Health insurance renewal for me is right around the corner, and my quote (Glo Best plan) is set to jump to €1900, which is a little steep for me. I'm looking to see if I can either improve my cover level, or save a few quid. The amount of plans on the market is staggering, and while the HSA comparison site helps a little, it's still somewhat overwhelming.
What would those more experienced recommend for someone whose circumstances are as follows:
- 34 in late December
- based in South Dublin
- continuous PHI since childhood
- no known preexisting conditions
- not concerned with having day to day (GP etc) expenses covered
- doesn't need any maternity cover or similar
- does want cover for hospital stays and serious illnesses or accidents
- prepared to pay higher per-claim excesses (up to €400) for lower premiums
- access to private hospitals is essential
- access to a private room in a private hospital is also important
I'm unclear as to the benefits of "high tech" hospitals (Blackrock Clinic, Mater Private). What procedures are available there which wouldn't be available from, say, Vincent's Private, or the Beacon (which, despite being a high tech hospital, seems to be covered by many plans across several insurers which exclude the other two)? Is it worth upgrading to cover for those hospitals, at least for day cases?
I'm considering the Irish Life Health's Select More (€950), which covers most of what I want, and the One Plan (€1100) and Company Plan Plus Level 1 (€1400) from VHI. Are these good options for my circumstances and needs? Is there another I should consider?
I did consider some options from LAYA, but the fact that most of the scans didn't seem to be covered in hospitals near to me was a concern, as was the prospect of needing to visit somewhere different every time I had an issue-- I would prefer to consistently visit a single center if something was wrong and I required ongoing treatment.
The big difference between the Irish Life Health option and the VHI ones seems to be the availability of day procedures in Blackrock and Mater Private, and part cover for inpatient procedures at same. Is there something else I'm overlooking, aside the issue of excess and day to day cover?
I would really appreciate some guidance in this area by someone more experienced and knowledgeable!
What would those more experienced recommend for someone whose circumstances are as follows:
- 34 in late December
- based in South Dublin
- continuous PHI since childhood
- no known preexisting conditions
- not concerned with having day to day (GP etc) expenses covered
- doesn't need any maternity cover or similar
- does want cover for hospital stays and serious illnesses or accidents
- prepared to pay higher per-claim excesses (up to €400) for lower premiums
- access to private hospitals is essential
- access to a private room in a private hospital is also important
I'm unclear as to the benefits of "high tech" hospitals (Blackrock Clinic, Mater Private). What procedures are available there which wouldn't be available from, say, Vincent's Private, or the Beacon (which, despite being a high tech hospital, seems to be covered by many plans across several insurers which exclude the other two)? Is it worth upgrading to cover for those hospitals, at least for day cases?
I'm considering the Irish Life Health's Select More (€950), which covers most of what I want, and the One Plan (€1100) and Company Plan Plus Level 1 (€1400) from VHI. Are these good options for my circumstances and needs? Is there another I should consider?
I did consider some options from LAYA, but the fact that most of the scans didn't seem to be covered in hospitals near to me was a concern, as was the prospect of needing to visit somewhere different every time I had an issue-- I would prefer to consistently visit a single center if something was wrong and I required ongoing treatment.
The big difference between the Irish Life Health option and the VHI ones seems to be the availability of day procedures in Blackrock and Mater Private, and part cover for inpatient procedures at same. Is there something else I'm overlooking, aside the issue of excess and day to day cover?
I would really appreciate some guidance in this area by someone more experienced and knowledgeable!