The Council of Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI) has allayed fears of customers that the decision to suspend services of certain health insurance companies would affect individuals who have obtained valid health insurance cards before the suspension. The clarification came after the CCHI asked some insurance firms not to issue insurance cards. "These companies have violated the agreements signed with them and they issued fake cards," it added. The council has given a link on its website for individuals and firms to make complaints about health insurance service providers in the Kingdom. Those who have complaints can upload documents and evidences through the website to prove that the company had refused service. The council objected to the move by some companies to reject treatment for obesity. However, it pointed out that obesity would not be covered by health insurance only when a patient reaches the stage that threatens his/her life. A well-known insurance company issued a statement following the suspension of its services by CCHI saying it would continue issuing insurance cards to potential customers after correcting its status and vowed to provide health insurance service in the right manner. "The present ban is on issuing new insurance cards," the company said in comments published by Al-Hayat Arabic daily. "It will not affect the services being provided to the current customers and their rights. The present customers can renew their cards by adding or deleting services." The company reiterated that it would abide by the terms and conditions of the agreement signed with its customers. "The company is trying to have a meeting with CCHI to discuss the suspension issue and is committed to avoiding situations that would lead to suspension of services." Ibrahim Salama, manager of an insurance company, said the CCHI suspended services of some companies to protect the interests of customers. "Most of these customers belonged to major companies who have signed big contracts with insurance firms. The suspension did not create any problem because the companies continue to provide their services to their clients holdING valid cards. When their cards expire, they can approach other companies for the service." He added: "Defamation is one of the forms of punishment to be imposed by CCHI on violating companies. The Ministry of Commerce and Investment also considers defamation as a punishment. Defamation ends the presence of a company in the market as it would affect its reputation."
