Your private healthcare questions answered

With the rate of inflation putting pressure on the cost of living, you might be reviewing your costs and wondering how to change them. We take a look private healthcare and can help find the right plan for you.

With the rate of inflation putting pressure on the cost of living, you might be reviewing your costs and wondering how to change them. From your weekly grocery shop to the amount you drive your car, nothing is off limits, and private healthcare might be one of your outgoings under the spotlight. In this blog post we answer your burning health insurance questions and shed light on what value it adds to your health and lifestyle.

How can I maximise the value of my private healthcare?

If you have private healthcare, you’ll know that having a policy can be beneficial when you’re waiting for treatment. Private healthcare allows you to elect for private treatment, in some cases helping avoid the waiting lists in a public hospital. In December 2021, there were 897,108 adults and children in Ireland on waiting lists.

Private health insurance can be very beneficial by saving on your day-to-day medical costs such as your GP bill, physiotherapy, dentist visits and more.

Some health healthcare plans now even offer cover or contributions toward benefits that help keep you healthy, such as gym membership, Pilates or yoga classes, fitness wearables, sports massage or even your sports club like your GAA club.

How can I get value for my children’s healthcare?

Children can get great benefits from their private healthcare, even if they are fit and healthy.

Health insurance plans offer various benefits for children like speech and language therapy. Some plans even offer contributions towards kid’s memberships in sports clubs such as GAA or athletics.

Health insurance gives you access to faster diagnosis and treatment of your child’s medical issue.

Most of Ireland’s private hospitals offer a range of general and specialist pediatric services. The Bon Secours group offer a number of pediatric consultants while The Mater Private, Blackrock and the Beacon Hospital provide children’s services including overnight surgical treatment. Larger private hospitals offer accident and emergency services during daytime hours.

Private healthcare plans give your child access to these facilities when they need it most and gives you peace-of-mind that their needs will be looked after.

What if I can’t afford private healthcare?

The first thing to understand is that in Ireland, hospital consultations and treatment are not free.

Certain groups such as medical card holders may have their costs covered, but the majority of patients will be liable for fees including out-patient charges, emergency department charges, daily in-patient charges and long-term stay charges.

The charge for inpatient/day services is €80 per day up to a maximum of €800 in a 12-month period.

Your health insurance plan will cover the cost of your public hospital fees so that you don’t end up with a huge bill when you go home.

It is also important to review your policy to truly understand the benefits it offers, because there are a number features of your health insurance that could end up saving you money.

For example, some private healthcare plans provide members with access to a virtual GP service where consultations are conducted phone or video call. Prescriptions can even be sent to the member’s local pharmacy for fulfilment.

If you have a family, a virtual doctor service could end up saving you hundreds in GP fees over the course of a year.

Some private healthcare providers also offer benefits such as physiotherapy services for back and neck pain, and mental health support provided by professionally trained counsellors. counsellors

The benefits of even the most basic starter health insurance plan could save you money so it is really worth talking to a health insurance consultant to find a plan that suits you.

If you are concerned about the cost of your health insurance plan, it pays to review your plan before your next renewal date.

According to the findings of a Health Insurance Authority (HIA) survey, more than a third of respondents switched their health insurance provider in the last year. Talk to Hennelly Finance, your expert health insurance broker, to find out how to switch.

I’m fit and healthy, why do I need a healthcare plan?

Health insurance isn’t only for when you get sick. In fact, health insurers are placing emphasis on supporting health and wellbeing through a diverse range of initiatives.

For example, some private healthcare insurance plans give you cash back on healthy benefits like gym memberships, dieticians and fitness wearables.

Some providers even offer their members access to health and wellbeing apps, designed to provide support and motivation toward helping you achieve your health and lifestyle goals through the formation of good healthy habits.

Get expert health insurance advice from Hennelly Finance, your health insurance broker

Our financial advisors really understand the pressure of inflation and are dedicated to helping you find a health insurance plan that is tailored to your needs and your budget.

We have in-depth knowledge of the health insurance market and have access to a range of plans.

As a result, our health insurance brokers can find a private healthcare plan that works for you while helping you to save money and support your health and wellbeing.

To find out more about health insurance, get in touch with Hennelly Finance, your specialist health insurance broker, today on 091 670 123.