not2old

post #42, 44, 46

So this can be a difficult situation especially for retired (under 65) and those state pension age & over when it comes to having health issues.

Health insurance is likely too expensive for those folks for the reason they do not have the means to pay upwards of 500/mth & the fact that insurance will not cover 'existing conditions'

For those that have health cards, it would seem that the wait time to see a consultant and/or for that operation - one may be dead?

So, what is the 'practical' solution (Moses you can quote government policy & EU rules all day long) its real life when you or a family member needs the care & attention when folks don't have the resources to 'fix it'?

Suggestions?

Moses2013

The key is always a good GP. If you and your GP already knows that you might need an operation and the local hospitals have long waiting lists, request to have the operation done in another hospital, be it national/ or international.
9) Do I have to be referred by an Irish based consultant/doctor before I apply?
Yes but if you access a GP in another jurisdiction a referral from that GP is also acceptable.




Citizens needing care (including emergency care) when temporarily abroad will continue to benefit from the existing Regulations and the European Health Insurance Card, and be provided with the care they need. For planned care, under the Regulation, a patient can apply for prior authorisation. This authorisation cannot be refused if he/she cannot be treated in the home country within a time limit which is medically justifiable.



National health authorities can refuse authorisation if the treatment in question, or the healthcare provider in question, could present a risk for the patient. If the healthcare can be provided at home within a medically justifiable time limit, then authorisation can also be refused. However, Member States will need to explain why such a decision is necessary, and will need to base their assessment of what is "medically justifiable" on your individual case



Do I need to pay for cross-border treatment upfront?Yes, generally the patient pays upfront and would then be reimbursed by their national authority as quickly as possible. The law also gives Member States the option of confirming the amount of reimbursement in writing in advance.Member States also have the option of paying for the healthcare directly, rather than reimbursing patients.

Zelda247

Moses, try to live in the real world. You are obviously a) not a pensioner, and b) not lived in Ireland all your life) c) not got a huge experience of Irish GP's and what they will and will not do.

Have you any idea of the stress it is to be old and ill and worried sick and try to force a GP to take a certain route?

not2old

moses @ post #48, good points especially the one about 'having a good GP' which is first& foremost.

For the 'essential medical services', this I think is key.

As to going up to NI if I was living say in Galway town, do you know the practically of that when you the elderly patient that has difficulties at the best of times having to travel with a companion, likely making a overnight stay, or in the case of an operation, the costs for both of you for several days away from home - its not very practical IMO when good timely healthcare cannot be had in your home town Ireland.

I understand the out of country, cross border, but to be practical- without inexpensive (non existing conditions) private healthcare insurance folks can well & truly be screwed.

By comparison, the public service HSE is not as good as the NHS, or is it?

My question... reality please, anyone

What would be the typical wait time and cost to see a doctor private without medical card or insurance?

What would be the typical wait time and cost to see a specialist/consultant private without medical card or insurance?

What would be the typical wait time for say minor surgery private without medical card or insurance? Minor, being eye operation, ear, nose or throat, hands or feet?

What would be the typical wait time for say major surgery private without medical card or insurance? Major being, knee replacement, heart operation, internal organs, female type operations?

not2old

those are key points which someone working mid 40's with a nice works benefits plan or private health insurance may not understand until it comes to either them or a loved one- even their own elderly parent

Moses2013

Unfortunately I live in the real world. Sorry to hear, but how can you judge me and say I have no experience with Irish GP's, haven't lived in Ireland all my life and what has it got to do with an Irish GP? Even in Ireland you can find GP's who aren't Irish, or studied in the UK and other countries.


I'm just saying that people have legal rights and there are other options, so what's the problem????????? If I was a lawyer, I'd be charging you for this information. If you don't want to know your rights, why are you bothered then? And advise given to you is negative.

Zelda247

Moses you have no idea of what its like to be old, worried about paying bills and your health.

Moses2013

I respect old people and actually have parents too, who probably have less money available than you have.




I could say the same:Zelda you have no idea of what it's like to be young worried about ever getting a state pension, paying bills and our future.

not2old

post 49, 52, 53, 54

with all due respect folks, personal attacks is not good vibes when trying to discuss or resolve questions or getting to the bottom of 'hey, what do you think about, or how can this issue be resolved'

There have been some good Q&A and informative answers - lets continue on that please

The other crap is doing my head in

not2old

from my post#50, anyone that can provide a response specific to the following?

Thanks

"I understand the out of country, cross border, but to be practical- without inexpensive (non existing conditions) private healthcare insurance folks can well & truly be screwed.

By comparison, the public service HSE is not as good as the NHS, or is it?

My question... reality please, anyone

What would be the typical wait time and cost to see a doctor private without medical card or insurance?

What would be the typical wait time and cost to see a specialist/consultant private without medical card or insurance?

What would be the typical wait time for say minor surgery private without medical card or insurance? Minor, being eye operation, ear, nose or throat, hands or feet?

What would be the typical wait time for say major surgery private without medical card or insurance? Major being, knee replacement, heart operation, internal organs, female type operations?"

Moses2013

You can find some information here:


National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF)

bc2015

1. most of them do cover existing conditions after a period of time.

2. if you become resident in Ireland and take out insurance within 9 months of becoming resident, then you avoid paying the Lifetime Community Rating loading, which greatly reduces the cost

Lifetime Community Rating | HIA

bc2015

In my experience, these are "how long is a piece of string?" type questions. It completely depends on the procedure and the region and the time of the year and the numbers waiting on trollies in A+E. If the numbers waiting in A+E are high, then elective surgery is usually the first to be cancelled.

There's some indicative figures here

National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF)

not2old

@ post 57, 58 & 59, thank you so much

That information in the links is crucial for anyone moving to take up residence in the Republic.

source: Irish Times & citizens information.ie

The LCR of 70% penalty (loading) at age 69 & over, even if you take out the insurance within 9 months of taking up residence in the Republic

VHI appears to be the insurer that does most of the seniors policies. I tried an on-line quote, but it wouldn't spew it out without a contact email or tel#

On the pre existing conditions under these new rules after May 2015

Pre-existing conditions

"The health insurance company may refuse to cover you in respect of pre-existing conditions for longer periods after you join. So, for example, if you are have diabetes, the insurance company may refuse to provide you with any cover for diabetes for a specified period but must cover you for any other illnesses once the initial waiting period has expired.

For policies taken out since 1 May 2015, the maximum waiting period for pre-existing conditions is 5 years"

bc2015

I'm not sure that's true - my understanding is that the LCR can be avoided if you take out insurance within 9 months of taking up residency no matter what age you are, happy to be proven wrong though

I wouldn't say that necessarily true. VHI were the only insurance company for a number of years, but since competition came in the market has become very fragmented, with the result that there are literally hundreds of policies.

HIA have a comparison tool (including the base pricing)

Health Insurance Comparison | HIA: Health Insurance Authority