Private Medical Insurance

Good advise offered above on the minefield of health insurance plans so presume you're in the industry with some insight, thanks.

No plan specific question but why is the tax credit for medical insurance still capped at €1k per adult (€200 tax credit) when most plans far exceed that. Also why have the tax credit at 20% and separate health expenses for that matter also at 20% when a high proportion of workers are paying the higher rate. Surprised the health insurers and paying customers aren't making this more of an issue.

Hi Ruddy

Looking for some advice, 41 year old male based in west of Ireland, no prior conditions, healthy no real medical expenses bar annual visit to gp and dentist. Have no prior health insurance so know loading will apply, wondering to see what plan you would recommend if you get a chance Cheers

If you had the time Ruddy, I'd be interested to see what you could recommend for Laya, in not adverse to moving companies but it's more about bang for my buck while being realistic as to what's realistically available in my area too.

I was just wondering about 31 year old, previously insured (first time) with Signify. She has let the cover lapse since last July and going to take out new policy now. No preexisting conditions. Day to day not important. Dublin Based. Private hospital cover wanted and possibly ophthalmic ( with excess). Would Enhanced care 150 be a good alternative with VHI given increased prices with Laya? She would prefer Laya or VHI.
I appreciate you taking the effort to help all of us!

Hi Ruddy, thanks for everything here, a brilliant resource.

Family of 6 all currently on Irish Life Horizon 3, looking now to trim the costs but keep similar cover.

Looking at Health Action 5 for the 2 adults (in our fifties), and then maybe Health Action 3 for the young adult and the 3 younger kids.

These look good to me, but don’t think they are covered on the Irish Life current discounts.

Anything else we could be looking at?prioritising hospital choices (just in case) and consultants fees.

Hi Ruddy, hope it is ok to ask again. I find it impossible to find the information using the HIA comparison tool. We are 2 adults, 2 young adults -and Dublin-based,on PMI 1011 (renewal this weekend coming). Trying to enquire if you know of a better value policy that offers similar semi-private accommodation in a private hospital, with good day to day expenses. I would appreciate your insight. Thank you

Hi Ruddy, your advice seems great!

May I ask, ours not due for renewal so probably too early to ask for your advice?

Family of 4 (I'm with VHI 30 years or so) on Enhanced Care 250 (cover in semiprivate room with excess) at €2870.

I had them strip it to the bones to get that price.

I can't help but wonder how sustainable this thread is... The fundamental issue is that the HIA comparison tool is, and has always been, hardly fit for purpose. I've been in touch with them over the years to highlight many issues with it, but they the improvements have been very slow coming. Funnily, they've actually emailed me an excel spreadsheet previously with all the raw plan info listed, which was brilliant and much easier to work with than their tool at the time!!!