Health insurance

Theresia

What is the best health insurance in Ireland? I am a Dutch living in Ireland, 50 years old and I have a full time job. What is the best I can do?

Alf Veedersane

There are several companies offering several different packages.

If you go to the Health Insurance Authority website (www.hia.ie) you can find out more and compare different insurances.

Theresia

Ok! Thanks a lot! I will have a look! :-)

Get some before the new levy thing comes in too I suppose

guile4582

HSF.IE have a great range of plans

Theresia

What do you mean exactly Bluewolf?

I don't know if it will apply to you, but assuming it does:

This means anyone aged 35 or over taking out health insurance for the first time will have a permanent age-related loading of two per cent per year of age over 34 years. A 54-year-old, for example, would pay a loading of 40 per cent added to the premium each year.

http://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/over-35s-warned-to-get-health-insurance-before-increase-1.2125862

It's to encourage people to get into the system earlier ... (while healthier and not using their insurance ! )

So if you take out insurance now before May you will avoid this loading

Theresia

Thanks for information!! Yes, I think it applies to me, for me it will be the first Insurance in Ireland. In the Netherlands I had Insurance, but at the moment no...

Theresia

I doubt between Aviva and VHI, but they are both good I think. What would you recommend me? At the moment I am in perfect health, I don't smoke. Should it make a difference?

Alf Veedersane

The more you pay, the more you'll be covered for. It's a balance between what you think you might need to be covered for and your general health as is.

Look at the coverage by different plans and decode what you might need. If there's too much you don't think you'd need then you're likely to be paying to be covered for things you won't be likely to avail of.

nice_guy80

Most of the plans advertised to new entrants are terrible.

They are designed to get you into the system then they will bump up the premiums.

Theresia

Thanks for info. I have no choice I think. I am getting older now and I feel uncomfortable without insurance. I am very healthy at the moment, maybe I pay for nothing at the moment, but it can change. Yes, I think companies make a lot of money out of it sadly.

siliconchip

I have been with HSF for four years. Does anyone know if I may meet problems with hospitals and clinics regarding payment because I'm not with LAYA or Irish Life?

LostArt

Well yes, because hsf aren't hospital plans

siliconchip

Their website outlines certain daily rates that they will meet. are you saying that in the event of needing surgery, say cardiac or the like, that they don't cover that?

LostArt

They're cover you for the amount provided by the plan, so for example they might give you back €20 per admission.

Beau

I found Laya's website the easiest to use and understand.