How can I confirm that the level of cover between two different plans with two different providers is equivalent in order to avoid a waiting period on changeover?
I have contacted the respective providers but neither will confirm?
You'll have to look at the detailed information about the two plans from the providers and HIA and satisfy yourself that the cover is appropriate for your needs.
When I search using the HIA tool and enter my current plan (4D1),the vhi pmi 29 12 plan is one that shows up, therefore I assume the level cover is considered equivalent and wouldn't face any waiting period if I switch, but just worry if I'm wrong
There are lots of excesses and co-payments on both plans so you would need to think carefully about the exact cover that you require. You could talk to VHI and Irish Life and they may be able to guide you further.
On the day-to-day cover the maximum that VHI allow is only €1,000 whereas Irish Life max is €4,000 which is a big difference if you avail of that cover a lot.
When you take out health insurance for the first time, or it has been more than 13 weeks since you last held private health insurance, you may have to serve waiting periods before you are fully covered, but accident and injury will be covered immediately.
www.hia.ie
Once you serve these waiting periods you will not have to serve them again if you switch to another insurer as long as you don’t have a break in cover of more than 13 weeks. ... You will only have to serve additional waiting periods if you switch to a policy with higher benefits. For more information, go to switching/upgrading waiting periods.