Smart Investor analysed comprehensive hospital and extras plans from the 23 private health insurers that are open to the public in its December edition, and ranked Peoplecare as the top open fund in the country.

Smart Investor assessed the health funds on a number of criteria, including percentage of hospital expenses covered, number of hospitals the fund has agreements with, benefits paid out as a percentage of member contributions and the extent of the fund’s management expenses.

Peoplecare achieved outstanding results, with the report finding the fund offers good value for money for young singles, growing families and mature couples alike.

Chief executive Michael Bassingthwaighte described it as a great outcome.

‘‘And it comes soon after the very pleasing results achieved in our annual Member Satisfaction Survey, where 95.5 per cent of members said they were happy with their cover and service,” Mr Bassingthwaighte said.

‘‘Members identified customer service and value for money as key areas of satisfaction, and this is borne out in the Smart Investor analysis.’’

“While our annual survey consistently shows a high level of satisfaction among our members, we review all the feedback we receive with a view to continually improving our services."