"I had this minds-eye picture of the executives at BUPA screwing their eyes shut very tight and hoping I’d go away if they keep on ignoring me…"

Why was I Initially Refused Health Insurance?

Christine Burns Investigates why she was summarily refused cover by Britain’s largest and best known health insurer … a company that has suddenly undergone a miraculous change of opinion!

May 25th, 1997 (updated 28th June)

When a 43 year old woman who doesn’t smoke, doesn’t drink, isn’t overweight and hardly ever sees the doctor is refused private health cover by one of the country’s largest and best known insurers you may be forgiven for thinking there’s something a little bit odd about the decision.

When the woman in question can demonstrate that she has very rarely had a day off sick in 20 years of full time employment .. and when both her parents and grandparents can be shown to have enjoyed similarly good health, you might start to look a bit closer.

And when the company changes its’ mind and suddenly enrols her without a single restriction then you may begin to think that there was originally, perhaps, a little bit of prejudice at work.

prejudice (noun)
1. a. An adverse judgment or opinion formed beforehand or without knowledge or examination of the facts. b. A preconceived preference or idea.
2. The act or state of holding unreasonable preconceived judgments or convictions.
3. Irrational suspicion or hatred of a particular group, race, or religion.
4. Detriment or injury caused to a person by the preconceived, unfavorable conviction of another or others.