Health Insurance

Even with a national health care system many people still opt for additional medical care from an insurance company. Luckily there are plenty of great options available today, from dental care plans to specialist cover for your children. Use the right health insurance policy to save yourself time and effort when you need medical attention – no more waiting around! Of course there are plenty of factors to consider before you choose a policy, from the monthly / annual costs and what exactly is – and isn't – covered. Make sure you take your time and use the chart below to weigh up the best deals and offers. If you are ready to apply or if you simply with to enquire further, click on the blue More Info button.

To ensure the best medical treatment in Ireland compare private health insurance policies

Why purchase private health insurance in Ireland?

Ireland has a good health service which can cover most of your health needs at no cost. However, waiting times for treatments in Ireland are notoriously long. The extent of free coverage to an extent depends on your income. In short the lower your income the more coverage you are likely to have. This being the case, many people in Ireland opt for private healthcare coverage in order to ensure that they are covered for medical costs incurred and that the queues for any treatment do not end up taking too long. Health insurance is used to pay for private care in hospital or from various health professionals in hospitals or in their practices. The arrangements vary from one company to another but most companies have agreements with hospitals that the company will pay the hospital directly. In general, you pay the health professional and then claim from the health insurance company. You should check with your own company as to exactly what procedures they use.

Who are the health insurance companies in Ireland regulated by?

All private health insurance providers must be registered with the Health Insurance Authority. Typically, insurers must also satisfy various prudential requirements, which are appropriate to the Central Bank of Ireland - these are requirements that apply generally to all insurance and financial services companies and relate to matters like their financial operation and their investment policies.

Choosing the right health insurance policy

It is essential to take some time to consider your options because there are many different insurance products available. Make sure you choose a policy that is tailored to suit you and your pocket. Health insurance can be expensive but there are affordable policies on the market. When deciding on the best policy you need to make sure that should you need private healthcare, you have the right level of cover in place. The main aim is to reduce your premiums without compromising your medical cover. Remember however, that the cheapest policy isn’t necessarily the best as it will offer you the least amount of cover. You can compare different policies in the table above. Make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully before applying.

How long will the health insurance policy cover you for?

Once you join and continue to pay your premiums, the insurance company cannot refuse to provide you with cover - this is called "lifetime cover". An individual or family, having already served both the requisite waiting periods relevant to their age when first taking out private health insurance and any waiting period for a pre-existing condition may switch from one insurer to another, and if such an occurance takes place within 13 weeks, those waiting periods will not have to be served again. Therefore, persons can normally move from one insurer to another without loss of cover. Health insurance is used to pay for private care in hospital or from various health professionals in hospitals or in their practices. The arrangements vary from one company to another but most companies have agreements with hospitals that the company will pay the hospital directly. In general, you pay the health professional and then claim from the health insurance company. You should check with your own company as to exactly what procedures they use.