‘Private coverage generally offers faster access to care’

WITH the cost of health insurance expected to rise yet again following changes to hospital charges announced as part of Budget 2012 (some estimates suggest premiums for popular plans could increase by up to €1,400 per year).

If this is the case, it means that premiums will begin to approach the €4,000 level for some customers. This is an extraordinary cost, especially for large families.

The question on the minds of many people now will be whether or not they keep or drop private health insurance altogether. An initial reaction of some will be to drop cover completely. However, if you have a heart attack, a stroke, or are involved in a car accident and are taken to hospital, the cumulative overnight stay costs could result in a bill that you will have to pay. Generally, this should cost less than €1,000, which some families may risk as this cost is far less than the €2,000 to €4,000 cost of a yearly premium.