal posts??

Thanks but no thanks Pru!

robinspa

The cynical side of me thinks that they have lots of medical data from members (due to various heath and fitness tests people did in order to get up to platinum) and now they crank up the price. I will be cancelling my gym membership as the monthly cost will quadruple, I'll also be cancelling my insurance with PruHealth.

There is a PruHealth Facebook page which I encourage you to complain on:

[facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&gid=68564500379

and also their official complaint page here:

pruhealth.co.uk/medical/health/insurance/members/contact_us

runningupthathill

Thanks for the links to the Pruhealth facebook page - shall certainly add my support to a mass protest against this uncharacteristically crude blanket policy they're introducing.

What has happened to undermine pruhealth's innovative and brilliant pro-preventative health policies and efficient service in recent months? Do they have new, less effective managers - introducing short-sighted savings to please equally short-sighted shareholders?

I used the on-line chat facility to complain this afternoon and was told that there is currently no plan to review this new policy. The pruhealth rep said that the review board meet fornightly to discuss issues. I suggest everyone affected by this new policy contacts pruhealth via on-line chat and demands that their complaint is presented at the next review meeting. Maybe they will listen if protest is strong enough.

Pruhealth currently argue that too many platinum members have been achieving platinum status with exercise alone - and no screening. Fair play - screening IS important. But that's no reason to remove free gym benefits for those who make the effort. Instead, why not increase the points needed to achieve platinum - and make it mandatory that those extra points must be gained via screening?

bargainseeker100

they are increasing platinum to 2400 (from 2000) for a single person

digispacedesigner

Yes, received my letter today outlining the removal of incentives to customers to stay in shape. I'm sure the clubs and associated businesses are feeling the pinch and elected to deny Pru the great terms we have all enjoyed. Business is business and as I'm sure many health clubs have lost truckloads of customers due to the recession, this will ensure they lose many more. I would be surprised if any wise money savers choose to continue with them now. Watch the race to the exits! Its just a shame that such a good initiative has been shelved. I'll miss the gym, but hey - its been a great two years - I'll be getting the wii fit out and running and cycling outdoors instead. brrrrr humbug ye ebaneza pruge

Musicman

brownbabygirl wrote: »

I am considering Watchdog

I think this should be reported to Watchdog, certainly will give them bad publicity as to the shoddy way they are dealing with their customers.

sacherlover

runningupthathill wrote: »

Pruhealth currently argue that too many platinum members have been achieving platinum status with exercise alone - and no screening. Fair play - screening IS important. But that's no reason to remove free gym benefits for those who make the effort. Instead, why not increase the points needed to achieve platinum - and make it mandatory that those extra points must be gained via screening?

This argument does not make logical sense.

They are already increasing Platinum from 2,000 to 2,400 points. However, at the same time they are taking away the category limits. I have usually exceeded many of category limits half way through my policy year, yet under the new rules I will continue to collect points all year through.

Also, if it is screening that they want to encourage - why (even as Platinum) have Full Health Screens increased from £25 to £55 and now we are told that it will be a maximum of 50% costing around £250.

sacherlover

Musicman wrote: »

I think this should be reported to Watchdog, certainly will give them bad publicity as to the shoddy way they are dealing with their customers.

There have been lots of mutterings on this thread, however has anyone actually taken action?

At least I reported PruHealth to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) - even if the ASA said they couldn't deal with it...

Quentin

Reporting them to the media/authorities just because they have made a business decision you don't like is pointless.

Just as you weren't committed to paying your premiums for life, they were equally entitled to change their conditions (as long as they do so in line with the contract, which they do seem to be doing)