Check fine print on free child health insurance, watchdog urges
Health insurers are offering the cover in an attempt to stem the tide of cash-strapped customers fleeing the private system. The offers were launched by VHI, Quinn Healthcare and Aviva Health Insurance in a bid to address the recession-linked private insurance cancellations crisis, which is predicted to see up to 100,000 leave this year.
Under the plans, revealed by independent market analyst Dermot Goode of www.healthinsurancesavings.ie, families will be able to save up to €500 per year depending on the coverage being sought, but he urges people to examine the plans carefully. As part of the new offers, VHI — which despite being Ireland’s largest health insurance firm is in financial trouble — will agree to cover children under the age of 18 for free on its One Plus plan.
