I had a routine MRI scan recently which I assumed would be fully covered by my health insurance. However, I was asked to pay for the scan as I didn’t attend an “approved centre”. Is this correct?
According to Dermot Goode of TotalHealthCover.ie, all health insurance policies cover MRI scans but you must always contact your health insurer in advance to check two things.
Firstly, make sure that the scan itself is covered as it must be medically necessary.
Secondly, you must check if the condition meets the insurer’s “clinical indicators” for coverage.
Your health insurance questions answered by Dermot Goode, Ireland’s leading health insurance expert with Totalhealthcover.ie
Insurance expert Dermot Goode, of TotalHealthCover.ie, said there will be more price rises.
“The price war is definitely over. We are back to cover cost inflation. Consumers need to brace themselves for price rises of 5%. I expect Vhi to follow suit with price rises. It is all down to more claims coming in to all the health insurers.”
Irish Independent: Your Questions: Is there a better plan that I should be looking at to cover out-patient expenses?
According to Dermot Goode of TotalHealthCover.ie, you need to consider a good-quality corporate plan as they all include guaranteed refunds on most out-patient expenses with no excess to pay first.
Most of the refunds are in the region of 50% of the expense, depending on the policy, and all insurers now offer ‘Scan & Send’ which means you can claim your refunds immediately as you go.
Irish Independent: Your Questions: I need travel insurance but I am worried about a pre-existing condition?
Yes, you will be able to get cover, according to Jonathan Hehir of InsureMyHoliday.ie. But you might have to jump through a few hoops first.
A pre-existing medical condition is any medical or psychological illness, disease or condition for which you or your travelling companion has received medical advice, treatment or medication within the last two to three years, depending on your insurer.
Irish Independent: Your Questions: I need to find a new policy, but I find health cover very confusing – can you offer me any advice?
The first point to make here is that there will be no issue re-instating of the policy to ensure continuity of cover. When a policyholder dies, the insurer will normally need to set up a new policy in the name of the surviving spouse or partner, according to Dermot Goode of TotalHealthCover.ie.
If you have been on the same health insurance plan for the past three years, you could save an average of €500 per year if you switch, according to health insurance guru Dermot Goode, Founder of TotalHealthCover.ie.
“Too many people auto-renew their cover, which means they have no chance of securing better deals at a lower cost. The fact is, this behaviour could be costing them hundreds if not thousands on their cover.”
Irish Independent: Your Questions: Will buying a smaller van help to bring down my insurance costs?
According to Jonathan Hehir, the Managing Director of InsureMyVan.ie, there are several considerations which will significantly impact your premiums, when it comes to changing your van.
These include vehicle specifications, model, and engine size and most importantly the carrying capacity of the van itself. Before making a purchase, work out what size van fits your needs best. There is no point getting a large van, which could add to your insurance costs, if you only need a small van to carry out your work.
A nationwide survey of 1,000 respondents commissioned by Royal London insurance found some are either afraid of what the scales may reveal, aren’t bothered or are worried they may develop an unhealthy obsession with their weight.
However, they could be dangerously burying their heads in the sand, said underwriter Colette Houton.
Dermot Goode of TotalHealthCover.ie says older people should consider changing elements of their plan in their 50s to ensure quality cover when they retire.
“Firstly, it’s important to recognise that you need to spend €1,250-€1,450 per adult, per year. The days of getting good cover for €800 are over. If you need to upgrade, there’ll be a two-year waiting list for the increased benefits to kick in – so now, while you’re healthy, is the time to start.
https://www.independent.ie/life/act-now-as-the-pensions-timebomb-goes-ticktock–38026766.html
