Private Medical Insurance

Shamrogue · 30-04-2026 09:48AM

Just a heads up to any male with a family history or concern re prostate cancer.

The is a new non-surgical treatment in the Beacon hospital Dublin https://www.beaconhospital.ie/consultants/mohammud-shakeel-inder/

Info here https://www.thefocaltherapyclinic.co.uk/focal-therapy/hifu-treatment-prostate-cancer/

At the moment only irish life fully covers it.

Please do your own research, I can only say it is good.

Regards

ruddy1987 · 30-04-2026 11:52AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124429526#Comment_124429526

As your based in South Cannot recommend Transform plus which is usually a good option. I would say move the adults to Simply Health Plus, slightly cheaper and better cover than Inspire. Put the first child on Inspire Plus (which ever use's most outpatient) as slightly cheaper than Inspire for kids and better cover. Then leave the rest on the free plan.

https://www.hia.ie/comparison-tool/results/3AARozQ5OaUxMTg5OcKQkAGhMKM2NTAAk80H6gQewpJszQEKlQcEBQkGkJGTpUFkdWx0AAHDww==

ruddy1987 · 30-04-2026 12:17PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124431648#Comment_124431648

If he wants to have full cover for ortho and some day to day cover he is looking at €2,700-€3,000. I would say if unknown how long it will be have a look at a plan like better select. Its a €2,000 co payment for ortho but that's low in the market and its fixed. The premium savings should easily cover the co payment against taking out full ortho cover once you don't have the procedure in the next two years.

Signify is still ok value and for your children I would look at putting one of them on the free children plans if they don't have much claims.

shnaek · 30-04-2026 04:38PM

Hi Ruddy

You've been doing amazing work here. I thought I'd get your advice. I'm 50, male, currently on BeneFit 1 living in Cork. Thankfully no health issues. Should I stick as I am in your opinion?

ruddy1987 · 30-04-2026 07:35PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124433030#Comment_124433030

I would cancel and take out a new plan my plan 350 day to day ( https://www.totalhealthcover.ie/health-insurance-quote?preselectedPlan=178H3D1 ) it’s 8% cheaper and is better cover (lower excess and better day to day cover)

https://www.hia.ie/comparison-tool/results/3AARozQ5OaUxMTg5OcKQkAGhMKM2NTAAk80H6gQewpLMxM0BVZUHBAUJBpCRk6VBZHVsdAABw8M=

shnaek · 01-05-2026 09:55AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124433475#Comment_124433475

Thanks Ruddy

WicklowTiger · 01-05-2026 11:45AM

Hi Ruddy,

This thread is brilliant, fair play to you for putting all the effort in! Our current family plan is Irish Life Health Benefit. 2 adults (49 and 50), 1 18 year old and 1 15 year old. Renewal amount is €4,330.30 up from €3,217.80 which is a big jump (presumably partly because of my daughter turning 18 this year)

What would you recommend we look at?

Thanks in advance!

ruddy1987 · 01-05-2026 02:52PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124434806#Comment_124434806

Whats your renewal date? If before the 31st of May (or if 1st of June take out new policy effective 31st May) my advice would be to cancel current plan and sign up and get new customer discount here. That will automatically save you 8.33% (one month free).

Benefit with the discount is a good plan and if happy with cover no major reason to move, but i would say if you dont get discount a litte expensive. Some alternatives PMI 52 10 and Level Pro Plan, these are attractive as day to day cover would be better. have a look at the Hia link:

https://www.hia.ie/comparison-tool/results/3AARpzEzMzguOTmnMzExOTMuMsKQkAGhMKM2NTAAk80H6gUBwpPM3c0Blc0BG5UHBAUJBpCTk6VBZHVsdAACk6tZb3VuZyBhZHVsdBIBk6VDaGlsZAoBw8M%3D

WicklowTiger · 01-05-2026 03:16PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124435343#Comment_124435343

Sorry renewal date is 1st June. Can I cancel as of 1st June or does the discount only apply in May?

I was looking at MyPlan 350 as well, there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of difference in it compared to Benefit but it is a good bit cheaper (€300 vs. €360 per month)

ruddy1987 · 01-05-2026 06:29PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124435412#Comment_124435412

if you sign up for either plans effective 31/05 you will get the discount for the year.

https://www.hia.ie/comparison-tool/results/3AARozQ5OaUxMTg5OcKQkAGhMKM2NTAAk80H6gUBwpLNAVXM3ZUHBAUJBpCRk6VBZHVsdAABw8M%3D

the hospital excesses are higher and the main other difference is my plan doesn’t cover Hugh tech cardiac in mater private or blackrock. So if that’s not important to you my plan 350 could be attractive.

WicklowTiger · 01-05-2026 10:31PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124435931#Comment_124435931

Thanksagain. So what you're saying is i can cancel current plan and sign up again same day/ next day to avail of a new customer discount. Does that have any other implications? My wife will be seeing a consultant in 3 weeks time in St. Vincent's private which will probably lead to day case treatment. So want to ensure we don't cause an issue with claiming for this.

ruddy1987 · 02-05-2026 07:44PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124436511#Comment_124436511

no implications at all, you will get a new policy number but that’s about it! Cover continues as normal

kennypowers · 03-05-2026 07:42PM

Hi Ruddy or anyone who may help .My wife and I plus young child 39,45 and 6 are currently on Signify and are looking at alternatives .Based in the south of the country. I have a chronic autoimmune disease that will probably require hospital treatment or small surgical procedures in the future .My wife's family have a history of skin cancer. Iv seen you mentioned a plan previously Access health? Would it be worth switching or are there better alternatives ?

sector_000 · 04-05-2026 07:32PM

Hi Ruddy,

Another challenge for your expertise 😁
My wife & I are both 62, and I think we're in fairly good shape.
I need annual colonoscopies to watch for certain things I am genetically prone to… an annual ultrasound, and the odd MRI.
Routine GP & dental visits for both of us, occasional physiotherapy and the odd consultant visit to check on things.
In the greater Dublin commuter belt.
Laya Connect Simplicity is due for renewal starting 1-Jun-26. Price seems 9.4% higher than last year, and comes with several cuts to the benefits.
I tend to favour sticking with Laya, but am certainly open to exploring better plans.
I get a 5% discount through an employer GroupScheme…. possibly for all Laya plans.

Much obliged for your wisdom.

ruddy1987 · 05-05-2026 12:00PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124441567#Comment_124441567

Access Health is very well priced but excess's are relatively high. So if you are likely to have hospital admissions in the future id be saying you would potentially better staying with Signify.

Alternatives would be looking at Plan B with Level I would suggest or My Plan 350 day to day.

https://www.hia.ie/comparison-tool/results/3AARozQ5OaUxMTg5OcKQkAGhMKM2NTAAk80H6gUFwpTNAQzNAX3NAWzNAVWVBwQFCQaQkZOlQWR1bHQAAcPD

ruddy1987 · 05-05-2026 12:13PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124443701#Comment_124443701

Laya have a few new plans launching on 1st of April, one of them is Inspire Secure. I would look at that, around the same price but hospital excess is €100 versus €150 and outpatient cover is 75% back (subject to caps) on GP, Consultants, Dental versus 50% cover you have on current plan. Its not on HIA yet but give Laya a call and have a chat through any questions.

GAAcailin · 05-05-2026 10:15PM

hi Ruddy,

Thanks for your advice; have been looking at Inspire Secure; can you clarify the terminology e.g. ‘75% of costs up to €60 per visit’ on GP visits. Does this mean if the GP cost is €80 you get €60 back but if GP is €100 you still get €60? Tia

My 15 year old DD on Inspire Plus; day-to-day isn’t great; any other suggestions (with Laya) that has good day-to-day with a reasonably high annual excess? Much appreciated- thanks

ruddy1987 · 06-05-2026 12:42PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124446825#Comment_124446825

Yes that's exactly it regarding the GP visit and the capping.

What kind of outpatient area is your 15 year old claiming in so i can guide towards a more suitable plan, as an FYI Inspire plus is very well priced for benefits offered but I take your point about that €1,000 if you have high out patient claims this is likely not suitable.

GAAcailin · 07-05-2026 10:20AM

thanks, it’s mainly GP and educational psychologist . Was thinking of putting her on Prosper Advanced. Any plan I look at that has decent % refund on day-to-day has a low cap (1000€). We are stuck with Laya cause of her Dad’s job

ruddy1987 · 07-05-2026 11:16AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124449883#Comment_124449883

I would say have a look at Connect Choice, 75% back on GP's and cap €7,650.

You can take out a single child policy with VHI (with no adults). PMI 24 10 is a good value child plan with good outpatient cover and €4,000 limit

https://www.hia.ie/comparison-tool/results/3AARoTCmMjgxMS4xwpCQAaEwozY1MACTzQfqBQfClG7NAQvNAQjNATiVBwQFCQaQkZOlQ2hpbGQBAcPD

Escapees · 07-05-2026 11:29AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124450036#Comment_124450036

Don't overlook Optimum Premium which is also good value for money and generally has 75% cover for everyday expenses, unlike Connect Choice.

ruddy1987 · 07-05-2026 01:14PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124450071#Comment_124450071

Great additional recommendation that one 🙌

S' · 08-05-2026 11:17AM

Hi Ruddy, I’m looking for recommendations for an alternative health insurance plan in Ireland. I’m 41, my wife is 39, and we have two children aged 6 and 3; we’re all healthy atm. Wife may need ortho in a few years.

We’re currently with Laya on Inspire Plus and paying €4,700 per year. Based in Galway/Mayo/Sligo region.

ruddy1987 · 08-05-2026 12:14PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124452612#Comment_124452612

I would be looking at Transform plus, €312 cheaper per adult. It has 20% shortfall on ortho versus 40% on Inspire Plus. I would leave the 6 your old on inspire plus and put the 3 year old on a free laya plan flex 125 explore. That should deliver a nice saving.

https://www.hia.ie/comparison-tool/results/3AARozQ4OKUxMTkzOMKQkAGhMKM2NTAAk80H6gUIwpLNATLNAQuVBwQFCQaQkZOlQWR1bHQAAcPD

wayuphigh · 08-05-2026 12:25PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124432084#Comment_124432084

Thanks Ruddy, great suggestions. I went onto the laya today to switch and they are saying the simply health plus is nearly 100 euro more because i am renewing on the 1st June. Have you any other recommendations or should i stick with inspire or pay the extra 100 euro to go on the simply health plus? They were recommending the inspire health but i don't know if the day to day expenses and extra excess are worth it? We probably go to doctor 3-4 times a year and have maybe one or two consultant visits.

I will go ahead and change one child to the inspire plus as its a better coverage but unfortunately it has to be the oldest kid.

ruddy1987 · 08-05-2026 03:33PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124452809#Comment_124452809

Sorry that has a price increase from 1st of June. If saving money a priority i would have a look at Inspire Care for the adults.

Its a pity that Transform plus excludes hospital you need as thats a great alternative for most.

GAAcailin · 08-05-2026 10:37PM

many thanks for your input

walshy123 · 12-05-2026 09:59PM

Hi Ruddy. Need to move to Irish Life (to join group scheme). Currently on PMI 24 10. Budget circa €2.5k. Looking at perhaps Health Guide 3 or 4D Health 4?

Cardiac cover is important due to history but think all give good cover on that. Early 40's.

Kids see an Occupational Therapist. Do ILH have any plans with something similar to the 75% cover on PMI 24 10?

ruddy1987 · 12-05-2026 10:51PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124463910#Comment_124463910

If lots of OT id recommend just keeping the child on VHI PMI 24 10 and self funding.

Do not go near 4D health way over priced, HG3 is a very good private room plan or have a look at Health Action 4/5.

M0030 · 14-05-2026 09:34AM

Hi Ruddy. Your guidance would be most helpful. We are a family of 5 (3 kids under ten). Currently with VHI on public plus care day to day and are up for renewal. Just wondering if there is a plan which be better for us to include cover in private hospitals too that is not going to break the bank? Husband will be running into probable hip replacement in the next few years, would be he better to take out an individual policy?

Private Medical Insurance

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