Health Insurance?

chases0102 · 26-11-2015 9:34pm #1

Today, I was just about to buy health insurance for the first time. I'm under 30 (just), have a fairly secure job, and it is something that I never had, but a lot of my friends had.

However, I held fire on it just at the end. Is it all a bit of a cod?

Having asked the rep on the other end of the phone to explain what benefits I would get for entry level, 550-odd euro, it seemed rather flat. Certainly didn't seem worth the annual price.

Added to this, is the fact that 18 months ago I had to have day surgery on a benign growth that, if left alone, would have caused serious issues. Without insurance, it all took place within 6 weeks....no big long waiting lists, or massive costs (just had to pay for bed during day).

jimdublin15 · 26-11-2015 10:23pm

You said they quoted €550,- for entry level (No sure what is covered) but if I just checked on Laya site and as example under the quick quote option for a single person, everyday standard is €449.10 again not sure what is covered but it's worth shopping around to see the costs and what is covered.

I have a comprehensive Private health policy that covers me + 3 dependents. Total costs was just under 2.5 K but I get this paid by my employer. Thinking back my last 3 employers all paid my private healthcare. Last year I got +- 1350 euro back in costs (GP Bills/Glasses and 1 A&E charge) I also essentially skipped 2 waiting lists to see specialists so I did have benefit from the cover.
Oh I also called the 24/7 GP line a few times.

So I did get a benefit from it but than again it does not cost me either.

I think however it really depends from person to person, things like age , dependents, health situation, and what are you getting covered by a policy. Your under 30 so that new loading charge at least does not apply yet as far as I understand it. ?http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/health/health_insurance/private_health_insurance.html

SEPT 23 1989 · 26-11-2015 10:27pm

It all boils down to the type of room you would like to die in

Dozen Wicked Words · 26-11-2015 10:32pm

You'll end up on a trolley/bed in a corridor whatever cover you have.

Jim Bob Scratcher · 26-11-2015 10:35pm

Personally I wouldn't be bothered with health insurance until I'm at least in my very late 30's or early 40's.

Superhorse · 26-11-2015 10:35pm

It's a complete scam. The adds they run on the TV are to make people feel guilty about not having it and are in really poor taste. I'd rather die young than give the fookers a cent.

Gael23 · 26-11-2015 10:36pm

Health insurance is next to food for me. That one thing no matter what I'll always find a way of hanging on to.

Spanish Eyes · 26-11-2015 10:36pm

I have been paying Private Health Insurance all my working life.

I could afford it, so did it.

However, now that I am older and bolder, as another poster said it's through A+E you go, and no special treatment there, and that is all in public hospitals.

I'm keeping it up however because if at all possible I want a private room. I would hate to inflict my massive snoring on anyone in a shared ward. I am so considerate!

chases0102 · 26-11-2015 10:38pm

All valid points!

I guess I'm looking at this purely from a value point of view - with the age I am, and no kids, I don't think the basic level of cover for approx 500 euro is worth it for what is covered.

Absolutely, before the loading charge comes in, I would imagine it
I'd have it at that stage.

Atlantic Dawn · 26-11-2015 10:41pm

Gael23 wrote: »

Health insurance is next to food for me. That one thing no matter what I'll always find a way of hanging on to.

Have you ever had to actually use it, if so did it cover what you expected?

allthedoyles · 26-11-2015 10:42pm

You get sweet FA for around the €600 mark

If you can afford it long term ,then buy now , because its in the future you will want it .

There are thousands after cancelling their health insurance over the last number of years .

I know a guy paid €1000 a year for 20 years and in 2009 he cancelled at 55 years old .

It was money down the drain because he seldom used it and now in his 60's he could do with it.

Gael23 · 26-11-2015 10:42pm

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

I have been paying Private Health Insurance all my working life.

I could afford it, so did it.

However, now that I am older and bolder, as another poster said it's through A+E you go, and no special treatment there, and that is all in public hospitals.

I'm keeping it up however because if at all possible I want a private room. I would hate to inflict my massive snoring on anyone in a shared ward. I am so considerate!

I have it for outpatient things like scans and consultant visits and so on. I have some medical issues which means I get a medical card but I had need for a simple ultrasound scan a while back which would have been a 3 month wait but I got it done in 2 weeks in a private clinic.
It also means on the thankfully infrequent occasion I do require an admission, it can be in a private hospital which is clean and not overcrowded.

sullivlo · 26-11-2015 10:45pm

chases0102 wrote: »

Today, I was just about to buy health insurance for the first time. I'm under 30 (just), have a fairly secure job, and it is something that I never had, but a lot of my friends had.

However, I held fire on it just at the end. Is it all a bit of a cod?

Having asked the rep on the other end of the phone to explain what benefits I would get for entry level, 550-odd euro, it seemed rather flat. Certainly didn't seem worth the annual price.

Added to this, is the fact that 18 months ago I had to have day surgery on a benign growth that, if left alone, would have caused serious issues. Without insurance, it all took place within 6 weeks....no big long waiting lists, or massive costs (just had to pay for bed during day).

I've been unlucky enough to need a few "routine" procedures. Nothing life threatening, but really affected the quality of life.

Public waiting lists are a joke. Pure & simple. I was told 18+ months for a routine appointment publically. I went private & had an operation to sort the issue within weeks.

In emergencies, health insurance ain't worth a damn, but for day to day, it's really worth it.

Stheno · 26-11-2015 10:48pm

sullivlo wrote: »

I've been unlucky enough to need a few "routine" procedures. Nothing life threatening, but really affected the quality of life.

Public waiting lists are a joke. Pure & simple. I was told 18+ months for a routine appointment publically. I went private & had an operation to sort the issue within weeks.

In emergencies, health insurance ain't worth a damn, but for day to day, it's really worth it.

Agree 100% have had the same experience.

My Oh is currently waiting for an appointment with a dermatologist, if it comes back as being in six months time we will just go private and claim off our insurance.

A couple of years ago I'd a severe injury, and insurance covered a couple of thousand euro worth of treatment

Gael23 · 26-11-2015 10:54pm

Stheno wrote: »

Agree 100% have had the same experience.

My Oh is currently waiting for an appointment with a dermatologist, if it comes back as being in six months time we will just go private and claim off our insurance.

A couple of years ago I'd a severe injury, and insurance covered a couple of thousand euro worth of treatment

Where are you based? I would say your looking about a year to be honest. I go to a Dermatologist in Dublin and I was waiting 3 months for a private appointment.

Stheno · 26-11-2015 10:57pm

Gael23 wrote: »

Where are you based? I would say your looking about a year to be honest. I go to a Dermatologist in Dublin and I was waiting 3 months for a private appointment.

Dublin

We are fully prepared to go private if we need to

Spanish Eyes · 26-11-2015 10:58pm

Make sure to really research your insurance plan.

Some want outpatients, scans and so on covered.

Some want orthopaedics/cardiac etc. covered.

Some want consultant fees covered.

Some want private room.

Some want GP/dental/etc.

Some want everything!

I went for excess on private consultant fee, but all tests radiology etc covered. Plus cardiology, ortho, etc. (important when you get a bit older!)

I want a private room ALWAYS but the policy was cheaper because I opted to pay €75 a night extra for a private room if I was admitted. OK. I may never need that private room, so why pay through the nose every year for that! And then, heaven forbid, when I am in said private room, well the money I saved on the premium pays for that! Policy covers semi private anyway.

It's a tough call, and you really never know until you are in the system.

Gael23 · 26-11-2015 10:58pm

Stheno wrote: »

Dublin We are fully prepared to go private if we need to

I know its a year for any Dermatologist in Vincents, No idea about any other Dublin Hospital.

ulinbac · 26-11-2015 11:36pm

I use my health insurance a few times a year due to an injury.

The waiting list in public for my surgeons is between 1 and 3 years. I only wait between 1 and 5 weeks. I've had 7 minor procedures on my spine in 9 years. Average wait for procedure is 3 weeks from consultation.

I would never have seen the consultants I do without my health insurance, so it is worth every cent.

I was in hospital for 5 weeks before. Went to GP on day 1 with complaint, referred to A&E, moved to private hospital later that day. Bill was just shy of €20k, I had a double room, access to gym plus other facilities for my recovery. I did not pay a penny except for the GP.

You may not need it for 15 years but that one time something big happens you will be glad you do.

donegaLroad · 27-11-2015 12:00am

If you are a Southern resident working in Northern Ireland, you are entitled to a NHS medical card (but spouse and children are not entitled).

smash · 27-11-2015 12:10am

I looked a while ago at it, and VHI were looking for €1200 for what was realistically absolutely feck all cover.

None of them even offer a no claims discount. Bastards!

Azalea · 27-11-2015 12:20am

smash wrote: »

I looked a while ago at it, and VHI were looking for €1200 for what was realistically absolutely feck all cover.

Yeah I took out health insurance first time last year and hadn't a clue so just went with VHI because of it being "the auld reliable" etc. Grand chunk of wedge every month for, yeah, basic stuff.
With the over-35 thing being brought in subsequently though, I did some research. Other providers seem to offer better deals, so will go elsewhere once my current policy ends.

smash · 27-11-2015 12:26am

Azalea wrote: »

Yeah I took out health insurance first time last year and hadn't a clue so just went with VHI because of it being "the auld reliable" etc. Grand chunk of wedge every month for, yeah, basic stuff.
With the over-35 thing being brought in subsequently though, I did some research. Other providers seem to offer better deals, so will go elsewhere once my current policy ends.

Don't wait. You can switch at any time.

VHI are the reason health insurance is so high in this country. A consultant can send them an invoice for €15k for a routine procedure and they don't even question it. I remember an episode of primetime (I think it was primetime) and a guy produced his hospital bill that VHI had paid out for him. He never even saw the costs until they send him the receipt, but they paid out over 40k for a bypass operation and 3 night hospital stay without question.

BlaasForRafa · 27-11-2015 12:27am

Health insurance is the biggest scam in this country next to irish water.

Azalea · 27-11-2015 12:29am

BlaasForRafa wrote: »

Health insurance is the biggest scam in this country next to irish water.

How are either a scam? I'm not saying they're wonderful but it's easy to just throw out the "scam" allegation - has to be some substance to it though.

Health insurance is not cheap here but it's actually way more expensive in other countries. Private healthcare is crazy expensive. And health insurance here offers overseas cover towards colossal costs in other countries should they arise.

Rocket19 · 27-11-2015 12:42am

smash wrote: »

Don't wait. You can switch at any time.

VHI are the reason health insurance is so high in this country. A consultant can send them an invoice for €15k for a routine procedure and they don't even question it. I remember an episode of primetime (I think it was primetime) and a guy produced his hospital bill that VHI had paid out for him. He never even saw the costs until they send him the receipt, but they paid out over 40k for a bypass operation and 3 night hospital stay without question.

You can't cancel at any time because you pay for an annual policy. Well, you can, but you would have to pay the government levy (which the insurer pays to the government on your behalf, and makes up part of your premium).
If you cancel the policy mid year, you will be liable to pay the levy, which is approx €400 for one adult.

Also, this is blatantly not true about VHI paying anything/everything to consultants. VHI have a table of benefits (as do the other 3 insurers) agreed with the consultants for each and every procedure, and this is what is paid.

Permabear · 27-11-2015 12:42am

This post has been deleted.

Rocket19 · 27-11-2015 12:48am

Stheno wrote: »

Dublin We are fully prepared to go private if we need to

Why would you not go privately if you have insurance? Claiming does not affect your premium.

Filmer Paradise · 27-11-2015 12:52am

BlaasForRafa wrote: »

Health insurance is the biggest scam in this country next to irish water.

Right. So tell me why I'm pissing against the wind shelling out 292.28Euros per month to cover myself the Missus & 2 kids?

I'd love to know how to cut this bill out of my life with no problems.

Tell me now!!!!!!!

smash · 27-11-2015 12:53am

Rocket19 wrote: »

This post had been deleted.

Maybe now, but not always. It was Pat Kenny on Frontline that had the report I mentioned earlier. There was also a rep from Quinn insurance on it so it's a few years ago now. But the fact still stands that those payouts are why health insurance is so expensive now.

Permabear wrote: »

True. I live in the USA, and I pay health insurance for my nanny. She's 22, a non-smoker and very light drinker, with no pre-existing conditions, and the premiums are over $600 a month. People on this thread are complaining about paying less than that a year!

Ah but you don't have a public health system over there like the one we have here which leaves health insurance pretty much useless for most peopleBad the ROI is negligible.

Rocket19 · 27-11-2015 12:57am

smash wrote: »

Maybe now, but not always. It was Pat Kenny on Frontline that had the report I mentioned earlier. There was also a rep from Quinn insurance on it so it's a few years ago now. But the fact still stands that those payouts are why health insurance is so expensive now.

That's not why it's expensive.
It's expensive because of community rating, which means that anyone, regardless of age or state of health, can take out a policy and pay the exact same premium as someone young, fit, and healthy.
Because everyone pays the same, the young healthy people subsidise the old sick people.

Rayne Wooney · 27-11-2015 1:03am

Just don't get injured and you'll be grand without it

Filmer Paradise · 27-11-2015 1:06am

Rayne Wooney wrote: »

Just don't get injured and you'll be grand without it

Easy said if you've no dependants.

smash · 27-11-2015 9:38am

Filmer Paradise wrote: »

Easy said if you've no dependants.

We're talking about health insurance, not life insurance.

Fleawuss · 27-11-2015 9:48am

And don't change it once you get it if you're middle aged or old. Pre existing conditions. Ouch.

jester77 · 27-11-2015 10:01am

I got a letter yesterday from my health insurance where they expressed their delight to be able to reduce my costs. It went from €485 a month to €483.50 a month.

W@nkers... This is only 1 part of the insurance, they pulled the same stunt last year where the price went down about €2 but a week later I got a letter regarding the other part of the insurance where it went up €3. I should expect the same letter next week!

c_man · 27-11-2015 10:18am

I've seen enough of public service to hang onto private for dear life. Even for waiting lists it's amazing. I had to have a minor operation during the year. It was nothing life threatening but better to get it over with. Went to the doctor she explains I could be "a year to eighteen months waiting to see a consultant". Reminded her that I had private and bingo, it was all done and dusted with me on the mend within six weeks.

Toto Wolfcastle · 27-11-2015 10:30am

My husband would have been waiting to be given a date for surgery years ago in severe pain for six weeks without his health insurance. That's 6 weeks to get a date, not 6 weeks until the surgery. With health insurance he had the surgery within 2 weeks and was able to get on with his life. He has a procedure every couple of months that gives him some relief from pain and that's all paid for by his health insurance. He just calls up and asks for an appointment when he needs it. He's had multiple surgeries covered in full and soon he'll be covered for surgery that would cost €15000 if we had to pay, and he was able to schedule it for a date that suited him. It's no exaggeration to say that if he was relying on the public system his quality of life would be severely diminished. You really don't know the value of health insurance until you need it.

BattleCorp · 27-11-2015 11:00am

I'm over 40, didn't have private medical insurance before the rules changed so I guess I'll never have private medical insurance seeing as I'll be priced out of the market.

I reckon the over 35 rule will have unintended consequences. It was meant to encourage everybody to rush out and take out health insurance. What it probably does is stop the majority of over 35's from ever taking out private health insurance.

screamer · 27-11-2015 11:13am

Filmer Paradise wrote: »

BlaasForRafa wrote: »

Health insurance is the biggest scam in this country next to irish water.

Right. So tell me why I'm pissing against the wind shelling out 292.28Euros per month to cover myself the Missus & 2 kids?

I'd love to know how to cut this bill out of my life with no problems.

Tell me now!!!!!!!

Add your reply here.

If God forbid any of your family needs some procedure done and you're a public patient you'll soon see how much you're pissing against the wind trying to get them seen can be a 2 year wait for a consultant and another year or 2 if you need an operation. Health insurance is a waste of money until you need to use it and if you do you'll be glad you have it.

BattleCorp · 27-11-2015 11:27am

screamer wrote: »

If God forbid any of your family needs some procedure done and you're a public patient you'll soon see how much you're pissing against the wind trying to get them seen can be a 2 year wait for a consultant and another year or 2 if you need an operation. Health insurance is a waste of money until you need to use it and if you do you'll be glad you have it.

Just over a year ago, my mother fell over and broke her arm. She didn't have insurance and went to a public hospital.

In the waiting room, we got talking to another woman there with a broken arm. She did have private health insurance. Her injury was pretty much the same as my mothers.

They both were put into the same ward. They both had the same doctor. They both had the operation on the same day. They both received the exact same care.

Insurance made sod all of a difference there.

Now I'm not saying that is always the case, but here is an instance where insurance made no difference.

somesoldiers · 27-11-2015 12:24pm

BattleCorp wrote: »

Just over a year ago, my mother fell over and broke her arm. She didn't have insurance and went to a public hospital.

In the waiting room, we got talking to another woman there with a broken arm. She did have private health insurance. Her injury was pretty much the same as my mothers.

They both were put into the same ward. They both had the same doctor. They both had the operation on the same day. They both received the exact same care.

Insurance made sod all of a difference there.

Now I'm not saying that is always the case, but here is an instance where insurance made no difference.

I had heart problems 10 years ago and ended up in the Mater Private, I had health insurance, which they actually disputed paying and said I had to pay the 25K bill myself. They eventually paid it although I think this was due to the fact I was in a large company that paid for everyone's with them and might have moved insurer if they didn't cover me.

My mate had a similar problem last year, never had a bit of insurance in his life. Was in the same ward in the same hospital and got the same care, difference being he doesn't have to pay for his meds every month like I do, nor did he have the stress of possibly being faced with a 25K bill

it is at the stage that you have an accident and the first one you ring is the insurer, not the ambulance. Insurers make things complicated on purpose and change plans so often to confuse people, my work policy changes every December, I always make sure to check what is covered, though thankfully it is part of my work package and my family are covered

27-11-2015 12:38pm

It makes not wit of difference if you have a serious illness you will get treated in the public system, Where it does make a difference is with chronic illnesses and orthopaedic surgery.

I had a serious illness last year and had a mixture of public and private treatments due to convenience. A privet en suit room is nice when you not the best and the private hospitably was quite, other that that there was no difference in the treatment I revived and that is as it should be.

Lia_lia · 27-11-2015 12:57pm

I get mine through work for free (well, must pay BIK). Never used it. Good to have it though I guess.

Arbiter of Good Taste · 27-11-2015 1:14pm

BlaasForRafa wrote: »

Health insurance is the biggest scam in this country next to irish water.

That's your opinion and frankly it's a silly, childish, irresponsible one.

Anyone with a half decent plan knows the value of health insurance.

In one year alone I got value for probably a decade of premia, never mind not having to deal with waiting lists and the insanity of public hospitals.

It's a question of priorities

Arbiter of Good Taste · 27-11-2015 1:17pm

somesoldiers wrote: »

I had heart problems 10 years ago and ended up in the Mater Private, I had health insurance, which they actually disputed paying and said I had to pay the 25K bill myself. They eventually paid it although I think this was due to the fact I was in a large company that paid for everyone's with them and might have moved insurer if they didn't cover me.

My mate had a similar problem last year, never had a bit of insurance in his life. Was in the same ward in the same hospital and got the same care, difference being he doesn't have to pay for his meds every month like I do, nor did he have the stress of possibly being faced with a 25K bill

it is at the stage that you have an accident and the first one you ring is the insurer, not the ambulance. Insurers make things complicated on purpose and change plans so often to confuse people, my work policy changes every December, I always make sure to check what is covered, though thankfully it is part of my work package and my family are covered

Please explain how a fully public patient ends up in the mater private and doesn't pay a cent?

Azalea · 27-11-2015 1:37pm

Rayne Wooney wrote: »

Just don't get injured and you'll be grand without it

What about cancer.

smash · 27-11-2015 1:42pm

Azalea wrote: »

What about cancer.

Public or private you'll get the exact same care.

ancapailldorcha · 27-11-2015 2:02pm

How does health insurance actually work in Ireland? I've spent the entirety of my career in the UK where we have the NHS so most people don't bother with cover.

cocker5 · 27-11-2015 2:59pm

Personally i wouldn't be without it...

for the 2 of us our cover costs me €280.. (€1,680 each per year) which is mental but i wouldn't get rid of it.

I'm having injections in my knees worth €1,500..(covered by my health insurance) in the beacon in January, I called cappagh and public = 22 months wait to see someone :eek: never mind getting the injections.

My mum was passed away 3 years ago had cancer, she was in a private room for 2 months... the lack of disturbance / noise was a huge help to her. Would never have had that without insurance.

i know another person also has cancer, is in Vincents and public... she has to wait 3/4 weeks for get her scans... then a further 2/3 for the results of her scans - disgraceful. My mum never waited any longer than a few days.

that's just my experience. wouldn't risk having to go into the Irish health system without insurance

cocker5 · 27-11-2015 3:01pm

smash wrote: »

Public or private you'll get the exact same care.

Yes you will get the same chemo, care from nurses but you dont get the same level of care when it comes to MRI's, CAT scans and PET scans... private room... these are all imperative when your that sick
....from my experience that is.

Health Insurance?

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