Health Insurance Renewal Date & Avoiding 2009 Prices

[taytoman]

I have essential plus health insurance with quinn healthcare for myself and family which is due for renewal on 1st Jan 2009 (date of approx 16% increase in premium)

article in irish times or indo about a week ago suggested that people contact their insurer, seek to cancel existing policy, and start new policy at end dec to get 2008 renewal rates and not 2009 renewal rates

Much to my surprise, I rang quinn HealthCAre, and after going around the houses with me/ being pressed ++ by me, they told me that I can cancel existing policy and start new policy on same date in december 2008, pay 2008 renewal rates and not 2009 renewal rates (saving about 250 euro)

Sounds to good to be true? Can anyone see any catches or problems?

 

[gipimann]

Will they allow you to start a new policy which is exactly the same as your old one? Are there "legacy" policies which existing customers keep but which aren't sold to new customers? (a bit like old mobile phone packages)

Is there a cancellation fee which would reduce the saving?

 

[europhile]

I'm with Quinn Healthcare but am very wary about renewing given all the stuff in the media about Anglo Irish Bank. Is the company likely to go under?