Comments on: Unsure about insurance http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/pricewatch/2008/02/19/unsure-about-insurance/ Just another irishtimes.com weblog Fri, 22 Aug 2008 01:28:11 +0000 By: Rory http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/pricewatch/2008/02/19/unsure-about-insurance/#comment-2401 Rory Wed, 20 Feb 2008 14:20:01 +0000 http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/pricewatch/2008/02/19/unsure-about-insurance/#comment-2401 Wife also comes from 3rd world country. Recently had a baby, next 1 will be born in her country after enduring the Maternity hospital here. Filthy dirty, overcrowded to a daagerous degreee and complete absesnse of staff, I wouldn't put a dog in it. Wife also comes from 3rd world country. Recently had a baby, next 1 will be born in her country after enduring the Maternity hospital here. Filthy dirty, overcrowded to a daagerous degreee and complete absesnse of staff, I wouldn’t put a dog in it.

]]> By: AL http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/pricewatch/2008/02/19/unsure-about-insurance/#comment-2396 AL Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:37:49 +0000 http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/pricewatch/2008/02/19/unsure-about-insurance/#comment-2396 I have Vivas cover. I have a thickening in my breast as well as it leaking blood. In order to get the scan recommended by my GP last September I need to have the liquid cash to fork out for the scan (and possible resulting biopsy, radiologist fee etc etc) which could end up working out at well over €1000. Vivas will ultimately cover it, but not until my renewal period when I submit the receipts. I do not have any money at my disposal and as such am going through the public system. My scan appointment is next week, over six months after my initial referral. If it is cancer, I could be dead. I'm canceling my health insurance, because either way, I'm screwed. I have Vivas cover. I have a thickening in my breast as well as it leaking blood. In order to get the scan recommended by my GP last September I need to have the liquid cash to fork out for the scan (and possible resulting biopsy, radiologist fee etc etc) which could end up working out at well over €1000. Vivas will ultimately cover it, but not until my renewal period when I submit the receipts. I do not have any money at my disposal and as such am going through the public system. My scan appointment is next week, over six months after my initial referral. If it is cancer, I could be dead. I’m canceling my health insurance, because either way, I’m screwed.

]]> By: Mary Egan http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/pricewatch/2008/02/19/unsure-about-insurance/#comment-2391 Mary Egan Tue, 19 Feb 2008 14:33:45 +0000 http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/pricewatch/2008/02/19/unsure-about-insurance/#comment-2391 The 3% surcharge for Quinn customers paying by direct debit is not the only extra charge Quinn Healthcare have. This January they have started charging for all children in a family not just 3 as has always been the policy and still is with the other health insurers. Needless to say since we have more than 3 children we changed our insurer at time of renewal! The 3% surcharge for Quinn customers paying by direct debit is not the only extra charge Quinn Healthcare have. This January they have started charging for all children in a family not just 3 as has always been the policy and still is with the other health insurers. Needless to say since we have more than 3 children we changed our insurer at time of renewal!

]]> By: Steve K http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/pricewatch/2008/02/19/unsure-about-insurance/#comment-2389 Steve K Tue, 19 Feb 2008 11:56:42 +0000 http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/pricewatch/2008/02/19/unsure-about-insurance/#comment-2389 I must admit complete frustration with the VHI. My partner moved recently from what we would consider a third-world country, and was shocked at the level of care provided from her private health insurance. We've since cancelled the insurance and are using her €200.00 travel insurance from home until it runs out, which refunds every penny. In her country, there is private health insurance free with holding a basic current account, and it refunds all doctor's visits and medication not covered by the state. A French colleague in work was shocked at the prices of routine dental care and the only advice we could give him was "don't get sick in Ireland". With house prices and healthcare to look forward to as a young professional, I'm thinking of moving to the third world myself for a better standard of living. I must admit complete frustration with the VHI. My partner moved recently from what we would consider a third-world country, and was shocked at the level of care provided from her private health insurance. We’ve since cancelled the insurance and are using her €200.00 travel insurance from home until it runs out, which refunds every penny. In her country, there is private health insurance free with holding a basic current account, and it refunds all doctor’s visits and medication not covered by the state.

A French colleague in work was shocked at the prices of routine dental care and the only advice we could give him was “don’t get sick in Ireland”.

With house prices and healthcare to look forward to as a young professional, I’m thinking of moving to the third world myself for a better standard of living.

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