Testimonials

The Chiron Association for Body Psychotherapists has been taking out professional insurance for its members as well as organisational insurance for itself through Balens for many years. We have never had cause to regret this, and feel very well looked after by Balens. Our members appreciate the good value and the flexibility of the scheme especially altering the range of therapies any one practitioner offers is remarkably easy. We can recommend the company to any organisation within the complementary health and psychological therapies field.

We met Joe Balen at the 2011 Yoga Show, and within two weeks, we co-created a new insurance package for our professional members that far surpassed what we were previously able to offer our members. It has been a real joy to work with Joe and the Balens Team. Their personal service and customer care are greatly appreciated!

Balens understanding of the profession of counselling and psychotherapy is a real bonus for practitioners. I have always found Balens to be efficient, helpful and competitively priced.

We have held a customised insurance scheme for our members through Balens for over 6 years. The scheme has been hugely successful and grown considerably over the last 6 years with many happy members. Balens have played a huge part in the success of the scheme, due to the competitive premiums offered, extremely wide cover, flexibility and help and guidance they have given us over the years. Balens personal and friendly service should be congratulated as it is so rare in this day and age. In 6 years of dealing with Balens we have had not one complaint from any member on the level of servicing offered by them and this should be commended. A great package and support network for any organisation looking to offer an insurance package to their members.

I am greatly indebted to Balen's Insurance for going beyond the norm and finding a way to serve me when I needed it the most. The type of customer service and integrity that was afforded to me by Balen's is rarely seen any more from any type of service oriented business. It seemed to me that I was treated more like a family member than a customer. My needs were met with proficiency and expediency and it is my pleasure to recommend Balen's Insurance company to you without hesitation and with my highest approval.

I have had professional insurance with Balens for the last 15 years and in that time there have been several instances when I've had to seek their advice. They have always been unfailingly efficient and very helpful. Recently I was required to serve on a Jury and after a swiftly answered call to Joe Balen discovered, to my surprise, my policy covered me for loss of earnings while I was on jury service. On several occasions the Ethics Committee of our professional association, CABP, has telephoned their legal helpline to clarify certain situations that have arisen and that is a very useful resource for us to have access to. I have stayed with Balens all these years because I feel they have insight into dilemmas that psychotherapists come up against in their practice. If ever a complaint is made against me, I would feel confident in their sensitivity and support.

Northwood Day Care Centre has used Balens Insurance Company for several years, and in all this time we have found them to be an excellent company to be a part of. Balens have also helped us in many areas and also many changes we have gone through over these years. Balens provide a simple but effective solution for our changing needs, we would highly recommend there professional Insurance cover and also there ongoing commitment of providing an excellent service to our charity's needs.

We have used Balens for many years in providing a block insurance scheme for our members and also having our Directors insured with them. I cannot recommend them highly enough. I have always found them efficient, helpful, knowledgable and they handle queries quickly. It is nice to deal with a 'human' organisation who are always on the end of a phone to help and seem to genuinely care about their customers and meeting their needs.

Having worked successfully with Balens for more than a decade I can honestly say that they are extremely good at what they do. Perhaps unsurprisingly they have arranged appropriate bespoke insurance cover for Pilates teachers, which is well designed, flexible, effective and good value. What sets them apart is the way they have delivered this essential service. From the outset David Balen was generous with his time and experience, offering advice and support to teachers wanting to apply a high standard of professionalism to their work. He made sure he understood the scope of their practice and what they needed, enabling him to provide not only suitable insurance cover, but also the advice and support to back it up. However, Balens are not a one man team, they may have grown, but have always maintained a high level of personal service. Joe Balen has been extremely helpful monitoring the the detail of the cover provided and suggesting possible alterations. The new website has made it simpler to renew a policy and access some of the supporting information, adding to the reassurance of having someone at the end of the phone to answer questions and offer advice. On numerous occasions I have been able to benefit from the the expertise available and look forward to many more years of excellent friendly service.

I am taking a much needed break after many years of practice so will not be renewing my policy this year. Balens has served my needs as a psychotherapist with a perfect balance of efficiency, warmth, and a clear and comprehensive policy that I cannot fault for the years I have been with you. The cost is very reasonable for such comprehensive cover, and, whilst this is an important factor, it is the consistent quality of service that I value;  a service that I can trust. I remember meeting David Balen at a conference/workshop with Ian Gordon-Brown and Barbara Somers, ...must have been at the beginning of the 80's.... Remember me to him.  love and very best wishes to you all. I send you a heartfelt thanks for the excellent service you have afforded me in my professional career. You are a business with heart! ...something that would transform the world if it caught on!

I have received clear and accurate advice from your legal team quickly when I needed it. really helped me.

We have been dealing with Balens for many years and they have always been very helpful and efficient. Their service is excellent.

After having been insured with another company over the past year, I am again thinking of coming back to Balens for my insurance, as the high customer service standards you provide are the best I have come across so far in your prompt responses and helpful manner.

Dear David, If I remember you correctly you have said that you are taking more of a back seat at Balens nowadays. However we thought you would like to know how very pleased we are with the service provided by all there. Although we tend to deal with Josh, Joe, Janet, Alison & Beverly, whoever we speak to is always very helpful. We know that our specific requirements tend to create extra work (we don't tend to fit into boxes) but we always get the help we need. Recently Josh has done a grand job re our swimming pool insurance, but like I say all at Balens do.

Joy you are a delight! Thank you very much. I have given your name and details to my friend. He is a Reiki Master and studying NLP at present. He didn't know who best to go to for insurance.....it's YOU!

WDP is a charity committed to helping all those affected by drug and alcohol use, including families and communities. We deliver services on behalf of local authorities across London and the South East and also raise funds to develop and improve the support we give, which means that we always have to be very cost conscious, so that as much money as possible is spent where it is needed, on front line services. We are celebrating our 21st anniversary this year and have grown tremendously over the last ten years. WDP has worked closely with Balens for many years, and we have always found the service to be exemplary. Not only does the team at Balens work hard to ensure that we get the best value for money, but we have always found we receive a very personal service from the team there, which means we have managed to develop very good working relationships. Balens have always worked hard to ensure they really understand our services, so that they can provide the best advice, and have always managed to adapt to our changing needs as our services grow, develop and change. Whenever we have had to make a claim, they have been extremely responsive and helpful.

Dear Mr Balen,
Thank you so much for your amazingly speedy reply!  We are thrilled by your news!  Yes please do keep us posted. We have always been so pleased by the kindness, courtesy and personal attention shown by Balens.  In a now rather rough and uncaring world it is a real treat and comfort to feel cared for and looked after which is what you do so well.  This may be especially so for women and it is a great comfort to feel that there would indeed be someone of this calibre at your back if, heaven forbid, they were needed. We shall be delighted to be insured by you again and  look forward very much to hearing from you in due course.

Since being founded in 1992, the Scottish Massage Therapists Organisation (SMTO) has been working with Balens. Balens has helped the SMTO to control the premiums for those members utilising the block insurance scheme, ensuring that they get the best deal for our members at renewal time each year. I also can¹t say enough about their exceptional customer service, when required they address all of our concerns and immediately take care of any problems or issues that arise, whether from the SMTO itself or its members. Over the last nearly 20 years we have developed a great partnership with Balens. The SMTO would highly recommend their services and is looking forward to continued development of this alliance in the future.

May I again praise Balens for your excellence in customer service. We often find ourselves in need to contacting you for our peace of mind and in every single occasion everyone in your company has replied with the outmost professionalism and care.

Many thanks to all at Balens. It must be the fastest amendment I have  ever experienced.

The Alliance of Private Sector Practitioners members have enjoyed the many benefits and peace of mind by being insured through an outstandingly professional insurance company, Balens, for many years.  The range of cover offered for numerous professions is second to none, which is invaluable for our members, many of whom are qualified in other practices.  The staff are knowledgeable, efficient and always friendly should you have the need to speak to them.  On behalf of the Alliance I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their outstanding support and look forward to a continued association for many years to come.

I have now retired from psychotherapy practice so don not need this insurance any more, I have found Balens a very good comapny to deal with and am sad that there is to be a parting of the waves!

I closed my clinic a couple of weeks ago so will not be renewing my weight loss business policy. Thanks for all your help in the past - we are very pleased with the home insurance policy you arranged and will keep this going, as it is very keenly priced.

Dental Maintenance Plan Ltd has been associated with Balens as an Appointed Representative for a number of years. During that time, we have found the Company, headed by David Balen, to be a delight to work with. They are approachable, innovative, always ready to listen and show interest in what we say regarding the development of new products or the upgrading of existing ones. All this is based on a firm foundation of honesty and integrity which is refreshing in today's financial business world. Every member of the team is accessible, friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. We would especially recommend that, any professional with a connection to the healthcare field who is uncertain of how, and/or where to procure insurance cover, to make contact with Balens. We look forward to many years of successful collaboration with David, Joe, Josh and the Team.

I wanted to take this quick opportunity to thank the whole team at Balens for all they have done for AIT and ABT as companies, but perhaps more importantly to me. The trust, respect and loyalty you have always treated me with. I have dealt with Balens since 2004 and a lot has changed in the last seven years....not least the AIT and ABT brands have grown and now look after over 9,000 individual clients. Clearly, a great insurance package was required first and foremost, but the growth was significantly assisted due to the support and guidance given by David.....I still remember the first trip David and I did, lecturing to colleges back in 2005 and driving the whole length of Ireland to show our support to training and education - good times! Over the last three years, Joe and Josh have helped me in the same ethical, moralistic way the business was founded on and I am sure David must be very proud of the level of expertise and service his sons provide. Brokers will always come and go, to a degree so will insurers and I have dealt with a lot over the years and can assure you, your level of service is second to none.There is no doubt in my mind that without the products, services and support of Balens my brands would not be where they are today and I have a tremendous amount to thank you for. In today's, FMCG world, we rarely take the time to offer thanks to those who helped us at the beginning, let along supported us all the way through ....so, please accept this brief letter as my way of saying 'thanks'!

Balens have provided ARCHTI (Association of Registered Complementary Health Therapists of Ireland) with a Practitioner, Public Liability, Malpractice and Products Liability Insurance Cover for our Members since 2005. We can honestly say that the high quality of service, professionalism, speed of response and personal attention we receive from all members of staff at Balens is beyond compare. We have a dedicated, efficient and trustworthy member of staff, Sue, appointed to take care of our Group Scheme and she will contact any of our Members personally if required to reassure them and look after their needs and even if she is away on holiday another member of staff will be there to help. We are never left alone and waiting for assistance. David Balen is a credit to his Parents who founded the Company and he has maintained a family tradition seldom found these days in business. His own sons, Joe and Josh are helping him carry on that tradition and his staff have great respect and fondness for him and the whole company treat us with the care and attention one would give to their own family. Balens have consistently provided our Members with very affordable premiums over the years and the level of Indemnity ensures that they are well protected for every eventuality. We can heartily recommend Balens to anyone seeking the best insurance cover for their needs and we are proud to be associated with them. Peggy Kelly-ARCHTI (2011)

When we set up the Alliance of Registered Homeopaths (ARH) in May 2001, we spent a long time researching where we could find quality insurance cover for practising homeopaths. When we contacted Balens it was obvious from the onset that this was a company who both knew and understood the needs of the complementary sector. We decided to 'give them a go', and that was the start of a creative and productive working relationship which continues to this day. The package offered by Balens is comprehensive, well thought through and represents excellent value for money. An additional bonus is the helpful and competent team who work efficiently in the background, ensuring than Balens delivers on what it promises. If you have a query, you generally receive an instant response, and if an issue is a little more complicated, requiring expertise in a specialist area outside of Balens' usual remit, they will investigate the matter on your behalf, and come back with an answer. Probably the most striking thing about Balens is that they really seem to genuinely care about delivering a quality service to their clients, and whenever one of our members needs to make direct contact with one of the departments, they invariably report back saying how helpful everyone was. The fact this is a family run firm probably helps to ensure the company maintains high ethical standards, an important consideration because clients occasionally find themselves facing a complaint from a patient, which can end up being both complicated and distressing. These are the sort of stressful circumstance when you really need correct support and guidance from your insurance broker. Another notable observation is that despite being very busy people, the 'bosses' (David, Joe and Josh) are always accessible. If you need to speak to one of them and they're out of the office, they always return your call!So, to summarise, ARH is very happy with the service Balens provides for us, and we look forward to working with them for many years to come!

We approached Balen's with a request for a tailored professional insurance policy for members of our community of Interfaith Ministers. Their response and proposal certainly met our needs, and the premiums were lower than another comparable provider. This is proving to be a popular service for our ministers.

The Balens team have been very helpful in helping us set up an insurance scheme for our members. They provided us with all the necessary communications materials and support us with this on an ongoing basis. They have also given us their views on various insurance related matters, such as the use of disclaimers, and this personal service is much appreciated.

That's great thanks! I have been really impressed with the great service I have received, you guys have been just fantastic, I can not thank you enough. You have been so quick and efficient on the phone, email and post every time I can not fault you. Thank you so much!

Members of the College of Practitionersof Phytotherapy [www.phytotherapists.org] have used Balen's insurance, under the company's Block Insurance Scheme, for a number of years and are more than happy to continue to do so.  To date no Member has made the CPP aware of any adverse comment about Balens and indeed, are viewed favourably by our Members in view of their "care for the carers" guiding principle.

We have held a customised block insurance scheme for our members through Balens for over 14 years Balens offer a personal, friendly and hassle free service and we love the fact that they are a 4th Generation ethical family run business where you will always get to speak to a Balen if required! We would highly recommend them and would not use anyone else to ensure that our members livelihoods are fully protected and are in safe hands. Well done Balens!

Thanks for the excellent service over the last few years. Your staff were always professional and helpful.

I first contacted Balens several years ago as I was sourcing a comprehensive good value professional indemnity insurance block for the members of AFPA (Acupuncture Foundation Professional Association) in Ireland. AFPA was the first professional acupuncture association in Ireland and I was a founding Director. Balens have been providing insurance for AFPA members and AFI senior students since the mid nineties. They have also provided for many years a comprehensive Schools Insurance for the AFI (Acupuncture Foundation Ireland) and members of the NIATCM (Northern Ireland Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine). I and my colleagues have found the service provided by the Balens team to be both professional and personable. They fashioned a common sense professional indemnity block which is good value and inclusive of practitioner needs in this current environment. When it comes to practitioner and association insurance I think first of Balens, David, Joe, Janet and the team go that extra mile for their clients and I think this would be hard to beat.

I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank you and David for all the help and advice you have provided over the past few years.  You have always been so professional and helpful and I am very thankful for all your support.

The Holistic Healers Association has been associated with Balens for many years now.  Balens has been instrumental in arranged healing insurance for the Association and its members and has always been very helpful.  In these days of call centres, it is a delight to be able to talk to someone and discuss what is needed and to be given advice on what a particular member may need. The Association and its members have always been very pleased with the outcome.

I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for the wonderful help both you and David, and all your staff, have been to me and wanted to say again that in all my 10 years as administrator I never heard one complaint from our members in respect of their dealings with Balens.  I wish you all the best in the future and will continue to sign the praises of Balens.

Thanks very much. It's perfect! I received all support that needed to do my renewal.

Dear Sue, thanks very much for this. I am always impressed with your ability to solve these problems. I was thinking of all the times you've helped me out! Excellent service as always.

I'm delighted to be associated with Balens & I thank you for your kind help today.

Your care, speed and efficiency are much appreciated.

Thanks Joy, i have downloaded the insurance easily, your help is much appreciated. I think your company is very caring!

Dear Sue,

The blessings of God on you and your underwriters I am absolutely thrilled, you have made me so happy I have been singing out loud with joy.  If you are ever on a holiday in Ireland, please feel free to look me up and I'll give you a session, so much of your energy was used in sorting this out.  I live in a beautiful part of Ireland and you deserve a treat for all you hard work. I am glad Balen's believe in choice and my business is still with you.

Thanks again Sue, you have made my day.

Blessings and Gratitude

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for your assistance and support over the past few years since I began practicing as a massage therapist. Your customer service, in particular the professionalism and helpful nature of all of your staff members I have spoken to over the phone has been exceptional.

 

Sorry to make you work so hard! Thanks for being so excellent at your job, you are truly exceptional.

My goodness how efficient! I think you are a great company and I often recommend you. V. Champion 2012.

I'd just like to say how brilliant everyone at Balens has been with my questions and updating my schedule for new techniques promptly when i get them.

Thank you Beth. I've been really impressed with your excellent customer service. I'm pleased to be back with Balens!

Thank you for your very quick and responsive actions in connection with my enquiries. 2.5 hour turn-around from initial enquiry to full insurance certificates has got to be a record. Well done and thank you indeed.

The online renewal process was very straightforward and I received my renewal documents within minutes You make life so easy. Thank you

Thanks a lot, good job!! I do recommend Balens Insurance to all my students too. Excellent service and thanks again for the speedy response.

I just wanted to express my thanks to Luke Smith, for his patience, efficiency and expertise in recently arranging buildings and contents insurance for me.   He explained everything carefully and patiently in language I could understand, which was enormously helpful, given that it was a difficult set of arrangements involving several phone calls.    I will certainly be recommending Balens as a result of the professional service that he provided.

Each time I've contacted your offices by telephone, the lady answering has always been very helpful, clearly spoken and with a lovely telephone voice and manner. Thank you.

 

I have been insured with Balens since 2008, and I have to say they are by far the best insurance company I have ever dealt with. They treat you individually, listen to your needs and do their best to meet your requirements and at a really competitive price.

Thank you for sorting out my rather complicated cover this year ladies. Really appreciate it, especially knowing how busy you are at the moment :). Thank you again, Sandy x

 

Thank you so much for your prompt and efficient service! It is so refreshing to recieve this sort of excellent service nowadays and your afforts are much appreciated!

Alison Dalziel