Simplyhealth cash plan case studies 2009

Ian, 48, an Aircraft Simulator Engineer from West Sussex

Ian joined the Simply Cash Plan in February 2007. Ian has his eyes checked once a year. He wears glasses and contact lenses for his astigmatism.

Being an Aircraft Simulator Engineer, it is essential that Ian keeps up to date with his eye health. Analysing small diagrams and working on small sections of an aircraft means his vision needs to be kept in good condition.

Ian believes that once you reach 40 years old, your eyesight can start to deteriorate, so it is more important then ever to attend regular eye tests. A small task but worth it for the benefit of good eyesight.

Ian pays £3.35 per week (£14.52 a month) to cover himself, his wife and two daughters on his Simply Cash Plan. This means that he can claim up to £100 a year towards dental treatment and check-ups, up to £100 towards optical, £100 for complementary therapies and the plan even covers for hospital stays (max 20 days/nights per year).

Carol, 46, from Sittingbourne in Kent

Carol joined the Simply Cash Plan in September 1993 through her employer. The plan meant that Carol could claim for everyday health costs and for those unexpected health costs, too.

Carol has an eye test every two years and her two sons have their eyes checked every six months. All family members wear glasses, with Carol's husband and 16-year-old son also wearing contact lenses.

Carol believes that regular check-ups are important as they can help detect any changes or abnormalities. Carol also thinks that having regular eye tests regularly can potentially make a big difference to your health by helping to detect more serious illnesses.

Carol urges people to have their children's eyes checked more regularly because it can ensure children don't suffer from poor eyesight.

Carol pays £9.60 a week (£41.60 a month) for her Simply Cash Plan which covers herself, her husband and two sons. This means that each member can claim up to £156 a year for optical, up to £176 a year for dental check-ups and treatment, £432 for complementary therapies and the plan even covers the family for hospital stays (max 20 days/nights per year).

Health insurance: Case study: November 2009