April UK - www.april-uk.com

I have paid into income protection for the past 4 years thinking that if I needed any time off work I would have some income, being self employed this is a matter of survival. Having just downloaded their claim form I am shocked to discover that my condition will be rectified quicker than it would take to fill out the claim form.

Foolishly I was led to believe that a STATEMENT OF FITNESS FOR WORK from my doctor would be sufficient evidence that I need to rest for a couple of weeks. Unfortunately I have now discovered that my accountant must fill in a TWO page declaration and I must revisit my doctor for him to also fill out a TWO page statement.

As it took a week to get a doctors appointment and I am unable to drive to my accountants 15 miles away, I will probably be back to work before I get the paperwork in order. Had I known this or more to the point not been led to believe that a SHORT-TERM claim was a simple process I would have bought my insurance elsewhere.

I feel very angry that I was misled and quite frankly ripped off.

I would strongly advise anyone considering this kind off cover to research the claim process before entering into a contract.

All seemed good, very reasonable monthly premiums, then when you claim you realise why and what you have not been told.

Wife had a double cataract operation total bill £2000 April UK would only pay £1458.60 and that they say is with a 10% goodwill gesture thrown in.

The short fall to be paid by myself a 25% short fall of £541.40 plus £100 agreed excess and I even had to pay £22.20 for the eye drops.

When challenged they suddenly come up with a reasonable rates scale, this is not told to you or explained at time of policy sale, it only comes to light when you claim and challenge why they are paying so little.

I had An Inspire policy, I went to a spire hospital, to which they say in there brochure they have an excellent relationship and are able to negotiate down costs and this is passed onto the customer in the nature of cheaper premiums.

I experienced no such negotiations I was only told there was a short fall of £541.40 and for the operation to go ahead I would need to email them to confirm I would pick up the short fall, as everyone knows we are not at a hospital for fun so the one arm up the back saying comes to mind.

I for one would like to know where they get there reasonable rates scale from as I searched the internet for a general costing of cataract operations and it can not be done for what they offer to pay, if this applies across all operations let alone cancer treatment, which they make a big play on in particular when selling the policy then this is a serious failing from April Uk for not explaining short falls apply and there brochure shows all boxes ticked across the board as PAID IN FULL, which should say (subject to).

This policy could leave you desperate subject to your personal bank account or bankrupt you, I believe it was mis sold to me I have complained and am awaiting their reply to my claims before if I have to take it further.

From the very beginning the things didn't go smoothly.

The paperwork that was supposed to be sent to us straightaway did not arrive.

I have to chase for it twice.

When it arrived there were no specific terms in the contract related to our conditions, all very generic.

Asked this question - no reply from the company representative.

I was referred for an X-Ray by my GP, contacted April UK, was sent further formas for complete and scan, sent all to them and haven't heard back for 2 (TWO) weeks. By that time had my X-ray done via NHS.

Then they called me with further questions.

I informed them that such service was unacceptable from a private health insurance company and canceled our plan on the spot.

It took them a further two weeks to send a letter confirming our cancellation.

Appalling service.