Private Medical Insurance

Yeah, I mean most of what you say is just anecdotal nonsense. You can't get a consultant of your choice. Waiting lists for dermatology and neurology are broadly similar across public and private services for example. The new consultant contract, will succeed in introducing more equality in healthcare, but unfortunately that means that there'll be less access to timely care for more people.

If a private room or a private hospital is what you want then have at it. But it's ridiculous to be paying the kind of money people are paying. It's a massive massive scam. I mean, you say people value it…but look at the profits for the private health insurers! I'd say the shareholders are laughing at them (I'm not, but I am happy that my portfolio is going up rather than down)

I'm really not sure this is the thread for an ideological discussion on health policy. I'd probably lean towards a bismarck system. i know of people who have been admitted to shoital and kept for several days just to wait for imaging. That's utterly utterly nuts. Often times radiographers don't work weekends. In sharp contrast, I had a mri not terribly long ago and had a wet read within minutes in a private faciliity on a saturday afternoon. A lot of outpatient radiology now is outsourced to the likes of affidea and alliance and provides a much improved service, but then you lose the training element. There's no reason, other than inefficiency that the public service can't match private.

My insurance has taken a huge leap over the last few years too. Are there any companies, either based in Ireland, or perhaps Europe who will cover residents of Ireland, who will do a full medical on their customers to be able to offer a cheaper price?

It doesn't seem fair that somebody who takes good care of their health has to pay the same as somebody who doesn't.

Hi Ruddy,

Coming up to retirement mid March and currently on Irish Life Horizon 4 plan for 2 adults which is due for renewal on 26th February.
Looking to reduce the monthly premium yet retain some decent amount of cover. Maternity not likely to feature ;-) and generally both in good health.
After using the HIA comparison tool I was thinking of Irish Life My Plan 350 Day to Day to get premiums close to €200 per month or should I look to switch insurers and what would be the pitfalls of doing that.
Your advise would be most gratefully appreciated.

Kind Regards
Michael

Hi Ruddy,

Many Thanks for the speedy response.
Healthguide 2 will be just about manageable as long as there are no huge increases in premiums coming up. Not really tempted by the private room plans, once I am inside a hospital getting treatment is my main consideration. Not likely to upgrade cover either unless finances get better in retirement.
Again, Many Thanks for the response, it is much appreciated.

Just to add to my previous post; after buying HG2 online to avail of the discount, I was then able to cancel my current policy at renewal date online through web-chat. I couldn’t face a conversation with a customer service agent who might question my choice. Very simple and straightforward. I also asked for confirmation that my insurance cover was not broken. Saved myself €350 and got a better policy. Downsides are having a co-payment of €3000 for ortho instead of €1500 and losing my travel insurance. Saw a bad review about trying to claim on the travel insurance so was happy to let that go. So here’s hoping my knees and hips are good for a while yet! So grateful to you Ruddy. Will be singing the praises of this thread 😁

If it is immediately life threatening you should get seen quickly, in a public hospital.

However many serious conditions have lengthy waiting times for treatment. Common conditions include cataracts and orthopaedic operations such as joint replacement. Some cancer treatments are also not available to public patients, but are to private. The list goes on…

You are also far more likely to have a critical illness identified while still treatable, when going privately.

Hi Ruddy,

If a specific corporate plan waives waiting periods for corporate customers on certain plans does this that private customers on the same plan also have their waiting period waived?

Thanks in advance…