Health Insurance

purplecow1977

I'm a 30 year old female in a public-service job.

I do not have private health insurance.
I do not have any current health issues, although I am overweight.

Should I have health insurance?

If so, what plans would you recommend?

Atlantic Dawn

Overweight in that it might result in your having mobility problems and eventual illness from that or just carrying a few pounds?

You can get health insurance no matter how overweight you are, however there are restrictions on existing conditions that there would be a waiting period.

There would be no financial penalty in you waiting until just before you are 35 as regards a premium increase for not having it before. Lifetime community rating kicks in at age 35.

purplecow1977

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

Overweight in that it might result in your having mobility problems and eventual illness from that or just carrying a few pounds?

You can get health insurance no matter how overweight you are, however there are restrictions on existing conditions that there would be a waiting period.

There would be no financial penalty in you waiting until just before you are 35 as regards a premium increase for not having it before. Lifetime community rating kicks in at age 35.

I just mean overweight. 2 stone maybe. I wasn't worried that I wouldn't get health insurance but just giving it as a bit of background.

Do most people have health insurance?

I suppose it's something that has crossed my mind for when I have a mortgage, children etc.

I'm relatively (touch wood!) healthy & only visit the doctor for my pill prescription!

Just wondered if it is something I SHOULD have or if it is a 'waste of money'.

Collie D

I've never had health insurance as it has always been something I never agreed with in principle. Buy as I'm 35 next week I decided that principles aren't going to pay my bills should I get sick and signed up this week.

There are lots of plans and it can be confusing but I just called the VHI and their new policy person was very knowledgeable and helpful. Being a couple of stone overweight won't affect your premium although as previously said there is a waiting period for existing conditions on most policies - although unless weight is already causing health problems this could be ambiguous. To be honest I was surprised they didn't even ask if I smoked - I do.

There are some good deals so nothing stopping you from taking basic cover just to get on the ladder before 35.

Don't mean to hijack the thread but have couple of questions of my own.

Should I get back to them advising I'm a smoker? I would have thought it was one of the first questions they'd ask so assume it doesn't matter? Seems they just sign anyone up without a medical or anything.

I noticed on my policy the premium has had a 20% tax credit applied at source. I assume that this means with the premium coming from my wages it will be deducted from my net wage rather than gross? Always thought it was from gross meaning it was tax deductible but think I remember this changing in a recent budget.

LostArt

Collie D wrote: »

Don't mean to hijack the thread but have couple of questions of my own.

Should I get back to them advising I'm a smoker? I would have thought it was one of the first questions they'd ask so assume it doesn't matter? Seems they just sign anyone up without a medical or anything.

No need to tell them anything, insurers have to accept all applicants for health insurance cover, regardless of their risk status, age or sex, subject to prescribed waiting periods.