There are certain anomalies between the three policies, as I found out at renewal. For instance, a student in full time education is covered up to age 23 with VIVAS, and the rates are cheaper for a student. The renewal quote from VHI (Plan B Options)this year was over €2,000 and the equivalent policy with VIVAS was about €1,500.
This is just one particular case where there is a large difference in premium and in most cases this will not be the case. I have no problem with the minute differences in cover.
The other major difference I came across with the three insurers was their attitude to adopted children and when cover starts from. From memory, VHI and BUPA cover the kids from the date of adoption but VIVAS has a six month waiting period. The upper age limit(at date of adoption) for the child is also higher with VHI than the other two, and they are to be commended on this.
Some Financial Advisors have agencies with VIVAS and also have access to comparison of cover charts between the three. Granted that they were compiled by VIVAS, but you may be able to get your hands on one. VHI and BUPA also have these comparisons but they are just for use by the telesales employees. AIB are also selling the VIVAS product and they may have the comparison.