Do you have health insurance?

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1 · 17-02-2016 09:40PM

Witchie wrote: »

Really? Private clinic for broken bones?

My mum, a Laya healthcare patient,.....

Wrong insurer.

Swiftcare clinics and others are great. Mrs S broke her wrist last year. Straight up. In and out in 40 minutes. Physio free too afterwards.

Jawgap · 17-02-2016 09:45PM

Beersmith wrote: »

You can still get private screens etc out of your own pocket and it won't be anywhere near the price of health insurance

Yes you can - but on my firm's plan anything discovered on a screen that requires treatment is covered, regardless of whether it would have otherwise been covered.

The only thing I object to is paying for 'insurance' for pregnancy!!

Jawgap · 17-02-2016 09:49PM

Margaret Harsh Rim wrote: »

Wrong insurer.

Swiftcare clinics and others are great. Mrs S broke her wrist last year. Straight up. In and out in 40 minutes. Physio free too afterwards.

Needed stitches following a bike crash a few weeks ago - in, X-rayed, wound cleaned and stitched and I was on my way within 45 minutes - didn't even get to open the book I brought with me to read while I waited, and they apologised for the delay!

keith16 · 17-02-2016 09:50PM

Yes, it's compulsory here in Switzerland. Everyone pays, and the result is a first class health care system.

seamus · 17-02-2016 09:51PM

The Backwards Man wrote: »

It gives me the peace of mind that I'll never be bankrupted if I get sick. Some of us don't have medical cards you know.

This isn't the US, having no health insurance won't bankrupt you.

You might die though sitting on a waiting list.

Yes, I have health insurance and will continue to do so. My Dad's advice to me after my daughter was born was to always have health insurance. Always pay your mortgage and your VHI and then after that you can figure the rest out.

Our sh1tty health system isn't a new phenomenon. It's always been sh1t, since the state was founded.

dashdoll · 17-02-2016 09:57PM

I don't have it as I can't afford it and it worries me.

Low wages and high Dublin rent along with a college loan mean it's something I simply can't afford.

17-02-2016 10:02PM

snubbleste wrote: »

Why?
What does it give you over the public health system except possibly quicker access to a consult and fewer patients per room?
Is it value for money?

Take an example of someone I know who initially went to a Public hospital a few weeks ago with very serious issue, sent home - collected by ambulance again within 24 hours of being sent home.

Requests to go to private hospital issue picked up straight away that was missed in public hospital = life saved.

You have access to fantastic consultants, choice of hospitals, private rooms, MAU's, Clinics for X-rays and MRI's within 24 hours, I wouldn't go without it- it's essential.

byhookorbycrook · 17-02-2016 10:05PM

snubbleste wrote: »

I agree.
I don't believe health insurance gives you value for money given that there is an alternative.

I get a treatment that costs my health insurance €2,500 per month, before tests/MRIs etc. The same treatment is not given in the public hospital nearby and even in those public hospitals that do, the numbers are capped, so one can only access it if someone else comes off it. So , yep, I get value for money!

17-02-2016 10:07PM

I wouldn't live in Ireland without the best insurance I could fund.

It says a lot about the Irish system that they can't keep Irish doctors working in it because of the dreadful conditions. If there was less spent on the endless strata of admin and management and more spent on doctors and nurses, everyone would benefit. Especially patients. Instead they just expect existing medics to cover the shortages by working inhumane hours in inhumane conditions.

_Whimsical_ · 17-02-2016 11:44PM

One thing on the health insurance front is that it really pays to shop around, and they don't make shopping around easy. Every year I devote a few weeks to finding the best value, you can't just afford to automatically renew the same one year after year.
This year my plan price jumped by 800 euro!! I absolutely couldn't hope to afford it and managed to find almost exactly the same plan for 800 less with the same company.
So if you have it and you are renewing shop around!

Lady is a tramp · 17-02-2016 11:52PM

I literally only got health insurance 2 days ago, after a few weeks break, and am planning on checking into St Pats (again) shortly.

My new plan covers way less than my old plan, but it seems there's some weird loophole that means I'm still covered by the terms of my old (excellent) plan for the next two years, rather than my new (very basic) plan. In most cases, this is to cover the insurers arse - that someone doesn't suddenly upgrade and expect great cover. In my case, it works in my favour - I still have the same good cover for the next two years.

It's no fun suffering from every mental health disorder that exists, but jesus, I'm glad to have the cover to get the in-patient help I need. I'd be waiting a long time on the public system for it.

Zaph · 17-02-2016 11:53PM

I'm currently recovering from a procedure that, once I'm fully recovered, will vastly enhance my quality of life. This is something I've known for a long time would have to be done, but in the meantime I've had other treatments to put off the inevitable for as long as possible. Those other treatments cost about €400 a go, and I've had 3 or 4 a year for probably the last 5 years. I have never had to pay a penny out of my own pocket for them. When it came to the point where my consultant told me that there was no point in continuing them due to diminishing benefits, I was able to schedule the procedure for a time that suited me and my employers. Consequently I had it a couple of months after I could have, but that was my choice. Again I didn't have to pay a penny for this. Contrast that with stories I've heard of people waiting for up to three years to have the same procedure done publicly, purely because it's not a life threatening condition. I shudder to think how bad those next three years would have been if I was in the same position when I consider how painful and life-limiting the last year was for me and it's something that was only going to get worse. And on top of that I'd have had to pay around €500 for the week in hospital as a public patient. As was mentioned above, the two things I'll always pay are my mortgage and my health insurance, everything else can be worked around.

17-02-2016 11:54PM

Lady is a tramp wrote: »

I literally only got health insurance 2 days ago, after a few weeks break, and am planning on checking into St Pats (again) shortly.

My new plan covers way less than my old plan, but it seems there's some weird loophole that means I'm still covered by the terms of my old (excellent) plan for the next two years, rather than my new (very basic) plan. In most cases, this is to cover the insurers arse - that someone doesn't suddenly upgrade and expect great cover. In my case, it works in my favour - I still have the same good cover for the next two years.

It's no fun suffering from every mental health disorder that exists, but jesus, I'm glad to have the cover to get the in-patient help I need. I'd be waiting a long time on the public system for it.

That insurance is an investment in yourself. I hope you get well soon.

Lady is a tramp · 18-02-2016 12:02AM

Candie wrote: »

That insurance is an investment in yourself. I hope you get well soon.

Thanks!

My family have always had VHI (for all nine of us!) My dad, a very healthy eater, active and healthy, non-smoker non-drinker, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (a bone cancer) 12 years ago, and given 3-5 years max. He's still alive and well, with no tumours. He has survived prostate cancer and a heart attack since then.

He gets very regular prompt treatment for every health issue that arises, and we reguarly receive VHI statements in the post for several tens of thousands of euro. I mean, he's received every form of treatment possible to keep him alive ... and it's worked, he's not just alive, but well and active.

It's scary to think that, if he didn't have health insurance, he'd probably be dead and buried long ago. Because he's still a very good, loving, active father. My youngest sibling is only doing her junior cert; on the public system, he'd have been dead long before she got near secondary school.

It's just an absolute disgrace that health insurance is such a necessity; that the same care isn't offered for everybody.

18-02-2016 12:07AM

Lady is a tramp wrote: »

Thanks!

You're welcome, and I'm delighted your dad is still with you and living life well.

Good luck with your treatment.

afatbollix · 18-02-2016 12:12AM

Work pays for it for me. Had to use it for the first time this week.

I've had a bad shoulder for 2 years now, the GP thought it was a muscle issue and kept going down that route until she was off on holiday and the guy filling in for her sent me to a surgeon. He took one look at me said he had an idea what it was but best to have a MRI. At this point I brought up I had insurance I had the MRI within a week. Results came back the next day and after meeting with him I needed surgery. He was like come in any Monday for it I only do surgery on a Monday so I was booked in for 3 weeks time due to work.

I arrived to what was like a hotel room there was only 13 beds in the whole hospital. Into surgery at 8:45 out by 10am and amazing staff who checked on me all day. Gave me all the drugs I needed and was home by 7pm.

I would of waited 9 weeks for the MRI through the NHS.

So stress-free and worth every penny. Will be putting my partner on it next year.

JackHeuston · 18-02-2016 12:15AM

I've got no health insurance and no medical card. I'm young and I live by myself, I don't really see me getting sick so much that I'd need to spend thousands in treatments or in days in a hospital room. If I'll ever get seriously sick I'll move back home to Italy where healthcare's pretty much free for all, I'll have to leave my job here anyway if I'm that serious.

If I get in an accident here that can't save me from some days or weeks in hospital, I'll just pay up what's due. I'd say the risk of this happening is pretty low, but just by saying that, something's probably gonna happen tomorrow....

I'd love if my job would pay for some private healthcare, but it's really not gonna happen.

afatbollix · 18-02-2016 12:19AM

Emergency cover is free for all.

It is the non serious stuff that you will wait ages for, passed around and then once they find the issue could have to wait 9 months for treatment. That is where health insurance is worth it.

Lady is a tramp · 18-02-2016 12:29AM

afatbollix wrote: »

Emergency cover is free for all.

It is the non serious stuff that you will wait ages for, passed around and then once they find the issue could have to wait 9 months for treatment. That is where health insurance is worth it.

It's not free though, is it, for emergency treatment?

I think a visit to A&E is usually €100, which not everyone can afford. Then they'll patch you up or drug you up or whatever, and tell you to go see your GP.

9 months for treatment - you'd be doing well, I've heard of stories of several years waiting, especially with small kids in their formative years.

tomwaterford · 18-02-2016 12:41AM

How much roughly is health insurance per month...as I half taught on getting it before...but never went about it?

Zaph · 18-02-2016 12:51AM

tomwaterford wrote: »

How much roughly is health insurance per month...as I half taught on getting it before...but never went about it?

How long is a piece of string? There are so many plans out there between the various companies that it's hard to even compare like with like between two different insurers. This page might be a good starting point for you to see what you want to include in your cover and what plans are available.

Brego888 · 18-02-2016 01:00AM

Asking people about their health insurance is like asking a gambler about his bets, he only tells you his wins.
Health insurance like any insurance is only any use when you need it. The reality is most people spend vastly more money on health insurance payments than they actually use on treatments or care.

I'm 32. In my 14 years as an adult I've never paid for health insurance. How much money have a saved over this period? I accept I'm taking a risk if I want instant access to SOME treatments. I also accept I might have to pay cash if I wanted to go private on something. But if I become critically unwell I'll take my chances on the public system.

18-02-2016 01:05AM

Brego888 wrote: »

Asking people about their health insurance is like asking a gambler about his bets, he only tells you his wins.
Health insurance like any insurance is only any use when you need it. The reality is most people spend vastly more money on health insurance payments than they actually use on treatments or care.

I'm 32. In my 14 years as an adult I've never paid for health insurance. How much money have a saved over this period? I accept I'm taking a risk if I want instant access to SOME treatments. I also accept I might have to pay cash if I wanted to go private on something. But if I become critically unwell I'll take my chances on the public system.

Do you consider your car or house insurance to be a waste of money as well? It's unlikely you'll need to ever make a substantial claim there either, but when it's your health it's your very life at stake, not just your stuff.

Brego888 · 18-02-2016 01:17AM

Candie wrote: »

Do you consider your car or house insurance to be a waste of money as well? It's unlikely you'll need to ever make a substantial claim there either, but when it's your health it's your very life at stake, not just your stuff.

My car and house insurance are compulsory so that's different. Jesus if I could get away without car insurance I'd do it in a heartbeat. Biggest waste of money going. 13 years and no claims.

Stop living in fear. Health insurance companies sell fear.

Stheno · 18-02-2016 01:19AM

I'd an accident working abroad a few years ago.

Came home, went to my doctor crippled (leg injury) and had a choice of going public and waiting nine months for an appointment to see a surgeon (couldn't walk) or going private.

Saw a private surgeon within a week, MRI same day, physio same day and was back to work 4.5 months later with a LOT of treatment.

I'd never not have health insurance. WIthout it, those 4.5 months might well have stretched to over a year and a quarter.

18-02-2016 01:22AM

Brego888 wrote: »

My car and house insurance are compulsory so that's different. Jesus if I could get away without car insurance I'd do it in a heartbeat. Biggest waste of money going. 13 years and no claims.

Stop living in fear. Health insurance companies sell fear.

Come back and tell me that when your house burns down or you have cancer and can't get access to care until it's too late, as could have happened in a posters story about her dad, above.

I don't understand your attitude about car insurance. But, I suppose it'd be the rest of us who would foot your bill anyway so why bother, eh?

Not planning for the unexpected is a bit immature imo.

Brego888 · 18-02-2016 01:33AM

Candie wrote: »

Come back and tell me that when your house burns down or you have cancer and can't get access to care until it's too late, as could have happened in a posters story about her dad, above.

I don't understand your attitude about car insurance. But, I suppose it'd be the rest of us who would foot your bill anyway so why bother, eh?

Not planning for the unexpected is a bit immature imo.

Car insurance is a massive rip off, is that hard for you to understand. Your point on everyone else (easy shot to get likes by the way) footing my bill is irrelevant. I pay my car insurance. And will continue to.

And I do plan for the future. I've a great level of savings built up for a rainy day. Nicely topped up every year by what I save on not having health insurance.
Listen I'm taking a chance, granted I'll accept that. But it's not for want of planning or maturity.

loconnor1001 · 18-02-2016 01:37AM

I have it through my job, thankfully I have never had to use it - but I'm glad it's there if I need it!

Ice Maiden · 18-02-2016 01:40AM

Some premiums are about €40 per month (obviously limited cover but you will get a semi-private room in a public hospital) and there are what's called cash plans also, which are about €20 per month - they are not health insurance, but as far as I know, they cover waiting periods if you upgrade to a health insurance premium.
Definitely worth the investment in my opinion.

madmaggie · 18-02-2016 02:00AM

I scrimp and save to pay my insurance, but by God was I glad of it last year. I was diagnosed with a tumour, thankfully benign. 2 weeks from GP referral to see the consultant, then another 2 weeks to surgery. Waiting on a public list would have driven me out of my mind, even so, those 4 weeks were the most stressful I've had in years.

Do you have health insurance?

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