Private Medical Insurance

ruddy1987 · 03-01-2026 10:22PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124114808#Comment_124114808

to clarify are you looking for outpatient coverage towards outpatient consultant fees or are you looking for coverage in a private hospital?

angel eyes 2012 · 03-01-2026 10:47PM

HI Ruddy, hope you can help. My Mum (73) and I (45) are with Level Health Plan C Day to Day and we switch providers regularly. Renewal rate is quite a jump this year. Are there any similar plans that would offer the same benefits. She has GP Medical Card and is in good health for her age thankfully. On the other hand I'm 4 years post cancer with several side effects and an organ transplant. Thanks to risk equalisation I don't get loaded as I've had continuous cover since I was a child.

I have several GP and specialist appointments with private consultants becuase there is such a wait with the public lists for some of my conditions. Also, I don't qualify for any medical card so have to pay €1K per year on prescriptions.

I don't need cover for Private A&E as they send me packing when I give them my history! But will require cover for diagnostics and public and private hospitals.

Fishy1 · 03-01-2026 10:50PM

Not a query, just wanted to say a sincere thank you @ruddy1987 for starting this fantastic thread. I have learned so much from it.
Thanks to your general advice re suitable policies for those of us wishing to retain good orthopaedic & ophthalmic cover I will be switching 3 family members (including myself) from LAYA Power to LAYA Prosper Advanced at renewal date. The savings we will make are very much appreciated.

I wish we could pay it forward in some way by buying you a coffee or something!

ImaginaryKiwi · 04-01-2026 12:01AM

That's where I get confused!

I'm not bothered about private rooms, just that if my GP ever needed to refer me for a private consultation or procedure, that I could go private, even with some excess to cover myself...

CoffeePhD · 04-01-2026 03:01AM

Hi Ruddy,

My wife (32) and I (35) along with our 5 month old are both on Kick-Off Plan ILH with Day to Day Most through Irish Life. My wife has the maternity personalised cover and our little one and I have the travel and sports cover personalised cover add on.

We intend on having another kid in the next 2 years. I also hoped to have knee injections through a private hospital at some point but this was not covered under our current policy. There would also be a potential requirement for ankle surgery on an old injury at some stage too.

We will have a couple of visits to the GP and Dental visits throughout the year. Along with physio and 1 or 2 consultants visits.

Renewal is due on Feb 1st and is jumping from 163 p/m to 196 p/m.

ruddy1987 · 04-01-2026 09:55AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124115047#Comment_124115047

I would have a look at:

health guide 3 (with 5% discount on links in previous post)

Health guide 2 (with 8.33% discount on links on previous post)

Prosper care with Laya

All these have much much improved outpatient cover so if you have expenses it be worth it.

https://www.hia.ie/comparison-tool/results/3AARozQ5OaUxMTI0OcKQkAGhMKM2MDAAk80H6gEEwpTNAXDNAUXNAUTNATeVBwQFCQaQkZOlQWR1bHQAAcPD

ruddy1987 · 04-01-2026 09:59AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124115061#Comment_124115061

Many thanks for your kind message and offer. Not looking for anything off anyone, just to try and help people where I can.

Only ask would be if anyone on here has a company health insurance plan with Irish life that they want reviewed that you PM me as this is what I work in day to day! I can review any Irish life plan at no costs for your employer (once more than 20 people on plan). I will make sure they are on the best plan and ensure they have all the waiting periods waivers possible.

ruddy1987 · 04-01-2026 10:05AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124115254#Comment_124115254

This is where it gets a little tricky, as without a budget or defined needs it’s harder.

As a starting point maybe look at:

1) my plan 500 day to day- https://www.totalhealthcover.ie/health-insurance-quote?preselectedPlan=180H3D1

2) health action 1 https://www.totalhealthcover.ie/health-insurance-quote?preselectedPlan=199H3D1

3 benefit plan https://www.totalhealthcover.ie/health-insurance-quote?preselectedPlan=199H3D1

These are all good value but let me know if you are looking for less or more cover.

ruddy1987 · 04-01-2026 10:16AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124115466#Comment_124115466

The cover is very basic you currently have. I would potentially look at my plan 350/500 with day to day or even benefit plan. The child price for benefit plan is very good for kids. There are discounts on all these plans for new sign ups so might be worth cancelling and signing up to get the discounts.

CoffeePhD · 04-01-2026 06:45PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124115638#Comment_124115638

Thanks a mill for the help.

br8 · 04-01-2026 07:05PM

Hi Ruddy,

I'm on ILH 4DHealth3, renewal middle of Jan, 46 y/o

In-Patient Psychiatric Days non-substance abuse, Hi-tech day procedures (injections for cervical arthritis) and day-day expenses are most important

Plan price gone up but in-patient days increased to 120 per year. Never plan to use them but unfortunately the need arises every so often.

Should I stick with what I have or look elsewhere?

Many thanks.

ruddy1987 · 04-01-2026 09:34PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124117452#Comment_124117452

yes this plan has increased massively and for most will not be good value.However if you may need the potential increased Psychiatric benefit this is actually a good plan based on this. Other benefit is that the co payment on orthopaedic cover has also decreased.

If you reach out to total health cover and assign them as your broker they will give you a 5% discount on the premium on your current plan. Alternatively reach out to your current broker and see can they discount the plan?

NewClareman · 05-01-2026 12:25AM

Hi @ https://www.boards.ie/profile/ruddy1987

I am retired and currently subscribed to Laya Simply Connect Plus. Having recently being stung for 3 x €75 at my local Laya clinic I'm thinking of changing policy. My only concern is orthopaedic cover, which appears to be where most savings are to be made.

Have you any idea of when an orthopaedic condition, e,g. a hip replacement, is treated as an existing condition. I'm currently symptom free, but at an age where it could arise in the future. If I opt for a co-payment now am I condemned to a waiting period if I change to full cover in the future?

Thanks for all the advice.

br8 · 05-01-2026 01:13AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124118002#Comment_124118002

Hi Ruddy,

You're a gentleman.

Many thanks for this.

ruddy1987 · 05-01-2026 08:11AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124118495#Comment_124118495

If you wanted the same cover with a co payment you could’ve c€800 by moving to inspire plus. Further savings could be made by moving to health guide 2 with Irish life with discount (see links on previous post)

if you want to keep the full Ortho cover you could move to prosper advanced which is better cover and cheaper than you current plan.

Typically orthopaedic procedures are well flagged. In most cases they are wear and tear that builds up eventually needing surgery. As you have had continuous cover you need to be looking two years ahead with your cover. If you dropped full ortho now you could add it again in the future and once you had full ortho cover for two years (upgrade rule) you can then get cover again for the ortho (some companies have an upgrade rulle waiver which means they can upgrade plan at any time and not have to serve this two year period).

feelings · 05-01-2026 11:29AM

hey ruddy, looking for some advice. renewal just in - 1 adult, 2 kids VHI Company Plan - paying for it myself, renewal is EUR 2410 (up 10% on last year). Kept meaning to move but never did, but doing so this time. All healthy, no previous health issues.

Day to day expenses are poor on this plan. Looking for alternatives, if you have any suggestions?

TempAcc778 · 05-01-2026 06:30PM

Going new account for this as it may be outing…..

Ruddy 1987 wonder if you could advise me also?

Renewal in - Laya Flex 500 explore at 1528.06 net for older adult and kids on Essential Health 300 at 428.93 net (one kid goes free). Is it worth changing? Over last few years biggest medical bills were GP costs.

I'm wondering if any plan would save some money on weight loss injection costs if I went down that road (nearly split 50/50 between consultation and medicine costs and believe some plans allow GP savings that can be used for this and that they will lower cholesterol, joint strain etc and save me money in the future on those - can you tell I'm feeling guilty even thinking of it).

May have a biggish dental bill coming in this year for one teen due to anxiety and only a few dentist specialising in this and may have to pay for counselling/therapy for same teen for anxiety/PA's but not sure any plan will be cost effective for either of these.

ruddy1987 · 05-01-2026 10:43PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124119112#Comment_124119112

Company plan is bad value if you want day to day cover. I’d be recommending Benefit (https://www.totalhealthcover.ie/health-insurance-quote?preselectedPlan=153H3D1) if you want to save money or health guide 2 .https://www.totalhealthcover.ie/health-insurance-quote?preselectedPlan=170H3D1

Benefit has limited outpatient benefits due to the very high outpatient excess but is good value if you want to save money. It also has cash back on items like gym/sports club membership of €50 which can be handy for kids. . Benefit will deliver premium savings but healthguide 2 is similar priced to your current with discount but far far superior cover. It’s has good cash back for day to day items and good hospital cover. It’s the best value plan on market currently (with discount for consumers) with day to day and semi private room coverage. It also has the sports club cash back and lots of other items including dental and optical cover.

https://www.hia.ie/comparison-tool/results/3AARpTgwNS4xpTEzOTA2wpCQAaEwozYwMACTzQfqAQXCk8yTzN3NAUSVBwQFCQaQk5OlQWR1bHQAAZOlQ2hpbGQEAZOlQ2hpbGQEAcPD

If both your kids don’t need as good of day to day coverage you could split your kids one on HG 2 and one on benefit

MarkR · 06-01-2026 10:11AM

Hi Ruddy,

I'll ask for your advice also if it's going. 2 adults (47) 1 young adult (18 - has a medical card) and a 9 year old. Adults on EnhancedCare 350, other two on EnhancedCare 150 Day-to-Day. €3108. Based in Clare, interested in cardiac care, physio and day to day.

Thanks

mel123 · 06-01-2026 03:48PM

Ruddy, very happy to buy you a coffee for advice if you want to pass on details! This is one of the areas i cant make head nor tail of.

The folks are on one of the plans which have been flagged as cr** basically. Its the VHI Advanced Care Extra Day to Day. They scraped the money last year and this year they just wont be able to afford it but are so set on it wont give up either. Late 60's. Father had heart problems almost 20 years ago, luckily nothing since but regular yearly checks. Got the knee replaced last year. Private care is important - Mater Private, Bons, SSC. The mother would go to a consultant over an ingrown toe nail, so day to day reimbursements for GP, consultants, day patient/swiftcare kind of thing is important. Any advice/suggestions please if you have a moment?

I myself am on PMI 32 12. Was even trying to see the difference between both to see if thats suitable for them but its not easy!

ruddy1987 · 06-01-2026 09:24PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124120576#Comment_124120576

ok so firstly flex 500 explore is poor value. I’d recommend spending a little more and going with inspire for the adult. This has 50% coverage for GP & Consultants.

For your first child you could put them on inspire plus and then you could keep the second child on flex 125 explore. Inspire plus has a 50% dental and child counselling benefit (max outpatient benefit €1,000 for day to day items)

inspire €1652

Inspire plus first child €382

Flex 125 explore - Free

you make these changes miles miles better cover cheaper

https://www.hia.ie/comparison-tool/results/3AARpjY1Mi40NKcxMjU3NS4ywpCQAaEwozYwMACTzQfqAQbClM0BCs0BC8yczJaVBwQFCQaQkpOlQWR1bHQAAZOlQ2hpbGQEAcPD

ruddy1987 · 06-01-2026 09:30PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124121948#Comment_124121948

these plans are decent value for their cover. Alternative would similar cover with be my plan range with Irish life. You will save a little but nothing to far wrong if you stay where you are if happy with cover.

ruddy1987 · 06-01-2026 09:51PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124123013#Comment_124123013

ok here so the big one is mater private. If wanting to keep full Ortho cover and full

Cover in mater private (no nightly excess) options are very limited.

If you were happy to only have full cover in mater private for items like cardiac and orthopaedic procedures (nightly excess for other items here and blackrock) than you would have a potentially very attractive option in prosper advanced with Laya and potentially massive savings. Other big point is that the day to day cover would improve dramatically so she is likely to get much more money back if visiting consultants regularly.

I think it should be a non brainer for them to switch for the savings and better outpatient. It’s €1300 each cheaper so potential to save €2600! If insisting staying with VHI I would move to advanced care extra day to day select as cheaper and almost identical. But still c€1000 more than prosper advanced.

Have a look at the comparison

https://www.hia.ie/comparison-tool/results/3AARozQ5OaUxMTI0OcKQkAGhMKM2MDAAk80H6gEGwpPNARrNAXLNATiVBwQFCQaQkZOlQWR1bHQAAcPD

PMI 32 12 is ok coverage. One flag is that there is no minor injury cover on the plan (usually €75 excess). No big red flags, health guide 2 compares well with the discount at c€1621 it’s attractive if you want to look at an alternative to save money. It’s about €160 cheaper. Also has €50 cash back for stuff like gym/sports club membership.

https://www.hia.ie/comparison-tool/results/3AARozQ5OaUxMTI0OcKQkAGhMKM2MDAAk80H6gEGwpIUzQFElQcEBQkGkJGTpUFkdWx0AAHDww==

TempAcc778 · 06-01-2026 10:05PM

Huge huge huge thank you Ruddy1987

Maxface · 07-01-2026 01:07AM

Hi Ruddy,

Currently on Benefit2, renewal is 1456. Up from 1382 last year. I am three years in, this is my fourth year. I am 43 and live in Donegal. No medical conditions to speak of. I have no idea if this plan or if Irish Life is suitable. I know I want decent cover in the event of something happening but, I am not far off what I am happy to pay I guess. Thanks for any thoughts.

ruddy1987 · 07-01-2026 01:28AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124124633#Comment_124124633

Hi Maxface, probably worth considering cancelling current plan and signing up for benefit it my plan 150 day to day. With the discount (links on previous posts) you’re looking an extra €60. My plan 150 day to day has much improved day to day cover.

https://www.hia.ie/comparison-tool/results/3AARozQ5OaUxMTI0OcKQkAGhMKM2MDAAk80H6gEHwpPM0szdzQFTlQcEBQkGkJGTpUFkdWx0AAHDww%3D%3D

Westbythesea · 07-01-2026 03:05PM

Hi Ruddy 1987,

Long term member but opened a new account. I got my renewal from Irish life for €2357 health plan 16.1 I'm a male 42 single , had a two orthopedic procedures last year amounting to to around €12,000 of a claim. Hopefully that's the end of needing surgery!, I just need it for private consultants, scans and day to day expenses , fit and healthy besides that.Thanks for your time.

ruddy1987 · 07-01-2026 05:57PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124125771#Comment_124125771

Health Plan 16.1 isnt good value any more (unless potentially for kids). Health Guide 3, Better in almost every reagrd (exluding co payment on ortho). My advice would be cancel you existing cover and take out a new plan via the link below to get the 5% discount, with disocunt premium is €1,970.56. So a nice saving for better cover (eg 75% back on GPs and Consultants)

https://www.totalhealthcover.ie/health-insurance-quote?preselectedPlan=169H3D1

https://www.hia.ie/comparison-tool/results/3AARozQ5OaUxMTI0OcKQkAGhMKM2MDAAk80H6gEHwpIWzQFFlQcEBQkGkJGTpUFkdWx0AAHDww%3D%3D

machu · 07-01-2026 06:45PM

Hi Ruddy,

I'm a fast approaching 58yr old male.

I have high blood pressure and cholesterol. Otherwise in good health. There is a family history of heart problems. I am currently with Level Health C €1583 which gives me comprehensive cover for cardiac procedures in the high tech hospitals which would be my main priority. Is there any other plans in your opinion I should consider.

Many thanks for all your help.

ruddy1987 · 07-01-2026 09:37PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124126478#Comment_124126478

Health guide 2 with the discount is only c€60 extra. For me this would be much better overall cover. It still has cover for cardiac in high techs and has the bonus of far far better day to day coverage for items that’s are likely to start to come up with vista to GP’s an Consultants.

https://www.hia.ie/comparison-tool/results/3AARozQ5OaUxMTI0OcKQkAGhMKM2MDAAk80H6gEHwpLNAUTNAW-VBwQFCQaQkZOlQWR1bHQAAcPD

healthguide 2 ( link -https://www.totalhealthcover.ie/health-insurance-quote?preselectedPlan=170H3D1 )

Private Medical Insurance

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