Oscars for The Health Insurance industry

The Grosvenor House Hotel hosted the annual Health Insurance Awards on 16th October 2008. The awards evening is often considered the Oscars for the industry, where providers and intermediaries are recognised for their contributions. All entrants have submitted their application to be considered for the award and a shortlist is then made for a panel of judges to adjudicate.

On the night of the awards three nominees for each award are announced with the winner being invited onto the stage to receive the award.

This year attracted the most ever entrants to the best Long Term Care Intermediary category, with over 140 people nationwide hoping to win this prestigous title. The winner of the award for 2008 was Karen Rayner, founding partner of The Wealth Care Partnership. Karen received the award from TV personality Justin Lee Collins and the Chairman of Partnership, Mr Ian Owen, sponsors of the Long Term Care intermediary category.

During the course of the evening I had a discussion with a senior member of Partnership who had been charged with making the shortlist for the judges to consider. I asked him what had impressed him enough to allow Karen to be nominated. He stated that Karen’s case study provided a well documented and clear description of the client process used by The Wealth Care Partnership, which showed the range of options considered on behalf of the client. Furthermore he added that the Guide to Care Fees Financial Planning created by The Wealth Care Partnership is clearly a valuable client publication that is informative without being patronising.

As her business partner for over 7 years and co-founder of The Wealth Care Partnership, I was immensely proud to see Karen win this award. Not only is it a just reward for Karen’s contribution to the industry but it is also an acknowledgement of the care she has for her clients. Karen carefully explains in detail all the benefits that each of her clients may be entitled to and shows respect and consideration when dealing with sensitive issues.

Karen has been in the financial services industry for 27 years but six years ago, decided to focus her efforts specifically on the financial planning needs of elderly people, an area of financial advice which requires a greater level of technical expertise, and additional qualifications not required by general practitioner IFAs.

Of her recent triumph, Karen says : “I am delighted to have won this award just over a year since our practice was set up to provide specialist advice to people needing to fund their own care fees. Arranging care for an elderly relative can be confusing, emotive and stressful for those concerned. There is a general lack of understanding about the financial implications of funding long term care. Sadly, many people could have protected their hard earned capital from erosion if they had been given the right advice and guidance at the beginning of the process.”

She adds: “It is for this reason, I have produced a simple 24 page guide and The Wealth Care Partnership provides a free helpline to those who are confused and worried about funding care.”

The Wealth Care Partnership was formed only 15 months ago and it is wonderful for our business that Karen has won this award so early in our development. It will help propel us to the forefront of Care Fees planning advice and give assurance to others who have not yet come across us that they will be advised by a team of advisers that includes the ‘Best Long Term Care Intermediary’ in the country.

All of us at The Wealth Care Partnership are very proud of you. Well Done Karen!!

Families looking for information on how to fund long term care for elderly relatives, should call the free Helpline on: 0800 652 8232. The Free Guide is also available on this telephone number.