On Friday, 27th May, National Caribbean Insurance in Anguilla introduced its new Platinum and Gold Health Insurance Plan on the grounds of its office in The Valley. The new plan is designed to benefit both individuals and groups.
The event was chaired by Mr. Alkins Rogers. After Pastor Iton Connor offered the opening prayer, the Honourable Premier, Dr. Ellis L. Webster, in his capacity as Minister of Health, made a brief comment as he welcomed the new plan: “Today, I am pleased to be here as Minister of Health to witness the launching of National Caribbean Insurance’s new individual and group health plans. Certainly, we understand that the health of nation is the wealth of a nation.
“Today, we have lots of non-communicable diseases, chronic diseases, which are affecting our people. So, seeing that healthcare costs so much these days, it is good when an insurance company sees the need, with good business sense, to come into the jurisdiction to provide that insurance that gives us some peace of mind in times when sickness strikes.”
The Premier expressed thanks to National Caribbean Insurance for being a good corporate citizen and for “being here for the people of Anguilla.”
Local Branch Manager, Mrs. Vernice Richardson, provided background information on National Caribbean Insurance and made some remarks on the introduction of the new plan: “National Caribbean Insurance Company (NCI) Ltd. was incorporated in 1973, and is a member of the National Group of Companies of St. Kitts,” Mrs. Richardson reflected. “NCI comprises three branches with the head Office in St. Kitts and Branch Offices in Nevis and Anguilla.
“We are dedicated to providing insurance products that give peace of mind and quality protection at affordable prices. To achieve our goals, NCI will establish essential partnerships with our clients, our staff and our sister companies, in order to enhance and advance its interests and goals of each party.
“Our main objective is to ensure that our customers are happy, bearing in mind that happiness builds confidence, and confidence results in loyalty. Our success will be measured by our clients’ choice of us, due to the confidence that they place in our ability to meet or exceed their expectations.”
Mrs. Richardson continued: “In my capacity as a Branch Manager, today I am pleased to introduce to you our new platinum and gold health plans and to raise awareness of the necessity of health insurance…
“This insurance product has the potential to change the lives and health status of many people, companies and our government. NCI’s management and employees have been working tirelessly throughout the past year to ensure the success of this launch today…
“The rising prevalence of lifestyle illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, stroke and heart attack — among both young and old in Anguilla — are a major source of concern. The absence of a family history of these disorders does not safeguard against these health problems. In today’s fast-paced world, one must always be prepared for a medical emergency. This is where a solid health insurance coverage would be of necessity…”
She continued: “We are well aware of the current economic challenges on our island. This means that we have to be proactive and consider health insurance in the event of unpredictable or unwelcome health related occurences. Our sales consultants are willing to assist all those who are desirous of putting themselves in a better position by receiving health benefits with our new platinum and gold plans. NCI is ready and capable of serving you. As our motto clearly states, ‘We serve, we protect, we satisfy. That is NCI.”‘
Mrs Richardson then yielded to the Acting General Manager of National Caribbean Insurance, Mr. Ryeburn Boyce, who provided a comprehensive overview of the new platinum and gold plans:
“Today, 27th May, is a very exciting day for us at National Caribbean Insurance Co. Ltd.,” he said. “Personally, I am very excited and pleased because it has been a long journey for us to get to this point, and we are finally here…It must be noted, while we are launching these products here in Anguilla, that Anguilla is privileged to be the first to take advantage of these products. They have not yet been launched in St. Kitts nor Nevis as yet…”
He interjected that NCI has been committed to loyally providing health insurance services to Anguilla since 1979, with its branch office being established in 1981. He pledged that NCI continues to be committed to serving Anguillians. He commended the Anguilla market, saying: “I would like to say to all insured in Anguilla that you have been sincere, and we thank you for supporting NCI over the years, as we stand to support you as the number one health insurance company in St.Kitts and Nevis.”
“Our new platinum and gold plans,” he went on, “are branded as the NCI Well-Care Health Plans. They consist of group as well as individual health plans. These plans are designed to meet the needs of corporate entities, as well as individuals who desire a comprehensive health insurance plan to provide extensive coverage against planned and unplanned medical events, whether locally or abroard.
“These plans provide two levels of coverage,” Mr. Boyce noted. “First, there is the platinum plan which provides coverage of up to EC$1,000,000. Then there is the gold plan which provides coverage of up to EC$500,000 in coverage. These are comprehensive major medical plans. This means that they have specific features which are important to ensure their sustainability and their longevity.”
He continued: “Imbedded in these plans are some cost-sharing measures which are intended to ensure that the periodic premiums paid remain as low as possible. These premiums are both attractive and affordable. The plans also have innate characteristics that are meant to prevent their over-utilisation.
“The plans carry benefits which cover all areas of health, such as doctor visits, specialist visits, surgery, anesthesia, prescription drugs, diagnostic services, lab services, organ transplants, physiotherapy, air transportation and air ambulance services, just to name a few.”
“In addition to all of these services, one of the most important benefits which is necessary, in any health insurance plan, is preventative care benefits. This benefit allows the insured to visit their healthcare providers to carry out routine medical checks and services. These preventative care services may include anything from blood tests to pap smears, mammograms, prostate checks, and immunization for children.” He said the plans also offer dental and vision coverage.
Mr. Boyce mentioned that the company has worked closely with its actuary to ensure that its premiums are as affordable as possible for the vast number of benefits that are provided under these plans. Therefore, those who are thinking about taking advantage of the platinum or gold plan have no need to bother about high premiums.
He encouraged those in the health insurance market to come in to the National Caribbean Insurance office and speak with one of its friendly sales representatives or call the office at 497-2865.
