Private Medical Insurance

ruddy1987 · 01-04-2026 12:47PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124352011#Comment_124352011

There will be a 10%+ price increase at your renewal this year. My advise would be wait until you get the renewal from the company and once you have that look at alternatives. You should get that by the end of May. Likely young adult would be better if they moved to VHI (best young adult rates). But send a message once you have renewal terms.

ruddy1987 · 01-04-2026 12:54PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124353935#Comment_124353935

I would be looking at Health Guide 3 and starting the policy effective 31st of March. If you click link here and click start date 31/03/2026 you can get this for €1,970.56 per adult.

Why HG3 over Prime

reduction on hospital excess's for day cases and overnight
€3,000 shortfall for ortho versus 40% (will be much higher cost)
Better refunds on GP's & Consultants with 75%

If looking to stay with Laya you should move to Connect Simplity which is €1,800 but doesnt have as good day to day and slightly higher hospital excess's.

https://www.hia.ie/comparison-tool/results/3AARozQ5OaUxMTg5OcKQkAGhMKM2NTAAk80H6gQBwpPNAQlpzQFFlQcEBQkGkJGTpUFkdWx0AAHDww%3D%3D

ruddy1987 · 01-04-2026 12:58PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124354128#Comment_124354128

Company plan has very limited day to day cover (due to high excess). I would be looking at PMI 53 10 and PMI 43 16.

PMI 53 10 is siliarly priced but much better cover and PMI 43 16 about €100 more expensive but better cover again.

https://www.hia.ie/comparison-tool/results/3AARozQ5OaUxMTg5OcKQkAGhMKM2NTAAk80H6gQBwpPMk80BHDuVBwQFCQaQkZOlQWR1bHQAAcPD

ruddy1987 · 01-04-2026 01:07PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124354137#Comment_124354137

For the female on Simply Health Plus I would be telling her to look at a plan called Better Select with Irish Life Health starting on 31/03/2026 , just select that on quote here. Its €1,866 versus €1,779 on Simply Health Plus. The reason the extra spend might make sense:

No Ophthalmic shortfall and orthopaedic shortfall only €2,000 versus 40% (somewhere between €4,000-€12,000 depending on procedure)
Consultant and GP refunds increase from 50% to 75%

https://www.hia.ie/comparison-tool/results/3AARozQ5OaUxMTg5OcKQkAGhMKM2NTAAk80H6gQBwpJsIJUHBAUJBpCRk6VBZHVsdAABw8M%3D

For the Male you cant really go wrong by making a plan change, Connect Simplicity is very well priced of you could look at the same Better Select Plan as this stacks up really well against Control 600.

E30M3 · 02-04-2026 10:21AM

Hi Ruddy

Just to echo what others are saying you are providing invaluable practical help here to all of us and it is appreciated.

Our own renewal is just in. 1st may 2026. VHI

2 adults late 50's one one Company Plan Plus 1.3 €1835.09

partner PMI 52 10 €1619.33

Son 22 in College 964.38

Total of €4,418 for 3.

Ortho important but after that would value any suggestions to move plan/provider and save some money if possible with broadly similar cover. Would spend about €2k on average on GP's , Consultants and scans etc

Thank you

mykidtractor · 02-04-2026 07:20PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124355602#Comment_124355602

Hi Ruddy,

As always, thank you for your advise and invaluable insights.

It is very much appreciated, thank you.

13rian · 02-04-2026 09:07PM

Hi Ruddy,

Great advice being dispensed by yourself thus far. I need to renew/change policies by the end of this month. Currently we are all with Laya on Prosper and the renewal quote is €3,650 for a family of 4 ages 47, 42, 4 and 2.

Adults are relatively fit and healthy. No more children coming into the picture. My knee has been playing up but hoping surgery is not required. We tend to avail of physical therapy and the likes of chiropody to keep ourselves ticking over and to avoid wear and tear with aging. Our main priority is that in the event of serious illness, we get seen and don't go broke paying medical bills. We don't mind paying an excess for private hospitals if it would result in a significant reduction in cost of a policy. Hospitals in or around Dublin would be most sought in the event of procedures if that makes any difference.

Our 4 year old has autism but possibly other coexisting additional needs requiring speech and language, occupational and play therapies (all the pricey stuff!) - he will most likely need loads of supports from a medical expenses standpoint for the foreseeable future, on a weekly basis in tranches of 8 weeks from experience to date - so excellent day-to-day "Everyday Expenses" cover would be ideal, provided it doesn't cost a prohibitive amount.

Are there any policies that have similar coverage or are more appropriate for our circumstances than Laya Prosper? There are significant expenses for the first year since I have had health insurance. I have completed some research and have some steer on it but interested to hear your views, prior to pulling the trigger on policy/policies.

Many thanks in advance.

Escapees · 02-04-2026 10:12PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124359466#Comment_124359466

Just my two cents on this as can relate to your situation:

Firstly, even though you can't do it online, a child can be put on a different plan to the parent/s with Laya (and presumably other insurers too). You have to ring up or email to get a quote and then they can update the renewal particulars accordingly if you want to proceed. Anyway, bottom line is that a child can be on a much better plan than the parent/s, but at a relatively cheap discounted child rate (hundreds rather than thousands of euro!).

Secondly, certain Laya plans have 75% everyday cover with a much lower excess and much higher overall expenses limit than Prosper. Optimum Premium may be a plan that might well be worth considering here.

Will leave Ruddy take the reins again...!

Cashmerewrap · 05-04-2026 11:15PM

Hi, just looking for a bit of advice please. I have private health insurance with Laya. My plan is called Assure Protect. As far as I know I have private cover in public hospitals. I need to have my gallbladder removed following a stay in hospital a month ago wheře it was inflamed and infected. As I was feeling so ill at the time I forgot to mention my insurance. It wouldn't have made any difference to my treatment at the time. I have an outpatients appointment next week. My question is will my insurance be adequate to cover the procedure in a public hospital (Connolly) or will I just have to wait? Should I just keep my outpatients appointment and inform them about my insurance then? I intend to phone Laya on Tuesday but would really appreciate any insight or advice anyone can offer.

faolteam · 07-04-2026 12:17AM

Hi Ruddy

My Renewal is up 1st May 26 charginging me €169.10 Prosper

i never had private health insurance so when i took it out when i was 60 i was loaded and will still be loaded at 48% for the next 7 years which can be expensive i suppose ideally i would be better taking out a cheap insurance till the 10 years , in an ideal world this would be the way,

I did get in touch with #Dermot Goode and waited a while to get a phone call but eventually he did or one of his workers got back and recommended three different ones but the one i went for was Signify with Laya which in fairness was good , i did ring Laya up last year explained my issue with loading and they recommended Prosper which Personally i found poor,

What i mean by that i suppose at present the only advantage i was using this cover for was My Local Gp but the return on that was poor like €105.00 visit i got back €2.50 going to the local Laya Clinic was still paying i think €25 were on Signify was 100%

I suppose im still looking at best cover for Gp and less paying Laya Clinics, although someone suggested the Video Docs, i do find sometimes the odd twinge in the Knee if thats something coming on the Horizon it may be down to the fact that i drive a lot

Would you have a suggestion of a better Cover i was hoping not to really go over the €160 mark but if there was someting better if i had to push it ,

Many thanks if you can help if not just ignore this thanks again

ruddy1987 · 07-04-2026 11:02AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124368557#Comment_124368557

I would actually recommend that you look to strip out day to day cover as with the loading its not going to be good value.

With laya have a look at a plan called access heath as a starting point potentially. You can use any premium savings towards outpatient costs. You could also have a look at getting a HSF cash plan if you wished.

ruddy1987 · 07-04-2026 11:09AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124366494#Comment_124366494

You have cover for a semi private room in a public hospital. Your insurance will cover the stay and treatment in a public hospital but you are not guaranteed the semi private room. Your consultant should give you a procedure code and you can call Laya to validate this cover in advance.

ruddy1987 · 07-04-2026 11:15AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124359466#Comment_124359466

Sorry for the delay i was away for a few days. My advice would be to look to move the 4 year old over to PMI 24 10 with VHI as this has 75% cover for Occupational therapists & Speech therapists.

For the rest of the family you could look at something like EnhancedCare 350 Day-to-Day or My Plan 350 Day 2 Day or Plan B from Level. Prosper isnt awful but main negative would be from this renewal orthopaedic co payment increase from 20% to 40%.

Scoopsire · 07-04-2026 04:57PM

Hi Ruddy,

My wife's (41, healthy, Dublin based) policy is up for renewal, she is currently on Laya Connect Choice, renewal quote approx €1650 - are there any other options you would suggest?

13rian · 07-04-2026 09:33PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124369004#Comment_124369004

Thanks Ruddy, much appreciated

13rian · 07-04-2026 09:35PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124359576#Comment_124359576

Thanks for this also.

tired_bunny · 08-04-2026 09:27AM

Hi Ruddy,

Hoping you can advise. Just got quote of €4029.56 up from €3470.08 for a family of 4 with Vhi starting 30/4/26. Two adults M(51), F(53) on Enhance Care 250 @ €1278.23 each , two young adults on One Plan Family F(21) @ €840.28 and M(19) @ €642.82.

We are being priced out. Is there anything out there currently that is better value/ cheaper.

M(53) is Dublin based so access to Dublin hospitals/swift type walk in clinics needed. The rest are in the midlands so access to Dublin hospitals not as high a priority. However access to Charter Medical Private in Mullingar or similar for scans or investigations etc would be handy.

We don't all have to be with the same insurance company. Young adults are not in a position to pay for their own health insurance yet.

Thanks.

cunnifferous · 09-04-2026 04:28PM

Hi Ruddy. My mother (76) is on ILH 4D Health 5 and renewal is up in the next couple of weeks. Any suggestions? She is the Dublin area so the private hospitals are important enough.

Thanks!

ruddy1987 · 10-04-2026 10:08AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124371710#Comment_124371710

For the adults you could look at My Plan 150, it is €1,348.20 via link here. This would be a total of €2,696.40 for the 2 adults. It has lower hospital excess and some level of day to day cover (subject to excess).

https://www.hia.ie/comparison-tool/results/3AARozQ5OaUxMTg5OcKQkAGhMKM2NTAAk80H6gQKwpLNASbNAVKVBwQFCQaQkZOlQWR1bHQAAcPD

For the 19 year old I would be staying with VHI but changing plan from One Plan Family (€643) to PMI 39 14 €587 or PMI 45 10 €576

https://www.hia.ie/comparison-tool/results/3AARpjE4Ni43N6Q1OTU2wpCQAaEwozY1MACTzQfqBArClDbNAQQ7MpUHBAUJBpCRk6tZb3VuZyBhZHVsdBMBw8M%3D

For the 21 year old I would be staying with VHI also but changing plan from One Plan Family (€840) to PMI 39 14 €758 or PMI 45 10 €766

https://www.hia.ie/comparison-tool/results/3AARpjI3Mi42OaY3MDY3LjTCkJABoTCjNjUwAJPNB-oECsKUNs0BBDsylQcEBQkGkJGTq1lvdW5nIGFkdWx0FQHDww%3D%3D

My Plan 150 x 2 Adults €2,696.40

2 Young Adults PMI 39 14 €1,345

Total €4,041 but improvement in cover across board

ruddy1987 · 10-04-2026 07:47PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124376585#Comment_124376585

firstly the price of 4D 5 is now bananas. So lots of options to save money.

A few questions:

is she alright losing the travel insurance or is this needed?
Does she regularly use private hospitals?
Is she likely to need an orthopaedic procedure over the next 2-3 years?
Hospital wise is she happy using standard private hospitals (including Beacon) and having a private room or would semi private room be enough (currently has private room cover)

Once I get a handle on the above I can recommend similar plans that will save lots

cunnifferous · 10-04-2026 08:19PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124381320#Comment_124381320

Yes doesn't need travel insurance
Yes has needed a few biopsies in Beacon and other private hospitals
Not particularly, no history or ortho anyway
Private room preferably

Thanks!

ruddy1987 · 10-04-2026 09:00PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124381481#Comment_124381481

I would say this one should be straightforward enough. I would recommend cancelling current plan and taking out new plan on health guide 3 via link here to get 5% discount. That would mean €2,122 versus €3,088. Main differences

€50 excess for day cases in private hospital against no excess
€75 excess for private room in private hospital per stay (versus €50)
Orthopaedic copayment increases from €1,500 to €3000 and €500 on ophthalmic
you loose personalised packages

you would need an awful lot of hospital stays to make up the difference in premium.

Hia link

https://www.hia.ie/comparison-tool/results/3AARozQ5OaUxMTg5OcKQkAGhMKM2NTAAk80H6gQKwpIRzQFFlQcEBQkGkJGTpUFkdWx0AAHDww%3D%3D

TabbyLongTails · 10-04-2026 09:46PM

ruddy is a legend

cunnifferous · 10-04-2026 09:46PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124381622#Comment_124381622

Good man ruddy thanks a million.

faolteam · 10-04-2026 11:58PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124368975#Comment_124368975

Hi Ruddy and many thanks for your Great Advice,

I know nothing about HSF or who even who runs it but i will absolutely take your advice,

Just one question if i do have to go to a Laya Clinic , do i use the HSF to get refund and which level should i start at , as far as going to hospitals i prob go twice a year and get my Dentist work done in Spain ?

ps do people join the HSF : and stay with them for the loading for the 10 years and only use that service ?

ruddy1987 · 11-04-2026 07:13AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124382266#Comment_124382266

Unfortunately HSF cannot be used for LCR loadings. They are a charity but can be useful for people with day to day medical expenses.

I would say if you have a high loading and want some day ro day cover it better yo use something like the HSF instead of increasing cover with your interact cover day to day costs.

tired_bunny · 11-04-2026 08:04AM

Thank you ruddy1987

faolteam · 11-04-2026 11:10PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124382589#Comment_124382589

Thanks Ruddy which level HSF do u think would be best suited i do get my teeth work done in Spain

Steady1 · 13-04-2026 12:39PM

@ruddy1987 I would really appreciate your wisdom and thoughts on current policy and if we should change.

A couple in early sixties, with no medical issues to date (touch wood).

I had cover for about 8 years through a work scheme that ceased in March 2008.

I took out a new policy for both with Laya in September 2024 (loaded for age). I hadn't a clue what to choose, but considering possibly things like knee surgery etc down the line I went with Laya Simply Connect Plus. I am paying €585 pm (€7,020 per annnum).

I have rainy day cash set aside of about €25,000 for unforeseen medical events)

Is there a cheaper option I should consider to my Simply Connect Plus policy that is due for renewal in September?

leahyl · 13-04-2026 02:41PM

Hi Ruddy, came across this thread only today! You are doing a great job! I'm not due to renew until January 2027….but I had been just looking to see how much my current plan has increased and it seems that it's "only" gone up about 60euro….might be wrong there - it's Laya signify. Anyway, it's still expensive at 1,371euro so was wondering would you have any suggestions for another plan where I could maybe save a few quid? I'm a 40 year old single female, would like a certain amount of GP cover and some relief for consultants/physiotherapy/counselling. I note that Signify now has 10e outpatient excess whereas it's 1euro on my plan at the moment. I'm in good health but I don't want to have really low cover just because of that…you never know what's going to happen.

Private Medical Insurance

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