tweety07,
If you don't have a medical card and you drop health insurance, if you are admitted to a public hospital, it will cost 75 a night capped at a max of
75 x 10nights = 750per year. Just something to be aware of, this applies to day case also, and children.
Paying for health insurance, a small amount per month may be easier than forking out a lump sum in one go(750). You could put the money into a kitty for that purpose, if you do decide to drop health insurance. You will have stored up 18 credits so that if you re-join at a later stage you can avoid any loadings. But you would be treated as a new customer and a 5 year waiting time would apply for pre-existing conditions.
Its a personal decision, hope the above information helps with that decision.
Personally, I wouldn't give up health insurance, I think its the best value for money that I spend every week - 20 euro.
Snowyb