Chartwell Group’s recent introduction of Chartwell Healthcare may be a sign that IFA firms could be instrumental in the expansion of private medical insurance, Health Insurance and Protection has reported.

“We are confident that IFAs who commit to providing the relevant skills and experience required to operate within this marketplace will certainly help to grow the overall size,” said Les Keen, head of advisory at Chartwell.

The decision to create the healthcare division came in part from a desire on the part of Chartwell to avoid entering into introducer arrangements with PMI brokers.

“While we strongly believe in creating lasting partnerships with many organisations, it is important to us that these companies share our values and culture and provide a strong fit to our model,” added Keen. “When researching and preparing our entry into this market we did speak to a number of existing brokers, but were unable to find a business which gave us the fit we were looking for.”

Launched at the end of April 2008, the healthcare division of IFA and broker firm Chartwell aims to provide healthcare advice to individuals and businesses. Former Norwich Union Healthcare team member Gary Noble will now be at the helm of a 10-member group of healthcare advisers for the new Chartwell division. The newly formed group will target SME and corporate sectors, in addition to the individual and high net worth markets, Health Insurance and Protection further reports.