How Do I Compare Private Health Insurances in Ireland?
As of 2010, there were three private health insurance companies operating in Ireland. The Voluntary Health Insurance Board (VHI) is the largest. Second in size is Quinn Healthcare, which took over from the British United Provident Association (BUPA). Hibernian Aviva is the newest entrant into the market. The independent regulator of the industry is the Health Insurance Authority, which has an up-to-date website for comparing health plan types and prices.
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Instructions
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Comparing Plans
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If you are on a private health insurance plan already, you will need those details if you wish to save money by switching to a similar plan. If you do not currently have private health insurance, it is important to analyze the plans to find one that suits your situation.
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Use the Health Insurance Authority's (HIA) comparison feature online. The HIA is an independent body set up to regulate health insurance companies and provide consumer information.
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Choose which health benefits you need. Extensive maternity coverage could be useful if you intend to become pregnant. You can also select coverage for a semiprivate or private room in case of illness.
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Choose three plans which could suit your circumstances to compare. If you visit your general practitioner regularly, choosing a plan that offers money back for doctor visits could be good value. Outpatient pyschiatric care coverage could be useful if you have a history of mental illness or depression. Frequent travelers could use coverage for vaccinations or illness while overseas.
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Do not choose solely on price but take into account the benefits and drawbacks of the plan you are considering. For example, some plans do not cover emergency dental care. Make sure the plan will cover you for all catastrophic illnesses so you can be privately treated instead of going on a public waiting list.
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Tips & Warnings
Family plans are generally cheaper than insuring parents and children separately.
Health insurance in Ireland must accept anybody wishing to join and cannot refuse coverage if their payments are up-to-date.
There may be an excess on charges depending on your chosen plan. Be sure to check these before choosing a plan.
All Irish people are covered for illness because they pay Pay-Related-Social-Insurance (PRSI). However, if you don't have private health insurance this entitles you to public treatment only, which could mean being put on a waiting list.
References
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