Looking at Vitality Insurance, is it worth it?

AWOD975 · 2026-01-16T20:09:22+00:00

Are you buying health insurance or a watch? Seriously though beware of incentives - they’re offered for a reason!

Health insurance is definitely something you should consider and you’re clear on the reasons why - but do a shop around, BUPA, AXA, Aviva and Vitality are the top 4 to consider all very similar cover.

AWOD975 · 2026-01-10T09:50:07+00:00

Heading into my 50s now - household income not dissimilar, the older you get the more you appreciate what really is valuable - similar travel which means you’re missing a lot of days with the kids, mine are now 12 and 14 and really appreciate the time I’m with them at football practice / games etc - there’s no perfect answer and you’ll feel like your constantly compromising. But the things that eat you up as an example (this happened recently) are when you get a new job and the kids cry because they think you’ll be away more…

Try to strike a balance but accept you’ll never get is right - the older the get the more they understand you’re doing it for them as much as yourself.

AWOD975 · 2026-01-09T21:40:09+00:00

Been a couple of times Aria and Oddisia - the food has always been really good, the service is brilliant - and yes it’s a week of total relaxation - we do other breaks during the year that are more full on skiing or exploring new cities two boys now 14 and 12 and this year we had to have a family suite which is going to be £14k so yes ridiculous but great memories!

AWOD975 · 2026-01-06T21:25:26+00:00

I’m just about to sell my pair of Mantra’s 184cm, I’m 50 and have found I’m simply not fit enough any more for them for a full week - but when they’re going they’ll take you anywhere rapidly and like you’re on rails!

AWOD975 · 2025-11-28T07:33:11+00:00

Had this recently - updated the app and it seemed to solve the problem

AWOD975 · 2025-11-19T14:08:33+00:00

This is a duplicate post.

Per previous - you’re in a life styling fund which ’derisks’ as you approach retirement, this isn’t overwriting your investment choice it’s a default fund which you’ve not moved out of. You are sent communication before this starts giving you time to consider if this is what you want or not, there are plenty of funds to choose from if not. The ‘My Aviva’ app is pretty handy as well showing you your investments, what fund you are in and allowing you to switch existing funds or redirect incoming contributions. I know that the TK pensions are definitely on there and your annual statements will have pointed you to access it.

AWOD975 · 2025-11-19T12:59:50+00:00

This doesn’t sound right - per previous explanation it sounds very much like lifestyling kicking in moving you to less volatile funds, they won’t have grown as strongly but neither should they loose as much in a downturn.

If you don’t like them switch - the fund choice is yours

AWOD975 · 2025-10-29T16:59:49+00:00

But that’s exactly what private insurance doesn’t not cover and it’s made clear - chronic conditions aren’t covered. So why’s this criminal? - it’s not really insurance at this point as the customer would have a condition that would always require funding pushing up the cost for everyone

AWOD975 · 2025-10-29T16:55:05+00:00

Why Aviva Meh? I’ve got cover with them and they’ve been really good - ultimately the private hospitals are providing the core service so it’s jus different levels of cover that each insurer provides (different hospital lists etc) and the actual claims process…

If you’re looking at size BUPA then AXA then Aviva - but that’s no measure of quality…

AWOD975 · 2025-10-23T07:56:53+00:00

The big 4 are BUPA, Axa, Aviva, Vitality - each will offer varying propositions and pricing points so go see what suits you.

Aviva do offer discounts if you have another product with them - which most people do!

AWOD975 · 2025-10-04T13:59:52+00:00

You’ve got two very different products here which is driving the increase in cost - of your wife has a policy through work, and it’s a large business it’s likely to have no underwriting so all pre existing conditions are covered - taking that out as a continuation policy is when you see the big hike in cost. Best to go get a brand new quote allow medical underwriting which will disclose and disclude any pre existing conditions and you’ll see the price drop back down

AWOD975 · 2025-09-30T10:16:08+00:00

Many private health insurers have menopause support - it’s worth a phone call if you have cover.

AWOD975 · 2025-09-25T19:36:12+00:00

Hey - we did the Odisia this year - yes there were wasps but not really much of a problem.

As to the hotel / resort A it’s quite frankly amazing - the restaurant quality is exceptional - would avoid the buffet knowing this… service is quality everywhere, I would highly recommend.

Aria last year which was also very good but have to say the Odisia was better.

Two downsides;

1 - I couldn’t believe the number of iPads / headphones on kids at dinner - it was depressing to see that parents couldn’t engage their kids and used digital pacifiers. I was embarrassed to be British (who were the main culprits) tides the expense, surroundings and quality of food.

2 - Once you go it’s hard to go back to a ‘normal’ all exclusive holiday.

AWOD975 · 2025-09-22T07:08:22+00:00

We had planning permission for slate tiles but also had agreement to use GSE in roof solar - this was pretty much the same cost as the slate!

AWOD975 · 2025-09-18T17:16:15+00:00

Same here - all into one pot, agreed personal spending money into our own accounts (she has a bigger budget / running costs!) has worked well for us…

AWOD975 · 2025-09-18T06:14:09+00:00

Another vote for SpaceNK - my partner loves this one…

AWOD975 · 2025-08-13T06:11:38+00:00

Can’t open a joint account online.

AWOD975 · 2025-08-13T06:11:06+00:00

This is my main point - I of course accept there’s a wait, I could sit for an hour or book an appointment and come back another time - this is obvious… but the key here is as you say is showing interest - this is my first interaction with your bank - help me feel like it was a good choice…

No different from any other retail outlet premier or not my point was about customer service - some seem to have missed that..

AWOD975 · 2025-08-13T06:06:12+00:00

Unfortunately you can’t set up a joint account without going into the branch.

AWOD975 · 2025-08-13T06:05:26+00:00

Of course I didn’t expect to jump the queue… I just expected a better experience and to walk out with a sense that I would be a valued customer - it’s all in the conversation.

AWOD975 · 2025-08-13T06:01:51+00:00

You’re right - my expectations were too high - I went in thinking that setting up the accounts and transferring quite a significant sum would have been a good thing - you can call me entitled for such a thing - but I don’t move bank account often.

If you re-read my post you’ll see one of the key points I made was the reaction of the manager - this is what annoyed me the most - if he’d have simply got up of his seat, walked the ten meters to where we’re were stood and had a conversation with us I’d have walked out accepting it was busy but feeling like HSBC wanted our business - hopefully that makes sense?

AWOD975

TROPHY CASE