Good to know
#31
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,148
Re: Good to know
Having lived in a couple of countries that have the 'social healthcare' system, such as the NHS & HSE, I know that wait times can be an issue, either seeing a GP, specialist/consultant or getting that operation. What I know personal case as well as from family that have had wait time issues - my elder Brother who stopped paying his Bupa insurance premiums after 15 years (his was an hip replacement) & my Sister (stomach operation), [even on the NHS] that if you have to wait simply because you are a 'social patient', that without that expensive medical insurance policy one can see the GP, ask for the referral to a specialist/consultant on a 'paid basis' & you'd be seen quick & proper within 30 days. Yeah, I know it may cost you a few bob or two, but think about it, it's cheaper than one months insurance premium why not? At the paid for consultation, the specialist will provide a date & time they can do the operation... and likely, because you'd paid for the consultation & just likely getting the job done on the NHS/HSE may be sooner, or getting the job done paying for it out of your pocket may cost upwards of a grand or so for a knee or throat operation. So, what, job done, your life, health & your body & mind are important to you more than having a holiday, buying something or giving money to the children. Based on 'time is of the essence'- Zelda or Moses, what is your opinion or experience going that route? How much will a private operation cost? Everything you need to know about what it will cost you to go to hospital
In a small country, people focus on certain topics and here it's water charges, property tax, health care. One other problem I see here in Ireland is that people who look at the NHS feel they are being ripped off if they have to pay €50 for a GP, but in other countries you don't notice what you are paying, because money is taken out of your salary. As you say, people need to decide what's more important to them and it might make sense to pay a bit more, however we are lucky enough to have options in Europe. Saying that, even a short waiting time doesn't guarantee you the best treatment and many people forget that. When it comes to orthopaedic surgery, the best consultants always have a busy schedule.
#32
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 61
Re: Good to know
Having lived in a couple of countries that have the 'social healthcare' system, such as the NHS & HSE, I know that wait times can be an issue, either seeing a GP, specialist/consultant or getting that operation.
What I know personal case as well as from family that have had wait time issues - my elder Brother who stopped paying his Bupa insurance premiums after 15 years (his was an hip replacement) & my Sister (stomach operation), [even on the NHS] that if you have to wait simply because you are a 'social patient', that without that expensive medical insurance policy one can see the GP, ask for the referral to a specialist/consultant on a 'paid basis' & you'd be seen quick & proper within 30 days.
Yeah, I know it may cost you a few bob or two, but think about it, it's cheaper than one months insurance premium why not?
At the paid for consultation, the specialist will provide a date & time they can do the operation... and likely, because you'd paid for the consultation & just likely getting the job done on the NHS/HSE may be sooner, or getting the job done paying for it out of your pocket may cost upwards of a grand or so for a knee or throat operation.
So, what, job done, your life, health & your body & mind are important to you more than having a holiday, buying something or giving money to the children.
Based on 'time is of the essence'- Zelda or Moses, what is your opinion or experience going that route?
How much will a private operation cost?
Everything you need to know about what it will cost you to go to hospital
What I know personal case as well as from family that have had wait time issues - my elder Brother who stopped paying his Bupa insurance premiums after 15 years (his was an hip replacement) & my Sister (stomach operation), [even on the NHS] that if you have to wait simply because you are a 'social patient', that without that expensive medical insurance policy one can see the GP, ask for the referral to a specialist/consultant on a 'paid basis' & you'd be seen quick & proper within 30 days.
Yeah, I know it may cost you a few bob or two, but think about it, it's cheaper than one months insurance premium why not?
At the paid for consultation, the specialist will provide a date & time they can do the operation... and likely, because you'd paid for the consultation & just likely getting the job done on the NHS/HSE may be sooner, or getting the job done paying for it out of your pocket may cost upwards of a grand or so for a knee or throat operation.
So, what, job done, your life, health & your body & mind are important to you more than having a holiday, buying something or giving money to the children.
Based on 'time is of the essence'- Zelda or Moses, what is your opinion or experience going that route?
How much will a private operation cost?
Everything you need to know about what it will cost you to go to hospital
#33
Re: Good to know
In a small country, people focus on certain topics and here it's water charges, property tax, health care. One other problem I see here in Ireland is that people who look at the NHS feel they are being ripped off if they have to pay €50 for a GP, but in other countries you don't notice what you are paying, because money is taken out of your salary.
For those without a medical card or insurance - the difference buys a lot of GP visits
On that, looking at what the worker or retired senior folks might pay in council/property tax on a basic dwelling for comparable properties between Ireland & middle UK
UK council tax: €1295 - €1945/yr (£1000- £1500/yr) Band A & B
Ireland LPT: €90 - €225/yr Band 01 & 02
On water charges
Those comparisons also
In Ireland
Water charges
UK
Our charges 2014/2015 | My bill | At home | United Utilities
#34
Re: Good to know
Or, that your friend could go cross border up north & get it done on the NHS, claim the cost back from the HSE? Yeah, I know 'dream on' as discussed in the other thread
Would the wait times getting it done in NI be any different than in the Republic, even if they had a medical card, medical insurance or paid private?
How many folks or how many times would someone need high cost elective surgery, that they say to themselves 'the high insurance premium is worth it', or 'bugger it', I am paying for it & know the difference in council tax over a 5 year period covers any medical needs?
As someone might say 'if you don't like living in a particular country for whatever reason-then move on'.
Folks have the comparisons, make life style choices, know the pro's & cons between any two countries, its just the UK nanny state where folks expect everything for free, knowing somehow they pay for it through taxes from some pot the inland revenue takes from folks, one way or the other.
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Last edited by not2old; Mar 3rd 2016 at 10:12 am. Reason: edited
#35
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,148
Re: Good to know
At the end of the day, its about lifestyle choice - where do you want to live & where do you get the best value for your life needs For those without a medical card or insurance - the difference buys a lot of GP visits On that, looking at what the worker or retired senior folks might pay in council/property tax on a basic dwelling for comparable properties between Ireland & middle UK UK council tax: €1295 - €1945/yr (£1000- £1500/yr) Band A & B Ireland LPT: €90 - €225/yr Band 01 & 02 On water charges Those comparisons also In Ireland Water charges UK Our charges 2014/2015 | My bill | At home | United Utilities
No doubt that on an island with around 6.3 million people vs. England 53 million, you have less competition, so certain products might be harder to get, or you might have to pay a bit more for certain things due to taxes, but you always have to look how much you've saved in other areas.
#36
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,148
Re: Good to know
so back to the discussion on another thread about the HIGH cost of medical insurance being €500/mth per couple, may be lower if folks shopped around Or, that your friend could go cross border up north & get it done on the NHS, claim the cost back from the HSE? Yeah, I know 'dream on' as discussed in the other thread Would the wait times getting it done in NI be any different than in the Republic, even if they had a medical card, medical insurance or paid private? How many folks or how many times would someone need high cost elective surgery, that they say to themselves 'the high insurance premium is worth it', or 'bugger it', I am paying for it & know the difference in council tax over a 5 year period covers any medical needs? As someone might say 'if you don't like living in a particular country for whatever reason-then move on'. Folks have the comparisons, make life style choices, know the pro's & cons between any two countries, its just the UK nanny state where folks expect everything for free, knowing somehow they pay for it through taxes from some pot the inland revenue takes from folks, one way or the other. .