Surrey County Council has re-tendered its private medical insurance (PMI) in order to provide a cheaper option for staff.

As of January 2008, the council will change its PMI provider from Bupa to Axa PPP Healthcare. Under the new scheme, staff have the option of purchasing PMI under a full medical underwriting scheme, whereby if they declare any long-term medical conditions such as back problems, these will be classed as exempt from the cover, thus lowering premiums. Staff will also be able to continue to take up an existing option which means they do not have to declare their medical history when signing up to the scheme.

The council hopes that the cheaper addition of the full medical underwriting scheme will give staff more incentive to purchase the medical insurance and take-up rates will increase.

Jayne Yates, senior policy and employment practice consultant, at Surrey County Council said “ Axa PPP Healthcare was a successful tenderer because they could provide a cheaper option for staff. We think this new option will be more attractive to younger staff.”

Of the council's 23,000 employees, 440 members of staff currently purchase the scheme through salary deduction, while further 450 senior teaching staff receive the benefit paid for by the organisation. The council hopes to increase take-up through the new scheme.