Back to school time brings serious financial strain for parents

87% of parents say back to school costs are a serious financial strain
Health insurance from Aviva has reduced the cost of Level 2 Hospital Plan

Tues, 24th August 2010: A recent survey* by Aviva has highlighted the major financial pressures which many families in Ireland face around the annual Back to School time. 87% percent of parents who responded admitted they find themselves feeling serious financial strain at this time of year. Interestingly, 48% of respondents said they had not taken any holiday this year due to their overall financial situation, while 30% admitted they would take a family holiday if they had no back to school expenses.

74% percent of parents surveyed said books and stationery were the most expensive Back to School cost. The survey revealed that it costs between €200 and €300 per child to fund books, uniforms and other Back to School necessities.

To help with the financial burden, Aviva has announced details of a reduced cost on Level 2 Hospital, meaning the price for a family of four (two adults and two children) will drop from €2,030 to €1,750 from August 30th for a limited period. This price reduction comes at a time when parents are feeling the strain more than ever due to the extra costs of kids going back to school in late August and early September.

Vanessa Hartley, Marketing Director, Aviva said that the survey results highlighted the extent of the financial pressures that parents in Ireland face. “Our survey results show the constant strain that families are under. By reducing the cost of our Level 2 Hospital Plan, we hope to ease that financial burden in some way.

She added: “There are no gimmicks around this offer and this is an easy to understand plan with no hidden excesses. There is access to more hospitals, treatment and scan centres than our competitors and, as with all of Aviva health insurance plans, a dental package comes as standard.”

For more information on the survey and on Aviva Level 2 Hospital Plan, visit the Aviva website

ENDS

Notes to Editor:
* The survey was conducted on Avivahealth.ie at the end of July / start of August 2010. Total survey participants: 559

For further information, please contact:
Iris Cribbin, Fleishman-Hillard - 01 6188439 / 087 414 2881
Julian Davis, Fleishman-Hillard - 01 6188423 / 086 253 1269