From Mr M. Jack
SIR,-The article by Jane Blyth entitled "Financial services for pharmacists" (PJ, May 20, p779) provided a comprehensive overview of a wide range of services. Perhaps I may be permitted to comment on the mention of permanent health insurance (PHI), which is, of course, invaluable, especially to owner pharmacists who still have to keep their businesses going in the event of illness? The article stated that policy holders "can elect to have payments commencing after one, three, six or 12 months of illness" and this is indeed correct in respect of the vast majority of PHI policies issued by proprietary insurance companies.
Pharmacists should, however, be aware that the Pharmaceutical and General Provident Society, a mutual society founded by pharmacists over 70 years ago and operated solely for the benefit of its members, provides such cover for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and assistants from day one of illness. In addition, unusually among PHI insurers, it also offers a retirement lump sum which is payable regardless of sickness record.
Malcolm Jack
Chief Executive, Pharmaceutical and General Provident Society Ltd, St Albans, Hertfordshire