I am 49.I was in VHI for a number of years in the past mainly for my wife while our 3 children were being born.We discontinued private health cover 13 years ago.We saved what we would normally be paying in premiums each year.So we now plan a holiday on those saved premiums.I was in hospital once in that period for blood transfusion opted for public ward not expensive. Many would regard our attitude as suicidal,what if etc.Heard a person being interviewed on Matt Coopers programme on Today F.M about 4 months ago who advocated our attitude [an economist]He just adviced to join when one is 54 years as if you join when you are 55 you might have to wait for a number of years in order to claim.
On the recent surgeons programme done by R.T.E. it was interesting to note that both public and private patients formed the same queue on the waiting lists for heart surgery,brain surgery.Private health insurance did not mean you were able to jump the queue.
Obviously paying for such surgery is a factor.Private health insurance does not guarantee a private room in a public hospital.
I am not advocating you do not join a private health insurance scheme I just wanted to offer another perspective.I was a member of a salary protection health scheme for 20+years paid approx 15000 euro in premiums.While I was glad of having the health not to avail of its benefits.It peeved me to pay 15000 euro for peace of mind.