Hi wmd,
It doesn't matter that her renewal date is very near, she still has a further 14 days after March 1 to change her mind.
As your mother-in-law is over 65 yrs, there are a few things to take into consideration when choosing a health insurance plan.
Option 1
There aren't any identical cheaper plans with VHI, to match Plan B.
The nearest plan with similar hospital cover and good outpatient cover is called 'Company Plan Extra Level 3'. Price 1180pa
Note this plan may go up in price on 1 March 2013.
www.hia.ie/ci/comparison/step3?67&111/
This plan has an 80% restriction in a private or hi-tech hospital, for orthopaedic operations (hip or knee
replacement surgery + cataract eye surgery).
This 80% restriction could mean a shortfall of 2000+ depending on the type of surgery in a private hosp(Galway Clinic) or hi-tech hospital.
These operations could be required at some stage, for a person over 70.
However, this 80% restriction does not apply to any public hospital, so this shortfall could be avoided if this type of surgery was done in
the regional public hospital.
Alternatively, as a further option to avoid this shortfall, if she was prepared to have surgery in Dublin, both Mater Private and
Blackrock Clinic are fully covering all orthopaedic surgery. They are not charging any shortfall amounts.
I'm not sure if the Galway Clinic are collecting the 20% shortfall or not, it would be worth checking it out with them.
These are the implications of taking out a plan with an 80% restriction for a person over 65, who may need this type of surgery.
Otherwise, all other surgery would be covered the same as Plan B, in public,private or hi-tech hospitals.
Regarding, out-patient cover for consultant visits, there is good outpatient cover on Company Plan Extra Level 3, but unfortunately
VHI Healthcare impose a 2 year waiting time for people over 65 yrs, for upgrading outpatient benefits.
She would have to wait until March 2015/16 before being eligible to make a claim for these expenses.
VHI don't reward 20 or 30 yrs customer loyalty, whatsoever, the rules are applied regardless.
Option 2
Having outlined the obstacles and pitfalls above with VHI, there is a very positive alternative option if she was interested in switching
to Laya Healthcare.
I know she expressed a preference to stay with VHI and I know how reluctant people are to switch.
The positives of switching are;
1. It would be identical cover to Plan B - hospital cover.
2. There is no 80% restriction with any hospital for orthopaedic + cataract surgery. Galway Clinic fully covered any surgery.
3. There is excellent outpatient cover - 75% refund for consultant visits, 50% refund for physio, etc
4. Most importantly, there are no age related waiting times for outpatient cover with Laya - immediate cover applies.
5. Cheaper price.
The plan recommended with Laya Healthcare is called; 'Company Care Plus' Price 1059pa
www.hia.ie/ci/comparison/step3?67&198/
A 3% charge applies if paying in instalments. Total Price including 3% charge; 1090pa
NOTE: She could switch to Laya for 1 year and then in March 2014 change back to VHI Company Plan Extra Level 3. By doing this,
she would not have to serve a 2 year waiting time for outpatients cover with VHI at that stage. Well worth considering, if being with VHI is
important to her.
A lot of food for thought to consider - if none of the above suits, she can always stay on Plan B.
Snowyb