BUPA Ireland has reached agreement with five hospitals in Northern Ireland for cover of its members. Essential Plus scheme subscribers are now covered for treatment in Altnagelvin, Derry; North West Independent Hospital, Derry; Ulster Independent Clinic, Belfast; Daisy Hill, Newry, and Royal Victoria, Belfast.

In addition, BUPA will provide cover for consultant fees for treatment received at these hospitals. It will pay hospital charges, less £100 for each claim, on the Essential Plus scheme, while Gold members are fully covered. BUPA's managing director Mr Martin O'Rourke says: "This means that BUPA Ireland members, particularly those in Border counties who wish to avail of the acute hospital services in the North of Ireland are now covered." This 18-month agreement is effective until 2001.