Confused2016,
Regarding cover for the hi-tech private hospitals, Mater Private and Blackrock Clinic, cardiac and orthopaedic surgery are definitely fully covered.
In relation to Mater Private in particular, they have a waiver system in place which fully covers a list of 50+ procedures. This means that you
don't pay any shortfall. The way it was explained to me, when I enquired was, that if the particular procedure is not on 'this waiver list' - the standard shortfall per night is 260 for many VHI plans regardless of the % cover ie 45 - 65%.
They are helpful in explaining any queries re insurance cover as to what general types of procedures and surgery are covered on the waiver list.
If you know the specific type of procedure involved, the procedure code, or roughly speaking the general area of surgery, they should be able to
advise you if its on the waiver list and if not what the shortfall would be.
The following link is from the Mater Private website regarding this, under heading 'Waivers/Shortfalls' as follows;
Their Dublin helpline number is; 01 8858856.
https://www.materprivate.ie/dublin/patients-visitors/billing-insurance/
This waiver system in the 2 hi-tech hospitals, Blackrock Clinic and Mater Private came into effect since 2008. Blackrock Clinic has a very
extensive waiver list, there is very little that is not covered on their list. Mater Private list is perhaps less extensive or it just seems that way.
The actual surgery would be fully covered, the shortfall relates to the cost of the bed.
Blackrock Clinic helpline number is; 1800 60 10 60.
The following link is from Blackrock Clinic website regarding waivers etc.
http://www.blackrock-clinic.ie/about-blackrock-clinic/freephone-enquiry-line/
Hope this explains things a little clearer.
Regards, Snowyb