Health insurance coverage is a source of anxiety for many people while they are working or living abroad. In response to these concerns and changing national work patterns, VHI has introduced its first international health-care plan. VHI Global allows those going abroad for six months or longer to sign up for one of three plans under two levels of cover, comprehensive or standard.
The standard plan provides a maximum cover limit of £500,000 (€635,000) per insured event, per person and emergency evacuation cover of up to £1 million. Some of the other benefits include: full cover for hospital costs including in-patient accommodation, medical extras such as X-rays, tests and drugs, and surgeons' and specialists' fees for in-patient treatment.
The comprehensive plan increases the maximum cover limit to £750,000, provides up to £2,000 for out-patient services, and £1,000 for home nursing immediately following a stay in hospital. There are many other benefits available.
Cover is available for those from 19 years to 64 years. "If you haven't had health insurance before there is an age limit of 64. If you're an existing VHI member and you want to switch over there's no age restriction," said a VHI spokesperson.
Bupa, VHI's only competitor in the Republic, has criticised VHI Global because it is an age rather than community-rated plan. VHI says that price-wise it is unable to compete with larger international community-rated plans.
Payments are determined based on three geographical areas: Europe, Worldwide (except US and Canada), and Worldwide. Irish residents working in the US and Canada will be the hardest hit as these countries' healthcare systems are the most expensive.
A 35-year-old with standard cover working in Europe pays £410 a year, Worldwide (except US & Canada) £460, and Worldwide (including the US & Canada) £1,480 a year. With comprehensive cover, the premiums increase to £650, £700 and £2,300 respectively.
Peace of mind is not cheap. As an age-rated plan VHI Global is more expensive than the community-rated plans available when resident in the Republic.
A 35-year-old living in the Republic with VHI's Plan B pays £313 per year regardless of age, sex or health status.
Another disadvantage is that annual, rather than monthly, premium payments are encouraged. Those paying monthly are charged an additional 5 per cent of the monthly premium amount to cover administration costs.
A major benefit of the plan is that current members of VHI A-E or Option plans can transfer to VHI Global without any break in cover or additional charges.
If not a VHI subscriber, a 28-day no-payment period and pre-existing illness coverage restrictions still apply. These range, depending on age, from five to 10 years.
