Insurance company VHI is ripping me off

anna7348 · 05-06-2025 08:50AM #1

Hi Ladies,

I have a surgery scheduled soon for Uterine embolisation of Fibroids. Vhi is claiming that it costs in average in Ireland only 3k euros and that is only what they would cover. I am trying to appeal, so would anyone knows what the cost of this surgery in Ireland. The hospital stay alone costs more than 1000 euros.

If you are looking for an insurance company, I would not recommend Vhi. They are a nightmare to deal with.

thanks for your help.

Jim_Hodge · 05-06-2025 08:57AM

Uterine embolisation procedure in Ireland — boards.ie - Now Ye're Talkin'

I thought you said you didn't have insurance.

anna7348 · 05-06-2025 11:01AM

have you had this surgery in Ireland before?

thanks

JIdontknow · 05-06-2025 11:41AM

I have VHI and had different surgery this year and there was no problems at all regarding cover etc. You get a procedure code for the operation ahead of time, and can check with VHI regarding cover etc. based on your policy. There was no discussion regarding "average cost in Ireland and that's all the cover I can get" so I don't fully understand your situation. Are you based in Ireland or coming from a different country, etc due to the face you mention cost of surgery in Ireland.

Trigger Happy · 05-06-2025 11:53AM

Been with VHI for decades and neither me or the family have ever had an issue. Never heard of this 'average cost in ireland' thing either. Very strange.

Whats the full story here OP?

anna7348 · 05-06-2025 01:03PM

have you had a uterine embolisation before In Ireland?

JIdontknow · 05-06-2025 02:20PM

I am not sure why you keep referring to "In Ireland". Are you a visitor here with health insurance, because I have never heard of VHI paying only the "Average cost of a procedure in Ireland". the cost of the procedure is the cost of the procedure, unless there is something missing for example you are in a different country etc.?

Kimbot · 05-06-2025 02:26PM

You either have insureance or you dont?

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123516063/#Comment_123516063

Either way contact whoever will be doing the procedure for a price as they are the only ones that can quote you a proper figure.

StormForce13 · 05-06-2025 02:27PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058414418/insurance-company-vhi-is-ripping-me-off

Why do you need to appeal, bearing in mind that you don't appear to know how much the procedure costs?

You appear to be putting the cart ahead of the donkey.

Trigger Happy · 05-06-2025 02:30PM

If you took out health insurance in ireland very recently and are hoping this will cover a procedure you already knew you needed then you might want to read up on the waiting periods before full cover kicks in.

Esel · 05-06-2025 03:15PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123517559#Comment_123517559

+1

Can be up to 5 years if you have an existing condition.

anna7348 · 05-06-2025 08:31PM

I have been with VHI since 2007

anna7348 · 05-06-2025 08:34PM

I have researched online and the cost is definitely higher. Anyone has done this surgery recently and can share the cost?

Jim_Hodge · 05-06-2025 08:48PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123518515#Comment_123518515

You still haven't said why VHI said they only cover €3k, as it's the average price. That's not how they operate. What kind of plan are you on? I've never, in over 50 years, seen them say they'll only cover the average price of a procedure in Ireland. And I know many people with VHI Plans. Have you asked a consultant what the costs are if done under your VHI cover?

The only time they restrict to the costs in Ireland is when you elect to have a procedure done abroad.

I'm also intrigued as to why you said elsewhere that you had no insurance.

JIdontknow · 05-06-2025 10:02PM

I don’t understand either. I’ve never heard of them only covering the average cost of a procedure not the actual cost, that’s not how it works unless there is something that we don’t know which is why we keep asking. How it works is you get a procedure code and then check your cover towards that, there’s nothing about “average cost”. You need to give more information.

ted1 · 05-06-2025 10:48PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058414418/insurance-company-vhi-is-ripping-me-off

VHI are pretty good

They have a section of the myVHI website where it tells you if you are covered Get the code of the procedure , login and see if you are covered you can try different hospitals You may need to have the surgery in a different hospital

when you take out the policy is tell you what you are covered for , if nots not listed , you are not covered Mo need to appeal

witchgirl26 · 04-06-2026 11:34AM

Realistically very few people will look at the overall cost of a procedure done where their health insurance is covering it. That's because all they'll pay is the excess (which usually isn't a lot) if at all with the insurance company covering the rest. Yes you do get a full breakdown of the costs but I'd say most people only glance down through that as opposed to taking it in.

Also I've never heard of VHI taking an average cost for a procedure before. As others have said, you get the code for the procedure from the hospital you are planning to have it in & check that with VHI to ensure you're covered in that hospital for that procedure. If you've had VHI for 19 years like you're claiming, you should know this.

Insurance company VHI is ripping me off

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