Ethical groups link with new healthcare plan; IN ASSOCIATION WITH Rensburg Sheppards.

MERSEYSIDE based healthcare cash plan provider Medicash has joined forces with the Cooperative, the UK's largest mutual retailer, in a deal that will allow shoppers to sign up to a healthcare cash plan in food and pharmacy stores across the country.

Co-op customers signing up in store or online can choose from a range of cash plan options from pounds 6.50 per month.

Medicash's move into retail and the association between the two companies comes at a time when more and more people in the UK are struggling to afford basic healthcare costs such as dental and optical checkups.

Sue Weir, chief executive of Medicash said: "The cost of healthcare in the UK is rising and, in the current economic climate, cash plans represent an affordable way for people to spread the cost of health treatment and gain peace of mind.

"Currently only 8% of the UK population have a cash plan so this new partnership with the Co-operative gives us the opportunity to communicate the benefits of Medicash products to a broader audience throughout the UK."

The partnership brings together two brands with strong ethical values.

Medicash is a not for profit organisation that makes significant charitable donations to the NHS and other health related charities.

"Ethical trading is at the heart of the Co-Operative group's business principles.

Patrick Allen, director of marketing for the Co-op, said: "Our association with Medicash is the result of a rigorous tender process."

CAPTION(S):

Patrick Allen of the Co-op with Sue Weir of Medicash