Health Insurance
Jul 7th 2012, 5:49 pm
#1
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 30
Health Insurance
My wife and I are continuing our plans to retire in the next couple of years and move to Dublin from Canada.
I have been researching Health Insurance and find it to be quite different from either Canada or the UK. From a couple of threads on here and many hours on the web, I have reached the following conclusions.
1. Prescription Costs. These are generally not covered by Health Insurance but there is a limit of $ 132 per month per family. Any amounts larger than this will be covered or reimbursed by the Government.
2. In Patient Costs. These are costs associated with hospitalization, including the medical treatment and other hospital costs. Health insurance will cover these costs and there are many different plans available depending on the level of care and facilities.
3. Out patient Costs. This is everything that is not ' In Patient ' . Again, there are many different plans providing insurance for these costs but they usually are subject to an excess, and a maximum annual benefit payment. They also usually only cover a portion of the actual costs.
4. We could be subject to waiting periods depending on whether the Irish companies will accept our current Canadian coverage as providing continuing coverage.
I would be very grateful if forum members could comment on whether this summary is correct or if I have messed up.
Thanks very much for your help.
Phil
I have been researching Health Insurance and find it to be quite different from either Canada or the UK. From a couple of threads on here and many hours on the web, I have reached the following conclusions.
1. Prescription Costs. These are generally not covered by Health Insurance but there is a limit of $ 132 per month per family. Any amounts larger than this will be covered or reimbursed by the Government.
2. In Patient Costs. These are costs associated with hospitalization, including the medical treatment and other hospital costs. Health insurance will cover these costs and there are many different plans available depending on the level of care and facilities.
3. Out patient Costs. This is everything that is not ' In Patient ' . Again, there are many different plans providing insurance for these costs but they usually are subject to an excess, and a maximum annual benefit payment. They also usually only cover a portion of the actual costs.
4. We could be subject to waiting periods depending on whether the Irish companies will accept our current Canadian coverage as providing continuing coverage.
I would be very grateful if forum members could comment on whether this summary is correct or if I have messed up.
Thanks very much for your help.
Phil
Jul 7th 2012, 6:17 pm
#2
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Joined: Jan 2006
Location: On the edge
Posts: 20,460
Re: Health Insurance
My wife and I are continuing our plans to retire in the next couple of years and move to Dublin from Canada.
I have been researching Health Insurance and find it to be quite different from either Canada or the UK. From a couple of threads on here and many hours on the web, I have reached the following conclusions.
1. Prescription Costs. These are generally not covered by Health Insurance but there is a limit of $ 132 per month per family. Any amounts larger than this will be covered or reimbursed by the Government.
2. In Patient Costs. These are costs associated with hospitalization, including the medical treatment and other hospital costs. Health insurance will cover these costs and there are many different plans available depending on the level of care and facilities.
3. Out patient Costs. This is everything that is not ' In Patient ' . Again, there are many different plans providing insurance for these costs but they usually are subject to an excess, and a maximum annual benefit payment. They also usually only cover a portion of the actual costs.
4. We could be subject to waiting periods depending on whether the Irish companies will accept our current Canadian coverage as providing continuing coverage.
I would be very grateful if forum members could comment on whether this summary is correct or if I have messed up.
Thanks very much for your help.
Phil
I have been researching Health Insurance and find it to be quite different from either Canada or the UK. From a couple of threads on here and many hours on the web, I have reached the following conclusions.
1. Prescription Costs. These are generally not covered by Health Insurance but there is a limit of $ 132 per month per family. Any amounts larger than this will be covered or reimbursed by the Government.
2. In Patient Costs. These are costs associated with hospitalization, including the medical treatment and other hospital costs. Health insurance will cover these costs and there are many different plans available depending on the level of care and facilities.
3. Out patient Costs. This is everything that is not ' In Patient ' . Again, there are many different plans providing insurance for these costs but they usually are subject to an excess, and a maximum annual benefit payment. They also usually only cover a portion of the actual costs.
4. We could be subject to waiting periods depending on whether the Irish companies will accept our current Canadian coverage as providing continuing coverage.
I would be very grateful if forum members could comment on whether this summary is correct or if I have messed up.
Thanks very much for your help.
Phil
Jul 7th 2012, 6:39 pm
#3
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 30
Re: Health Insurance
Both.
Jul 7th 2012, 6:41 pm
#4
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Re: Health Insurance
Sorry, that last post was in response to the question whether we are Canadian or british ciitzens.
The answer is we are both canadian and British citizens.
The answer is we are both canadian and British citizens.
Jul 7th 2012, 6:59 pm
#5
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Re: Health Insurance
And you don't qualify for health care under the reciprocal pensioner basis as EU citizens? Or is it different in Ireland to other areas of Europe?
Jul 7th 2012, 10:08 pm
#6
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Re: Health Insurance
I'll throw one other log onto the fire which may or may not be what the OP wants to hear.
I've lived in Ireland for over a decade and never had health insurance and never needed it. I figured if I was ill enough the hospital would see me.
My GP agreed with me over a pint one night.
" Health insurance " he admitted " is simply a massive con designed to line the pockets of the medical profession and insurance companies preying on the natural insecurities of people with too much access to medical gibberish spouted on internet forums. "
" The simple fact is " he continued " if you keel over with a serious medical problem you'll be seen instantly and if you're confined to hospital for any length of time it won't cost you anything more than a few hundred euros "
" I spend my day charging patients €50 a pop to talk mumbo-jumbo for a few minutes when in reality all most of them need is half a dozen Nurofen for a couple of days. "
Medical insurance simply means you can get an earlier appointment with a specialist for what, in essence, are no-urgent cases.
And that's before the insurance company bastards dredge through the fine print you never read to come up with some spurious excuse to not pay out for any serious claims.
" Hand on your stone cold heart " I asked him " do I need medical insurance in Ireland ? "
" No " he admitted.
And he meant it.
( Sean " my name is not John " McTavish will probably call bullshit on this post too but it's the truth. "
I've lived in Ireland for over a decade and never had health insurance and never needed it. I figured if I was ill enough the hospital would see me.
My GP agreed with me over a pint one night.
" Health insurance " he admitted " is simply a massive con designed to line the pockets of the medical profession and insurance companies preying on the natural insecurities of people with too much access to medical gibberish spouted on internet forums. "
" The simple fact is " he continued " if you keel over with a serious medical problem you'll be seen instantly and if you're confined to hospital for any length of time it won't cost you anything more than a few hundred euros "
" I spend my day charging patients €50 a pop to talk mumbo-jumbo for a few minutes when in reality all most of them need is half a dozen Nurofen for a couple of days. "
Medical insurance simply means you can get an earlier appointment with a specialist for what, in essence, are no-urgent cases.
And that's before the insurance company bastards dredge through the fine print you never read to come up with some spurious excuse to not pay out for any serious claims.
" Hand on your stone cold heart " I asked him " do I need medical insurance in Ireland ? "
" No " he admitted.
And he meant it.
( Sean " my name is not John " McTavish will probably call bullshit on this post too but it's the truth. "
Jul 7th 2012, 10:23 pm
#7
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Re: Health Insurance
Well its a risk isnt it
In Spain for instance, people have tried that and ended up with huge bills
What happens if you have something non emergency ..... such as a frozen shoulder or a cartilage problem. They wont treat you then will they, and the costs wont be a few hundred euros to treat it
In Spain for instance, people have tried that and ended up with huge bills
What happens if you have something non emergency ..... such as a frozen shoulder or a cartilage problem. They wont treat you then will they, and the costs wont be a few hundred euros to treat it
Jul 8th 2012, 8:12 am
#8
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 363
Re: Health Insurance
I'll throw one other log onto the fire which may or may not be what the OP wants to hear.
I've lived in Ireland for over a decade and never had health insurance and never needed it. I figured if I was ill enough the hospital would see me.
My GP agreed with me over a pint one night.
" Health insurance " he admitted " is simply a massive con designed to line the pockets of the medical profession and insurance companies preying on the natural insecurities of people with too much access to medical gibberish spouted on internet forums. "
" The simple fact is " he continued " if you keel over with a serious medical problem you'll be seen instantly and if you're confined to hospital for any length of time it won't cost you anything more than a few hundred euros "
" I spend my day charging patients €50 a pop to talk mumbo-jumbo for a few minutes when in reality all most of them need is half a dozen Nurofen for a couple of days. "
Medical insurance simply means you can get an earlier appointment with a specialist for what, in essence, are no-urgent cases.
And that's before the insurance company bastards dredge through the fine print you never read to come up with some spurious excuse to not pay out for any serious claims.
" Hand on your stone cold heart " I asked him " do I need medical insurance in Ireland ? "
" No " he admitted.
And he meant it.
( Sean " my name is not John " McTavish will probably call bullshit on this post too but it's the truth. "
I've lived in Ireland for over a decade and never had health insurance and never needed it. I figured if I was ill enough the hospital would see me.
My GP agreed with me over a pint one night.
" Health insurance " he admitted " is simply a massive con designed to line the pockets of the medical profession and insurance companies preying on the natural insecurities of people with too much access to medical gibberish spouted on internet forums. "
" The simple fact is " he continued " if you keel over with a serious medical problem you'll be seen instantly and if you're confined to hospital for any length of time it won't cost you anything more than a few hundred euros "
" I spend my day charging patients €50 a pop to talk mumbo-jumbo for a few minutes when in reality all most of them need is half a dozen Nurofen for a couple of days. "
Medical insurance simply means you can get an earlier appointment with a specialist for what, in essence, are no-urgent cases.
And that's before the insurance company bastards dredge through the fine print you never read to come up with some spurious excuse to not pay out for any serious claims.
" Hand on your stone cold heart " I asked him " do I need medical insurance in Ireland ? "
" No " he admitted.
And he meant it.
( Sean " my name is not John " McTavish will probably call bullshit on this post too but it's the truth. "
I live in Roscommon and the authorities have closed the A&E department at Roscommon Hospital, so if I had a heart attack or stroke they'd have to take me to Galway, Mullingar or Ballinasloe. Between 40-60 mins travelling. Though it could take them an hour to get to you, and I joke not. Probably be dead by the time I got there, so not having health insurance would make no difference.
If i was struck down by some serious illness, I would do as several friends and associates have done, and go to a relatives in England and get treated as a UK resident.
Just as a side issue, was reading that if you had a chimney fire the Fire Brigade now charge €500 (for first hour) to put it out. Road traffic accident €610 (for first hour). Might be better to get insurance to cover these possible events.
Jul 8th 2012, 8:20 am
#9
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Re: Health Insurance
I've been here 13 years and have had no medical insurance since day one.
I live in Roscommon and the authorities have closed the A&E department at Roscommon Hospital, so if I had a heart attack or stroke they'd have to take me to Galway, Mullingar or Ballinasloe. Between 40-60 mins travelling. Though it could take them an hour to get to you, and I joke not. Probably be dead by the time I got there, so not having health insurance would make no difference.
If i was struck down by some serious illness, I would do as several friends and associates have done, and go to a relatives in England and get treated as a UK resident.
Just as a side issue, was reading that if you had a chimney fire the Fire Brigade now charge €500 (for first hour) to put it out. Road traffic accident €610 (for first hour). Might be better to get insurance to cover these possible events.
I live in Roscommon and the authorities have closed the A&E department at Roscommon Hospital, so if I had a heart attack or stroke they'd have to take me to Galway, Mullingar or Ballinasloe. Between 40-60 mins travelling. Though it could take them an hour to get to you, and I joke not. Probably be dead by the time I got there, so not having health insurance would make no difference.
If i was struck down by some serious illness, I would do as several friends and associates have done, and go to a relatives in England and get treated as a UK resident.
Just as a side issue, was reading that if you had a chimney fire the Fire Brigade now charge €500 (for first hour) to put it out. Road traffic accident €610 (for first hour). Might be better to get insurance to cover these possible events.
H0ow much is private health in general there? In Spain it's relatively cheap, around €1150 a year for two in their mid fifties for instance
Jul 8th 2012, 8:56 am
#10
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Posts: 363
Re: Health Insurance
Which of course is not allowed, and would be classed as benefit fraud. Don't shoot me down for saying that, I'm just making the point that people are not entitled to UK health care under the NHS (apart from under your EHIC card with restrictions) when you are not a UK resident, and if any of your friends and associates were detected then there would be consequences.
H0ow much is private health in general there? In Spain it's relatively cheap, around €1150 a year for two in their mid fifties for instance
H0ow much is private health in general there? In Spain it's relatively cheap, around €1150 a year for two in their mid fifties for instance
The health insurance would be at least double that in Ireland. The point is, the treatment will still not be world class even if you pay top dollar. The health service in Ireland is a shambles - top heavy with administrators on big money doing next to nothing.
Jul 8th 2012, 9:04 am
#11
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Re: Health Insurance
So if I'm English and decide to become a UK citizen again at a time of my choosing how is that fraud?
The health insurance would be at least double that in Ireland. The point is, the treatment will still not be world class even if you pay top dollar. The health service in Ireland is a shambles - top heavy with administrators on big money doing next to nothing.
The health insurance would be at least double that in Ireland. The point is, the treatment will still not be world class even if you pay top dollar. The health service in Ireland is a shambles - top heavy with administrators on big money doing next to nothing.
So much the same as the UK for private health. Iirc Bupa quoted us £3000 pa when I came out of a company scheme and asked for a personal quote. They wanted over £2000 when we moved to Spain, but a Spanish company quoted less than half for the same cover
Jul 8th 2012, 9:37 am
#12
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Re: Health Insurance
Because (logically) you cant just become a UK citizen for a week and then return to whence you came. When you return to the Uk to become a UK citizen, in theory you have to prove intent, i.e. you have a house rental agreement, you have purchased a house etc etc. You cant just swap residency one way and another just when you feel like it to suit your needs
So much the same as the UK for private health. Iirc Bupa quoted us £3000 pa when I came out of a company scheme and asked for a personal quote. They wanted over £2000 when we moved to Spain, but a Spanish company quoted less than half for the same cover
So much the same as the UK for private health. Iirc Bupa quoted us £3000 pa when I came out of a company scheme and asked for a personal quote. They wanted over £2000 when we moved to Spain, but a Spanish company quoted less than half for the same cover
I don't recall telling the UK authorities that I intended leaving their shores. So you're saying I have to let them know of my return? Surely as a European I can live where and when I want. This week Roscommon, next week London and the week after Madrid. (well perhaps not Madrid).
I can't predict when illness might strike. But I can predict which country I'd want treating in.
Jul 8th 2012, 10:13 am
#13
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Re: Health Insurance
Wouldn't take much to rent a house for 12 month.
I don't recall telling the UK authorities that I intended leaving their shores. So you're saying I have to let them know of my return? Surely as a European I can live where and when I want. This week Roscommon, next week London and the week after Madrid. (well perhaps not Madrid).
I can't predict when illness might strike. But I can predict which country I'd want treating in.
I don't recall telling the UK authorities that I intended leaving their shores. So you're saying I have to let them know of my return? Surely as a European I can live where and when I want. This week Roscommon, next week London and the week after Madrid. (well perhaps not Madrid).
I can't predict when illness might strike. But I can predict which country I'd want treating in.
I didnt specifically tell the UK authorities I was leaving their shores either (other than I am a dependent of a pensioner for health cover in Spain), but I had to apply the rules in Spain and become a resident in 60 days of intent to live there. I know I cant use the National Health service. I know I cant vote most UK elections ..... Being an expat, I have described before, is like being a leper. You get treated badly, you dont get the benefits you paid in all your life for.
So you're right, you cant predict when you might become ill. However You cant predict which country either, but when it happens, and its bad, you may be severely restricted with travel and although the UK will treat you for emergencies, it may not cover you for ongoing treatment
Jul 8th 2012, 10:33 am
#14
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Re: Health Insurance
Well ... you can't be a resident / tax resident in two countries at the same time, with the very odd exception. Yes, you cvan live where you want in the EU, but you have to live by the rules of the country where you live. For instance, after 180 days in Spain I am a tax resident there. I have to make tax returns in that country of residence. Income in the UK is taxed in Spain. I have to give my UK licence in and excahnge it for a Spanish one when it expires. As a non UK resident I am not allowed to renew my UK licence.
I didnt specifically tell the UK authorities I was leaving their shores either (other than I am a dependent of a pensioner for health cover in Spain), but I had to apply the rules in Spain and become a resident in 60 days of intent to live there. I know I cant use the National Health service. I know I cant vote most UK elections ..... Being an expat, I have described before, is like being a leper. You get treated badly, you dont get the benefits you paid in all your life for.
So you're right, you cant predict when you might become ill. However You cant predict which country either, but when it happens, and its bad, you may be severely restricted with travel and although the UK will treat you for emergencies, it may not cover you for ongoing treatment
I didnt specifically tell the UK authorities I was leaving their shores either (other than I am a dependent of a pensioner for health cover in Spain), but I had to apply the rules in Spain and become a resident in 60 days of intent to live there. I know I cant use the National Health service. I know I cant vote most UK elections ..... Being an expat, I have described before, is like being a leper. You get treated badly, you dont get the benefits you paid in all your life for.
So you're right, you cant predict when you might become ill. However You cant predict which country either, but when it happens, and its bad, you may be severely restricted with travel and although the UK will treat you for emergencies, it may not cover you for ongoing treatment
Jul 8th 2012, 12:46 pm
#15
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Re: Health Insurance
With regards the renewal of the driving licence - that was discussed some weeks ago on here and as far as I recall you can still drive on a UK licence. Can't recall how they renewed it - probably an address in UK, as sure as hell the DVLA won't put a ROI address on the licence. No doubt someone will clarify this.