Health Insurance ???

janeyxox

Hi, this has prob been asked a million times but here goes anyway. I am looking into Health Insurance we dont have anything set up through work but i havent a clue who to go with, Vhi, Quinn, Vivas etc.. Im 27 female with no health problems so far !! im not sure what type of cover i should even be looking for, can anybody please advise me as i havent a clue and anybody i ask is older than me and needs family cover etc...and what is the norm i should be willing to pay???

thanks

paddyblue

I'm also looking at getting insurance at the moment and it's tough to work out which if the 3 to go with. I'm not just looking for myself though - more so the family plans (basic enough plans - First/Family Plans / Essential / We plan level 2)

I've done a fair bit of research and stil not sure. They are all similar on price (when comparing similar plans).

Here is a useful (but not comprehensive enough) link with un-biased comparisons (originally posted on a different tread)

Edit - sorry i forgot to post the link.....broker 08 did the honours though......

broker2008

3 companies presently in the market.

VHI (state owned)- around since late 50's - offered same price to all members irrespective of age - although recent Supreme Court ruling has meant that community rating will be a noose around their neck because they have most of the elderly health subscribers. Playing catch up with the 2 other companies in terms of product offerings and are dearer.

Quinn - took over BUPA's business. (owned by Quinn Insurance - Sean Quinn) Cheaper and offer deals if you take have car insurance and house insurance although this does not necessarily mean that one couldnt get cheaper offerings by taking out cover with separate companies. Have excesses on their policies.

Hibernian Health - took over Vivas Health. (owned by Hibernian Insurance / AIB) Also cheaper than VHI and similar in price to Quinn. Offer all types of insurance and have probably the best range of benefits.

I wouldn't have any issue with any of them paying out in claim situation.

For your age group 6 month waiting period unless you have pre existing condition.

All three companies have to have a switching policy whereby one can switch between insurers without any waiting period for similar level of cover.

Have a look at at www.hia.ie to give overview.

Semi private cover in private hospital is the most popular option - option b or equivalent with other insurers.

paddyblue

The 6 month waiting period for new illness is currently being waivered by both VHI & Quinn.

I have some questions RE Public / Private Hospitals.....

Some of the basic (cheapest) plans offer only a private room in a public hospital. Then the next level up offers say a semi-private room in a private hospital. My question is -
1) Do you get to see a consultant quicker by having the 'private hospital' cover & is there a wider range of consultants available?
2) Are you guaranteed a bed as quick if you have only the public hospital 'basic' cover?
Basically i'm wondering if having private hospital cover gives any extra benefits regarding speed & choice of consultants or is it purely a 'comfort' thing - ie quieter nicer hospital.

Also, regarding maternity benefits:
If I have only cover for private room in public hospital - will a private consultant be delivering the baby or would it be a public doctor with just the private room?

I'm not sure if I should go for the basic level of cover or the next level up (option B - semi-private in private hospital). If it's purely a 'comfort' benifit then i think i'll go with the basic plan. After all, the main reason i'm getting insurance is for the guarantee of seeing a doctor/specialist quickly & avoiding the public waiting lists, not for extra/excessive comfort while in hospital

broker2008

paddyblue wrote: »

The 6 month waiting period for new illness is currently being waivered by both VHI & Quinn.

I can't find this info - can you direct me to it please ? I would have a number of happy takers if this were true !

paddyblue

broker2008 wrote: »

I can't find this info - can you direct me to it please ? I would have a number of happy takers if this were true !

I was told this when I called both providers to discuss the different plans - it may depend on age/etc. Obviously the maternity period of 52 weeks is not waived.