Around 250 people attended a successful exhibition and conference organised by the Association of Medical Insurance Intermediaries (AMII) in June, as the industry came together to discuss ways of surviving and thriving in spite of the current recession.
The mood at the event was reassuringly upbeat, especially given recent speculation reported in Health Insurance about the potential downsizing in the private medical insurance (PMI) market.
Some commentators have said the PMI market could contract by more than 10% as individuals and companies tighten their belts during the current downturn.
However, intermediaries at the AMII event told Health Insurance that they have not yet witnessed major lapses predicted by some observers. In fact, PMI appears to be “recession proof”, many said, with consumers and companies more concerned than ever about looking after their health during depressed times.
The theme of the conference was “Promoting Professionalism” and the day was kicked off with an impressive presentation from Steve Jenkins of the Chartered Insurance Institute on that very note. AMII and the CII are working together on a professional qualification which will demonstrate the expertise of specialist intermediaries, so look out for details of that in future issues.
Health Insurance technical editor Andy Couchman then chaired a debate on the theme of professionalism, before delegates enjoyed an equally stimulating talk from motivational guru Jim Lawless.
Specialist seminars were well attended before the exhibition and conference was rounded off with a gala dinner which was headlined by king of cool, comedian Reginald D Hunter. Attendees then thoroughly enjoyed an evening of food, wine, song and dance.
LOOK OUT FOR…
Look out for the August issue of Health Insurance which will include a standalone SUPPLEMENT looking into some of the key themes discussed by insurers and intermediaries at the exhibition and conference.