Digital Hearing Aid Insurance?

Hello

I have 2 digital hearing aids, can anyone advise any good places for insurance on them, thanks

Andrew

They would be coverable under a house hold insurance policy. You would need more than just basic contents policy you would need accidental damage policy would do but out & about shopping, travel et you would need personal belongs cover.

I think all the options have been well described here, the key to which one to chose is to answer two questions: What kind of coverage do I want, and if my HA got eaten by my dog, do I love it enough to replace it with the same kind of HA?

Homeowners insurance is the cheapest, but it will only cover loss or theft, not damage. ESCO has different levels of coverage, some that cover damage but exclude normal wear and tear. The manufacturer's insurance is also good, but then you are somewhat financially locking into that manufacturer. If you love your HAs, that isn't a problem, but if you think you might want to be changing manufacturers in a couple of years, then buying a five year extended warranty on your current HAs might not be the best option.

For my daughters Oticon hearing aids, I carry top of the line ESCO coverage -- she's a kid (i.e. more likely to damage them). For my HAs (which are her hand-me-down Phonak Claros) I don't carry any insurance at all -- I could replace one on EBay for about $300, and the insurance was about $180 per year for two, because the premium is based on the retail price to replace them, not their fair market value.

Here is a website that has links to many companies that offer insurance for hearing aids. You have to scroll almost to the bottom, but there's a whole section on it. Good luck!!

http://www.listen-up.org/haid/hear-aid.htm

I have been a hearing aid dispenser for 24 years.
All hearing aids sold in the US are provided with a warranty consisting of several different provisions. One provision is called Loss & Damage and another provision is called Repair.The Warranty Period can be either 1,2,3,4,or 5 years.
Sometimes the Repair Provision is provided for a longer period than the Loss & Damage Provision. The Loss & Damage provision usually allows for a 1 time replacement of the hearing aid. Usually only a declaration that the hearing aid is out of the possession of the owner, for any period of time, regardless of the reason, is sufficient for replacement of the hearing aid. With the advent of Digital Hearing Aids, Manufacturers started charging a nominal fee for such replacement. Usually less than $200 regardless of the model or level of the hearing aid. The Dispenser (whatever their title) usually adds a nominal fitting fee of $150 to the $200 replacment cost for their services. The total replacement amount is usually $350 per each aid replaced.
There is never a charge for any type of electronic repair during the stated repair warranty period. The Damage Part of the Loss & Damage Provision means if the shell or the faceplate is damaged in any way, such as being crushed,chewed,cracked,as long as the faceplate is intact and the existing electronics can be re-used, it is not charged as a replacement and there is no limit as to the amount of times the hearing aid claim as "Damaged" can be made and there is never a charge by anyone involved.
If in fact the warranty has expired on the existing hearing aids,and as long as they are in working order, then a Replacment Warranty Plan can be purchased through various Companies. Some Companies sell the stated Provisions separately or in combination. My advice is to buy the combined plan. The Dispenser pays a wholesale price and can charage whatever the traffic will bare. Check around for price. Also obtain, in writing, what if any charges will be levied in the event of a claim.
Starkey Labs has a Division called PBS headed by a man named Russ Ferrin who can answer any further questions you may have. His toll free number is 800-328-8602.

Add them to the All Risks/Personal Possessions section of your household contents insurance. Also, if you haven't already done so, combining the buildings & contents under one policy will allow you additional discounts under both sections and also means only 1 excess is payable in the event of a claim affecting both sections.

Absolutely. There are extended warranties available through the manufacturer. Some dealers don't offer that service, for obvious reasons. For actual insurance, Esco is the only one I know of, that offers coverage to individuals to insure their aids. They have a 'platinum' plan, which covers loss, damage & repair. Their gold plan covers repair only. The cost depends on the make & model of your aid. If you're worried about loss & damage some home-owner insurance cover aid, if they're damaged @ home.
Check out the Esco website. http://www.earserv.com/plans.htm

Are they not covered by your house insurance.

Try an insurance brokers office, Swinton etc

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