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SAGA
read our review of Saga. Not just a large insurer, but a multi-faceted business offering services across the world. Read about their awards, claims history, background and legacy.
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Health insurance reviewSAGA Review
Saga is known for insurance aimed at people aged 50 and over. This is an informational review: we do not arrange Saga policies. We can compare an existing Saga policy with alternatives from our panel. Eligibility to buy cover does not mean existing conditions are covered; benefits depend on the particular policy and underwriting.
But is it right for you? Well, we're going to help you decide.
In this review, we'll take a look at Saga's history, the benefits offered by each of its four health insurance plans, its technological innovations, and much more.
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Background and History
Established in 1951:
Saga began in 1951 with a focus on providing travel insurance and holidays to retirees. However, the company gradually became aware of a gap in the market for insurance products of all kinds, specifically tailored to the over-50s demographic.
Evolution and milestones
Saga offered motor and home insurance for the first time as it began to diversify beyond the market for travel insurance.
Saga began to offer cover for pets and private healthcare.
Saga has continued to expand and innovate, and has become a leading health insurance provider for over-50s in the UK. It competes with other popular UK health insurance providers such as Bupa Insurance Limited.
Health Insurance Plans
Support Plan
This is the most basic Saga Health Insurance plan. Some of the benefits it includes are:
Physicians', anaesthetists', and surgeons' fees.
Day-patient and in-patient treatment.
Nursing and operating theatre costs.
Access to the Saga GP Service.
Saver Plus Plan
The Saver Plus Plan is slightly more comprehensive than the Support Plan. It includes the same benefits as the Support Plan and other benefits such as:
Cover for the cost of mental health treatment.
Eligible diagnostic tests and specialist consultations, subject to the policy’s outpatient limits and terms.
Acupuncturist and therapist coverage.
Secure Plan
The Secure Plan is Saga's second-highest tier of health insurance. It includes all of the benefits of the previous two tiers as well as:
Cover for physiotherapist and practitioner charges.
Cancer treatment coverage, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Coverage for PET, MRI and CT scans (performed in a scanning centre listed in the Saga Countrywide Hospital List).
Super Plan
The Super Plan is the most comprehensive cover Saga Health Insurance provides. As well as all of the benefits included in the previous three tiers, it also includes:
Coverage for the price of a second opinion service.
Coverage for dental injuries (only available with the Super Plan).
Dental cash benefits for certain dental procedures.
Cover for ambulance transport.
Additional Health Benefits
Additional benefits vary by policy and version. The descriptions below should be checked against your own current policy documents.
Access to a Cancer Care Team that supports customers who have been diagnosed with cancer. The specialist team of nurses advise patients on treatment options and helps to coordinate their care.
Private GP access may be available under the selected Saga plan. Check the current service hours, eligibility and terms.
Prescription And Hospital Stay Benefits
Prescription and hospital benefits differ between policy versions. Check the current policy schedule, wording and insurer authorisation requirements.
Cancer benefits, including treatment and drugs, depend on the specific Saga policy version, limits and exclusions. Check your current policy documents rather than assuming full or unlimited cover.
Eligible planned treatment and hospital stays depend on the policy, hospital list, underwriting and exclusions. New and pre-existing conditions are not automatically covered. Obtain insurer authorisation before treatment.
Historical news
For the year ended 31 January 2024, underlying profit before tax in Saga's insurance broking arm fell to £39.8 million, down from £71.5 million in the previous period. The number of policies in force decreased by 9% to 1.5 million, citing a challenging environment and the impact of inflation. Approximately half of these policies were in motor insurance, and around 40% were in home insurance. Additionally, the over-50s specialist’s broking division experienced a £104.9 million hit to goodwill impairment during the year. However, broking gross written premium increased by 7.6% year-on-year to £606 million, driven by more than £390 million in motor insurance and £162.4 million in home insurance.
Support For Sustainability And Community
Environmental and sustainability initiatives
Saga Health Insurance is committed to disclosing climate-related risks and reducing its carbon footprint. As a result, it has a "B" score from the CDP.
All of Saga's local offices use installed photovoltaic systems, making them entirely energy-self-sufficient.
The company vehicles and operating machines used by Saga adhere to the strict Euro 6 emissions standards.
Community support initiatives
The Folkestone 10K, a yearly running event, is primarily sponsored by Saga.
Saga gives its employees paid volunteering days so that they can share their time and knowledge within their own communities.
Saga is a regular donator to various community charities.
Innovative Technology
Saga has long been renowned as an innovative insurance company. It implements the latest tech to ensure streamlined access for its customers and to provide cover in the most straightforward ways possible.
Here are some of the ways Saga uses innovative technology:
Guidewire Integration: Saga Health Insurance has integrated its systems with Guidewire. This automates processes like analytics, claims management, billing, and policy administration.
Digital Self-Service Portal: Customers can obtain Saga Health Insurance quotes through a digital self-service portal. This user-friendly tool makes it easy for customers to take out policies.
Awards And Recognitions
Saga Health Insurance has a 5-star rating from the independent financial information company Defaqto. While its health insurance services haven't specifically received any awards, Saga Insurance as a company has received several, including:
Gold Awards at the 2023 British Travel Awards: Singles Holidays, Best Travel Company for Escorted Group Holidays, Best Cruise Line for Luxury Holidays, and Special Occasions Holidays.
2021 Workplace Customer Success Awards: Won the Hybrid Working Award.
The Ministry of Defence's Employer Recognition Scheme 2021: Received the Silver Award.
Innovation In Healthcare
Saga Health Insurance continues to innovate within the private healthcare insurance space. One example of this is the Saga App which enables customers to access their health benefits easily.
The app is available on both Android and iOS and gives customers access to their account information and customer support.
Customer Reviews
On Trustpilot, 75% of the customer reviews give Saga a 5-star rating. Only 7% of customers gave Saga the lowest 1-star rating.
Many of the positive reviews mention the excellent customer service they received when dealing with Saga. On the other hand, a lot of the negative reviews focus on the fact Saga increased premiums without offering an explanation.
Still, overall, customers appear to be happy with the pricing, customer service, and user-friendliness of Saga's website.