Health Insurance

[xxx]

Was asked a question earlier by somebody and was wondering if any of ye could help - Health Insurance cancelled because direct debits had bounced, he is in early thirties not married no kids, income would be to high to get medical card (i think) but he is having cash flow problems at moment due to being owed thousands. Really what he wanted to know is do you really need a health ins/medical card or what will prsi entitle you to. (He has some P60 income but mainly self employed). Thanks

 

[Welfarite]

The health contribution thorugh PRSI covers you for public health care in hospital. It does not cover Doctor's fees, A and E costs, or cost of prescriptions up to acertain amount per month.

 

[xxx]

Thats what i thought too but revenue (prsi contact no) said that was not the case. Their P60 income is about 200 per week and self employed was only about 3000 for 2007. Is it a big risk not having medical insurance?

 

[CMCR]

Hi there

Whether or not it's risky to not have health insurance, depends on the individual. For example, if this person has a family history of a particular medical condition, it may be wise to obtain insurance - but it's a personal decision.

If this person has an income of about €200 per week, he is only slightly over the medical card income guidelines (€184 per week). He is however entitled to claim reasonable expenses in relation to rent/mortgage costs and weekly travel to work costs in his medical card application. Claiming these extras might mean he will qualify for the full medical card.

Again, on the basis of the information you supplied, if his income is €200 per week, he will qualify for a [broken link removed] in any event.

CMCR.