Healthcare - VHI, Bupa or Vivas?

Slice

So I'm shopping around for healthcare products for the first time. I've just started working, don't plan to start a family anytime soon and don't anticipate any major health issues at my age. I'm looking for a plan that provides the most extensive cover for around 30euro a month.

Does anyone have any advice when it comes to shopping around for healthcare? Or even any experience with any of the health insurance companies?

The_Conductor

While price is one consideration- strongly advise that you compare the different offerings from the different companies in each of the different price brackets before you decide to automatically go with the cheapest option. I had assumed from all the advertising that BUPA would be the most competitive on the market- but was very surprised to find that for the level of cover I was seeking the VHI was in actual fact better value. There may also be stings in the tail- any previously existing conditions, regardless of whether they are diagnosed or not, may not be covered for a long period of time (3 or 4 years).

I find dealing with the VHI very easy- I do not need to evr fill out any forms- I go for a checkup or something I get a letter in the post 6 weeks later advising that the VHI are paying such and such a bill, no action needed on my part unless I dispute the bill.

There is what is known as "equalisation" in place in Ireland- so you will find health insurance costs more here for young people than in the UK. This is to smooth out the peaks of higher costs associated with older people.

Lorcan26

my gran and aunt are with VHI, very good service.

0utshined

I think VIVAS are waiving the lead in period at the moment in a bid to get customers. I can't find a link but I'm sure I read this somewhere recently.

Padraig Mor

When I checked this out a couple of years ago (pre-Vivas), VHI and BUPA were almost exactly the same price like-for-like (i.e. BUPA price might seem cheaper, but VHI cover more. Add matching 'extras' to BUPA - same price.)

Slice

Well on the one hand there's the knowledge that I'm unlikely to need any extensive medical cover for quite some time so the cheapest option covering outpatient and basic inpatient care would be sufficient but on the other hand there is the irrational fear that something might happen or the thought that crosses my mind whenever I read about the more extensive cover on more costly plans "I'd like to be covered for that!" creeps in.

Tobias Greeshman

I'd go with VHI, they always pay up when you really need it. A member of my family were very ill about a year ago and VHI stepped up and payed for an enormous chunk of the treatment. I'm covered with them, and swear by them.

Mac daddy

I have been with VHI for the last three years never had any problems with them was with BUPA before vhi, changed jobs and works are paying for Vhi now