My mother is with VHI for many years and her policy is up for renewal in mid-March 2016. She has a Healthplus Excess policy and was quoted €1650 or thereabouts for the next year. I have done some research, on this site and others as well as hia.ie, and it seems that Laya offer a much better deal for far cheaper. I am just trying to find out where the pitfalls are if there are any.
What I am seeing is that the Laya simplicity scheme offers better cover pretty much all-round (slight differences in excesses, where VHI charge a flat €75 per hospital stayover and Laya charge €50 for daycase and €100 for overnights, which is not a deal breaker). As I understand it, the better cover offered by Laya - e.g. private room in a private hospital - doesn't all manifest for 2 years, but even taking that into account it is €600 a year cheaper for the same cover, and she would also have the benefit of better outpatient cover (lower excess and more of).
Looking at the Simplicity plans in Laya, I also cannot see how they are comparable. Again unless I missing something or was misinformed by Laya themselves, the basic Simplicity plan is about €1090. The Complete Simplicity plan is €350 dearer, yet the only difference seems to be a €99 drop in the overall outpatient excess. If that is the case, then the basic simplicity plan offers much better value for money. She is likely to see consultants, the dentist, etc. for outpatient but is now getting free GP care so the outpatient is not a huge deal.
My mother was in hospital over a number of issues last year and got stents and such like in the Mater Private and spent time in Bon Secours too. She has a worry that pre-existing health issues will not be covered and I need to be assured that this would not be the case. She is obviously concerned with switching but for the money involved I feel obligated to check it out further.
Is there any risk in switching or is it like changing gas providers?
Am I missing anything? Any help would be most appreciated.
What I am seeing is that the Laya simplicity scheme offers better cover pretty much all-round (slight differences in excesses, where VHI charge a flat €75 per hospital stayover and Laya charge €50 for daycase and €100 for overnights, which is not a deal breaker). As I understand it, the better cover offered by Laya - e.g. private room in a private hospital - doesn't all manifest for 2 years, but even taking that into account it is €600 a year cheaper for the same cover, and she would also have the benefit of better outpatient cover (lower excess and more of).
Looking at the Simplicity plans in Laya, I also cannot see how they are comparable. Again unless I missing something or was misinformed by Laya themselves, the basic Simplicity plan is about €1090. The Complete Simplicity plan is €350 dearer, yet the only difference seems to be a €99 drop in the overall outpatient excess. If that is the case, then the basic simplicity plan offers much better value for money. She is likely to see consultants, the dentist, etc. for outpatient but is now getting free GP care so the outpatient is not a huge deal.
My mother was in hospital over a number of issues last year and got stents and such like in the Mater Private and spent time in Bon Secours too. She has a worry that pre-existing health issues will not be covered and I need to be assured that this would not be the case. She is obviously concerned with switching but for the money involved I feel obligated to check it out further.
Is there any risk in switching or is it like changing gas providers?
Am I missing anything? Any help would be most appreciated.