As the cost of health insurance goes up and up, newcomer MoonGate Insurance Group aims to fill the service gaps for locals on the most basic packages.

Its latest step, using an affiliate company in the United States, has resulted in MoonGate adding an entirely United States-based package.

The link with Welldyne Inc gives residents access to discount pharmaceuticals, dental treatment, glasses and services such as X-rays, MRIs and the mammogram screening that dominated recent headlines.

“We’re really excited with this offering — we really feel this is a significant addition,” Leon Bascome, MoonGate’s CEO, told The Royal Gazette. “This gives you a network of over 410,000 US locations that you can go to.

“On the prescription side, there are 59,000 locations — the likes of CVS, Walmart, Walgreens and Duane Reade — and there are 80,000 dentists. It’s a massive network. Some people might think we’re taking away from the local market, but everyone travels. This will give extra benefits and discounts to people travelling in the US.”

MoonGate, which launched in 2013, specialises in filling coverage gaps.

It ties in with the basic packages Health Insurance Plan (HIP) and FutureCare, and also links to the Medical Air Services Association for emergency relocations. It is additionally an agent for the Freisenbruch-Meyer Group.

As a testament to its growth, the company just took on business development officer Hope Johnson from the Health Insurance Department, and Caroline Mulholland for customer care and administration.

With Bermuda’s insurance market growing more competitive, Mr Bascome said more options are emerging. “Pricing that has traditionally been out there is getting a bit out of reach from some, so it’s up to an entity like us to bring additional products to the market without a huge increase in costs,” he said.

MoonGate’s focus is different from private insurers, Ms Hope added: “We target the co-payments and obtain better discounts.”

Bermudians travel frequently to the US where the option for purchasing through the company’s WellCardHealth programme includes buying prescription drugs, Ms Mulholland said — adding: “Prescription drugs are also duty free.”

In addition, the deal with WellCard gives Bermudians access to 80 different hearing aid models and discounted diabetic supplies, Mr Bascome said.

“We focus on covering the gaps, and we seem to be forging ahead in that market.”