Changing provider or plan isn’t an easy job, but it is well worth setting aside some time each year to review your options.
If you go from full orthopaedic cover to a 20% shortfall , then your total out of pocket costs may go up if you have osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, and you need some orthopaedic procedures.There are just three providers to choose from - VHI, Laya and Irish Life Health.Daragh Cassidy from price comparison website Bonkers.ie said there are around 330 different health insurance plans being sold right now.
Mr Cassidy said there are independent health experts who can conduct an in-depth over-the-phone consultation with you and recommend an appropriate plan."But for a relatively small fee of €100 or €150 say, you could end up saving well over €300 or €400 a year on your health insurance - and you’ll get a plan that’s tailored to your own specific needs," he added.
"Less expensive plans, such as VHI One+ Plan , Laya Simply Health Choice , Irish Life Health Future Focus 500 require the patient to pay an excess per claim or per night for all treatments in a private hospital, and many require the patient to pay an additional shortfall or excess for specified orthopaedic and ophthalmic procedures," she added.
"So at 35 it is 2%, 36 is 4%, 37 is 6% and so on. Loadings apply to your premiums for ten years and can run to a maximum of 70%," she said. Ms O’Brien said the average adult premium price of plans held by customers in September 2021 was €1470.
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