[The Mighty Quinn]

I don't, but trying to rectify that.

I'm mid 30s, can finally afford some cover I think, and there's a child in the house and one on the way that makes it seem to me I'm foolish not to have health cover going forward.

It's bamboozling trying to work out what policy I need, there are a dizzying array of them. Even the HIA comparison tool is confusing to me to use (any suggestions on "best" policy for two adults and two infants I'm all ears!).

[Geuze]

I am fairly good at comparing elec, telecoms, mortgages, etc., but the number of health insurance plans leaves me confused.

The tyranny of choice.

There are way too many plans.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

Ask over on AAM.

[_Brian]

It’s expensive but wouldn’t be without it. Have no doubt that the early intervention it has allowed us has saved my OH life, hard to put a price on that.

[Smee_Again]

My work pays for mine so that removes the element of choice which I am grateful for.

And my fiance rang VHI and asked for the one with the best maternity cover because we knew we'd be trying soon so we picked that one.

[BraveDonut]

Also lucky enough that my company provides health insurance.

We were on holiday in Florida a few years ago when my wife got sick.

A visit to the emergency room, a load of tests and an overnight stay came in at about $20,000

Health insurance and travel insurance covered it.

So for me - "Don't leave home without it!"

[jimmy86]

Originally Posted by The Mighty Quinn

I don't, but trying to rectify that.

I'm mid 30s, can finally afford some cover I think, and there's a child in the house and one on the way that makes it seem to me I'm foolish not to have health cover going forward.

It's bamboozling trying to work out what policy I need, there are a dizzying array of them. Even the HIA comparison tool is confusing to me to use (any suggestions on "best" policy for two adults and two infants I'm all ears!).

Just a point to note, for every year you go above your 35th birthday they add a 2% loading to the premium.. so if you're 40 when you first take out a policy it is an extra 10% and will be for as long as you hold a policy. I think it's to encourage people to take out policies when they are younger.

[Hello 2D Person Below]

No, it's a scam.

[biko]

Yes, quite expensive but has nice things like private room etc included.
Have had use of it on occasion through the years, nothing major thankfully.

Considering how much it has cost me and how much I have used it I'd say the insurance company still owes me an open heart surgery

[The Mighty Quinn]

Originally Posted by Hello 2D Person Below

No, it's a scam.

I had a feeling that viewpoint would show up, hence inclusion in poll.
But... why is it a scam?

Yes, if you've an immediate emergency it's the same care with or without, but if you've something that requires intervention, the time difference between receiving that care publicly or privately is literally life saving at times.

I think if you are paying forever and not using it, you might feel like it's a waste. But it's that way with all insurances until you need them and then you're sorted.

[Mr_Muffin]

Get it through work for me and the family.

Not sure I would get it if I had to pay.

[Antares35]

Originally Posted by Smee_Again

My work pays for mine so that removes the element of choice which I am grateful for.

And my fiance rang VHI and asked for the one with the best maternity cover because we knew we'd be trying soon so we picked that one.

Out of curiosity, what are the benefits of the maternity cover? I've gone public on both and couldn't fault the care, just wondering what extra it provides.

[Gregor Samsa]

Company pays for it (I then pay BIK on that, so it's not free to me, but much cheaper than paying for it myself). I've hardly ever had to make a claim on it at all - barely ever even need to go to the GP. But I'm starting to come to the age that the chances are increasing that things are going to start going wrong, so I may end up needing it.

I don't have it for my kids. I would have if they had any conditions, but thankfully they're healthy. Some people in work seem to have their kids at the doctor every month. Mine have only been once or twice in their lives.

[Thelonious Monk]

My rockin' bod and clean diet is all the health insurance I need

[Antares35]

Originally Posted by Gregor Samsa

Company pays for it (I then pay BIK on that, so it's not free to me, but much cheaper than paying for it myself). I've hardly ever had to make a claim on it at all - barely ever even need to go to the GP. But I'm starting to come to the age that the chances are increasing that things are going to start going wrong, so I may end up needing it.

I don't have it for my kids. I would have if they had any conditions, but thankfully they're healthy. Some people in work seem to have their kids at the doctor every month. Mine have only been once or twice in their lives.

Kids have GP visit cards until they are six anyway

[McGinniesta]

F**ck no