seakit,
If your arthritis was a pre-existing condition before you took out health insurance in Ireland for the first time, then I would be inclined to think
that you would have to wait the full 5 years before a hip replacement would be allowed under health insurance.
I would recommend contacting the Health Insurance Authority for clarification, explaining your position.
I think it would hinge on whether your arthritis was a pre-existing condition when you took out health insurance in Ireland, mention this when
explaining your situation. This would become apparent to Irish Life, when the consultant fills out a medical report regarding surgery claim.
They would request certain details regarding underlying conditions relating to surgery to determine if relevant waiting periods have been served etc. They could refuse to pay out if it related to a pre-existing condition and the 5 year waiting time was not complete at the time of surgery.
https://www.hia.ie/contact/contact-details
As an aside, regarding Irish Life plans, most of them have a 2000 co-payment for hip or knee replacment surgery in private or hi-tech hospitals.
If you have surgery done in Blackrock Clinic Dublin, there is no charge. This hospital does not pass the 2000 charge onto the patient.
Just something extra to be aware of, if and when going for surgery.
There is no co-payment in any public hospital but the waiting lists are long - 1 to 2 years depending on the hospital.
Hope this helps.
Snowyb