Private Medical Insurance

PatMurphy021987 · 29-11-2025 12:11PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124028028#Comment_124028028

Appreciate this

copper04 · 29-11-2025 12:51PM

Thanks for all the knowledgeable advice you are providing free of charge. Any advice appreciate in our case. both in out 80's.

Renewal 1/1/2026. Current Plan VHI Advance Care Extra Day to Day. Renewal cost €3722.43 each total €7444.86. I have Lymphoma which has been in remissionf for 7 years and also a touch of macular degeneration which requires eye injections about twice a year. Both have had some otrhopaedic work done and also there may be cataract surgery on the horizon for one of us. We would like to keep equivelant cover but we are open to changing providers. We live in the west of Ireland and see no need for Dublin hospitals. Any pointers you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank You.

ruddy1987 · 29-11-2025 01:32PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124028218#Comment_124028218

this one is simple if you are open to changing to Laya. Take out new plan on prosper advanced effective 31st December for €2,417. You will need to pay day case excess of €50 and overnight of €100, but it’s €1,300 cheaper so well worth it. You continue to have full cover for orthopaedic and eye procedures.

Also outpatient cover is much better on Prosper advanced.

https://www.hia.ie/comparison-tool/results/3AARozQ5OaUxMDE0OcKQkAGhMKM2MDAAk80H6QsdwpLNARrNATiVBwQFCQaQkZOlQWR1bHQAAcPD

magicray · 29-11-2025 06:58PM

Thanks for all your advice Ruddy

We are on 4 D Health 1 with Irish Life and our renewal is 01.01.26, interested to see if there is a better choice on Monday

I've used the physio on my plan a good bit over the years and have free travel insurance - two items keeping me here but if I can get the same for less I'd be delighted

You should put up a link to buy you a coffee, this advice is saving people a fortune

ruddy1987 · 29-11-2025 11:18PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124028975#Comment_124028975

one thing for sure is you will not be renewing on 4D 1 on 1st of January. It’s now awful value.

A few options:

• if you really want to keep 4D 1, take out a new policy effective 31st December (I know if you contact info@totalhealthcover.ie they can give you 5% discount. So all in all be about 15%+ cheaper)

• most likely option, you will move to another plan. I know there are some new discounts starting 1st of January so when I see them I’ll let you know exactly what plans are good value and comparable)

ruddy1987 · 01-12-2025 09:24PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124027912#Comment_124027912

Hi Pat, Benefit is a good plan for the premiums. My advice would be to not renew your existing plan and take out a new plan here from Wednesday. They will have an 8.33% discount on Benefit (1 month free cover for renewals from 1st of January, available to buy from 3rd December).

I done quick calculation (might be off very slightly) and i think you could be looking at a premium of €3,230.

ruddy1987 · 01-12-2025 09:40PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124028975#Comment_124028975

I hope you didn't fall of the chair when you seen the 4D 1 year on year increase….scary numbers. Renewal is €1,950!

If you are happy to give up personalised packages, I would be looking at is Health Guide 1 or Health Guide 2,

If you buy Health Guide 1/2 here they have 8.33% off for new plans bought that start from the 1st of January (available to purchase from Wednesday). This would bring the Health Guide 1 premium down to c€1,536 and Health Guide 2 to c€1,621. I would say you are better going for Health Guide 2 if you can afford it as much better cover.

If you really really want to keep 4D 1 you should take out a new 4D 1 plan effective 31/12 as the premium is €1,747 as of 31st December. If you email info@totalhealthcover.ie they will give 5% off that premium if you appoint them as your adviser which would bring the premium down to €1,650.10

So options:

Renew on 1st of January at €1,950
Look to move to Health Guide 1/2. Would recommend HG2 which will improve your outpatient cover significantly.
Take out new 4D 1 policy effective 31st of December, with 5% discount, €1,650.

Hia comparsion link below:

https://www.hia.ie/comparison-tool/results/3AARozQ5OaUxMDE0OcKQkAGhMKM2MDAAk80H6QwBwpMDzQFDzQFElQcEBQkGkJGTpUFkdWx0AAHDww==

magicray · 02-12-2025 10:44AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124034748#Comment_124034748

Thank you I'll have a look at both of those to see which one suits us best

Leprechaun77 · 02-12-2025 10:46AM

Hi Ruddy,

We are due to renew on Simply Connect Plus (1st Jan) but the rate for this plan just keeps on increasing. We have 4 kids so Laya suits us to stay as we only pay for one. The Prosper Advanced Plan looks better value but at this stage it is still too expensive overall. Are there any other similar options out there?

Secondly, and probably one for others renewing too, is assessing switching to a plan with a 20% co-payment on Ortho. Are these generally just co-payments for a FULL shoulder/hip/knee replacement? If so, have you seen any figures for what these procedures actually might cost. I think this would allow people to properly assess the savings compared to potential ‘worst case’ co-payment cost.

ruddy1987 · 02-12-2025 12:07PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124035478#Comment_124035478

Simply connect plus is just bad value now, so Prosper Advanced is the right solution if you want full ortho. The problem with Laya/VHI is that the shortfalls are all 20 or 40% versus Irish Life who at least have a flat co payment model of somewhere between €1,500-€4,000. At least you know the potential impact with them, and in a world of rising medical costs the cost of these procedures is only increasing.

Currently typical Hip will cost €10-24k depending on where its done. For a knee you are looking €13k-28k. So big potential shortfalls in play. However you are paying at least €500 -600 extra a year to have full cover. Also remember you can always get procedures done in Public hospitals full covered.

Plans to consider if taking on co payment

Irish Life Health - Health Guide 2 or 3. €3,000 co payment (get discount on links above)

Laya- Inspire or Connect Simplicity

VHI- You will pay more than Laya and your preference to stay.

Krusty_Clown · 02-12-2025 04:04PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124034748#Comment_124034748

Great advice @ruddy1987. You mention taking out a new policy (through totalhealthcover.ie) on the 31st December, instead of renewing on the 1st January. Can you do so, if you want to stay on the same provider/policy? Currently on Irish life HealthGuide 2, renewing on 1st Jan, for 2 adults (mid 50s) and see that they're increasing prices by 10% and also reducing benefits by capping refunds (e.g. Consultant fees: 50% up to €125 per visit). Can you start as new plan through totalhealthcover.ie on the 31st Dec and avail of discounts/pre-price rise?

ruddy1987 · 02-12-2025 09:56PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124036334#Comment_124036334

you could do if the benefits where changing 1st of January but these benefits actually changed on the 1st of April so have applied to all health guide policies since then. Health guide is not increasing this year (benefits have changed slightly) on the 1st of January. So you might better taking out a new plan on 1st of January with discount rather than just renewing!

EMitch · 03-12-2025 04:45PM

Ruddy you're doing the Lord's work here. Amazing resource.🙏

I live abroad and trying to help navigate health insurance renewals for my 82 year old parents who are currently on Laya Company Care Plus which is going up substantially in 2026 - Renewal date is January 1st. I was looking at Connect Simplicity based upon some comments you made to previous questions but is that something you might recommend for their situation?

My Dad has had Prostate Cancer in the last 5 years, in full remissions thankfully but has an endless stream of follow up appointments. My Mum was hospitalized earlier in the year for several weeks and nearly died and has many complications as a result and has what seems like weekly appointments right now. They're based in the NE, Drogheda being the closest hospital with a lot of follow up appointment being in the Mater private.

Thanks again….

martin2323 · 03-12-2025 08:16PM

Hi Ruddy1987, my renewal is due on the 1st January. For 2 adults and 2 children with Laya it is coming in at €5054. Adult 1 and Adult 2 are both on Inspire. Adult 1 has rheumatoid arthritis and would claim back regularly on everyday cover. Child 1 is on Inspire Plus and attends occupational therapy weekly so we make use of everyday expenses. Child 2 is on Flex 125 Choice and this was a child go free offer. Obviously this hasn’t been taken into account with the renewal price yet as Laya hasn’t announced any offers for children for January yet. Have you any suggestions on any better value plans that we could change too with a similar level of cover or maybe we are better staying as we are? Thank you

ruddy1987 · 03-12-2025 10:49PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124039190#Comment_124039190

I’d have a look at coming right back down in terms of cover. Given age orthopaedic likely not an issue now ?

I would look at trading to right down to connect simplicity, taken on some excess but it’s c €3k cheaper.

If you wanted better coverage for Matter Private than you currently have I’d be looking at health action 6 or healthguide 4 with Irish life. Have a look at the below and let me know what you think.
https://www.hia.ie/comparison-tool/results/3AARozQ5OaUxMDE0OcKZAQIDBAUGBwgJkAGhMKM2MDAAk80H6QwDwpTMgmnNAUbNAYmVBwQFCQaQkZOlQWR1bHQAAcPD

ruddy1987 · 03-12-2025 10:54PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124039695#Comment_124039695

Free child will be on flex 125 explore.

If your child used a lot of occupational I would have a look at PMI 24 10 and start it on the 31st of December as that has great cover for OT.

inspire is very strong and inspire plus for children also top value. Not a lot better in terms of similar cover for better price.

martin2323 · 05-12-2025 08:07PM

Thank you ruddy1987🙏

Sunrise_Sunset · 05-12-2025 08:42PM

Hi guys,

I'm a 40 something female with 2 kids on my policy. The 3 of us are on the PMI 35 13 plan with VHI. Total annual premium is €2,693; net premium for myself is €1,784 and for the kids is €454 each. We generally use it for day to day expenses, occasional Consultants, occasional scan for myself. Have heard good things about the VHI Women's Health Clinic and would probably avail of this in the near future.

I have no idea if we are on a good plan for our families needs. My husbands employer pay his health insurance with Irish Life. I can't remember what plan he is on, but I know his benefits are better than ours. Would love some help/advice if possible.

ruddy1987 · 05-12-2025 10:19PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124045807#Comment_124045807

VHI are generally more expensive, in saying that PMI 35 13 isn’t badly priced. If you want to stay with VHI wouldn’t be saying you should change. If you want similar cover you are looking at health guide 2 with Irish life (get discount via link in posts above) or inspire for adults and inspire plus for kids with Laya. Decent savings to be made if you are open to a move. Ok the female health Irish Life health have strong female health benefits including access to female health experts and access to to new blackrock women’s health clinic (like VHI)

https://www.hia.ie/comparison-tool/results/3AARozQ5OaUxMDE0OcKQkAGhMKM2MDAAk80H6QwFwpQ6zQFEzQEKzQELlQcEBQkGkJGTpUFkdWx0AAHDww==

Sunrise_Sunset · 06-12-2025 11:00AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124046045#Comment_124046045

Thank you ruddy1987, that's great info. I was reading through the comparisons there now, I'll have a think, the VHI clinic in Carrickmines is an accessible location for me, especially as it's highly likely I'll be accessing the women's health clinic in the near future.

It might've been asked on this thread before, but what is the reason that maternity and fertility benefits are kept on all policies? Presumably financial reasons. It's a shame that policies can't be finetuned more.

Also this "high tech" hospital term. I had presumed that all private hospitals would be considered high tech.

ruddy1987 · 06-12-2025 11:22AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124047162#Comment_124047162

The regulations require all policies to have certain items on them, maternity is one of these items (fertility is not).

High Tech hospitals are typically Mater Private or Blackrock clinic. Technically the Beacon is too but most insurers cover that the same as other private hospitals. Again most decent plans will cover high tech hospitals for items like cardiac but not for standard procedures, to get full coverage in MP and Blackrock clinic you are looking at spending big money c€5k potentially!

Laya have a minor injury clinic in Cheerywood, you can also access this with Irish life health as well as the clinic in Tallaght.

You can get access to Irish life health female health experts go €45 on most plans, details here

petejmk · 06-12-2025 11:55AM

Hi Ruddy, 41 year old, on Laya's Signify Plus. They're looking for €1500 for the year. Any suggestions for similar alternatives? The day to day expenses coverage and scan cover attracted me to it in the first place. In good health generally.

Your help on this thread is incredible. Is there any way to buy you a coffee?

ruddy1987 · 06-12-2025 12:47PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124047255#Comment_124047255

This is a community for helping each other so no need for anything!

Firstly if you want to stay on signify plus there is 5% off if you buy that online at the minute so I would be looking at cancelling existing and taking out a new policy online if you are staying where you are.

No reason to move at that price if you are happy with benefits on plan. Main flag is no cover in Mater Private of Blackrock but if ok with that I would say nothing better for that money.

if you wanted to improve cover (excluding ortho as this goes to 40% shortfall) have a look at inspire care

Hia linklink

cunnifferous · 06-12-2025 01:19PM

Hi Ruddy. Stellar work you're doing here!

My work offers Laya Care Select, I'll have to pay BIK on it though. Is it decent enough? They won't pay for family members though

Other option is healthguide 2 I get a 10% discount through my wifes work. (Discount for all family members)

Me and my wife and 2 kids (age 2,4)

Is it best for me to go on my own work policy and leave wife and kids on the healthguide 2?

Skuxx · 06-12-2025 03:19PM

Thanks Ruddy for all the advice you’ve been giving the group — much appreciated.

We’re a family of four (2 adults, 39 & 35, and 2 kids aged 6 and 2). Currently with Laya. Both adults and one child are on the Inspire plan, and the younger one is on the free Flex 125 Explore. Renewal just landed and I’m starting to wonder if we’re actually getting the best value for money anymore.

My wife has autoimmune issues, so she has fairly regulat consultants visits, and she’s also just maxed out her day-to-day medical expenses allowance this year, so decent day-to-day cover is important for us. The rest of us are fairly healthy.

Before I just blindly renew, I’m wondering if there are any other plans that would worth having a look at? Either within Laya or with the other insurers?

For what it’s worth, my workplace has a group scheme that gets a 10% discount with Laya, and the total premium at the moment is coming in around €3,000 a year for the four of us.

Any thoughts or suggestions on better options before I lock it in? Cheers.

ruddy1987 · 06-12-2025 09:22PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124047431#Comment_124047431

care select is excellent cover but bad value if I am being honest, hospital coverage is average but excellent out patient cover with 75% back for lots of outpatient items. It costs c€2,500, so real cost to you with tax on the benefit is c€1,250 (make sure you claim your TRS from Revenue as you don’t get it at source of company paid).

So better staying on your work plan than paying on your wife’s plan. You will be able to change your plan with Laya (even mid year). I’d be telling you to look at Prosper-care or Optimum premium which will bring down your BIK a lot. Better cover on both for hospitals (optimum premium only has 60% ortho) and OP still has 75% for your outpatient benefits.

You should definitely look at a plan change with Laya (this is usually allowed even though your employer sponsors the plan once it’s cheaper..you benefit from lower BIK then).

https://www.hia.ie/comparison-tool/results/3AARozQ5OaUxMDE0OcKQkAGhMKM2MDAAk80H6QwGwpPMkc0BN80BNZUHBAUJBpCRk6VBZHVsdAABw8M=

ruddy1987 · 06-12-2025 09:36PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124047783#Comment_124047783

Inspire is ok for you, first child should move from inspire to inspire plus (better and slightly cheaper for kids).

Second child flex 125 explore free.

Your wife should look at SimplyHealth Plus as it has €7,650 outpatient cap and 50% cover. If alot of consultants might be worth paying extra for optimum premium for 75% back for GP/Consultants and also €7,650 outpatient cap..this is also a private room plan. If lots of consultants this might be worth it.

what the hell! · 08-12-2025 12:53PM

Hi ruddy, thanks for all the amazing help you've been giving! I'm currently on VHI FirstCare 500 Day to Day. 42 yr old male and generally healthy touch wood. The only bits that I normally claim back are the day to day things like doctor, dentist etc.

ruddy1987 · 08-12-2025 12:59PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058428123/private-medical-insurance

Some market updates for renewals after 1st of January

Irish Life

One month Free here (Equivalent to 8.33% discount) for new customers on the following good value plans:

My Plan 150/150 day to day/350/ 350 Day to day// day to day
First Cover - Now €39.50 per month (€474) - If you want to start health insurance and avoid LCR ladings from 34 this is a plan you should be looking at,
Health Guide 1
Health Guide 2 (this will be ideal for anyone on many VHI plans looking to save money for similar cover)
Benefit

Also for people looking for a low cost child option you can get cover on Nurture Plus for €150 per child (better than half price).Nurture Plus offers access to a range of child focused benefits like digital health services including dieticians, speech and language therapists and physio, 24/7 Nurse on Call service as well as cover for Child Sports Club Membership and Child orthodontics.

Level Health

10% discount for Plan A & B until 31st Jan 2026.

50% off kids offer on plans B & C.

Laya Health

Free 2nd and subsequent child offer. Pay for one child on any plan and the rest go free Flex 125 explore.

VHI

Are always best priced for young adults, if you have any children between 18-25 insure them with VHI on a plan like PMI 43 16 or 24 10

Gooser14 · 08-12-2025 01:15PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124019598#Comment_124019598

THANKS Ruddy for your reply. As we have medical cards day to day GP expences are not important. Would PMI 3613 be a good alternative to PMI 2410?

Private Medical Insurance

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