This week: Healthcare
1Save €200 a year by switching from the dearest health insurer to the cheapest if you're on Plan B or an equivalent – the higher the premiums, the higher the savings. Comparing polices is tricky so visit the Health Insurance Authority site – hia.ie – for guidance.
2Always ask your GP if there is a generic equivalent for the prescription you're getting – there will be no difference in the active ingredients or quality of the drugs and you'll save yourself and the taxpayer a packet.
3It's the same with OTC drugs. 24 own-brand paracetamol cost €1.89 in Boots, 24 Panadol cost €3.69. A pack of 20 Motilium anti-nausea tablets is around €10 while the generic equivalent, Domerid, is €7.50.
4Claim all relief on all medical and dental expenses not covered by health insurance. Med 1 forms are available at revenue.ie. There's no need to submit receipts but hang on to them for six years.
5Health cash plans such as those available for the Hospital Saturday Fund – www.hsf.ie – can be cost-effective, particularly for large families making frequent GP visits. A premium of €55.50 a month gives members, partners and dependant children cash back for doctors, dentists and hospital visits as well as a range of other cover.
