Clever changes to reduce your health insurance premium

Renewal time is here, which means many will be looking at ways to reduce costs and add benefits. The Health Insurance Authority has helpful information

Be wary of saving €100 on your policy if it means you lose access to the high-tech hospitals, says the HIA. Photo: Getty

While most people will shop around for car or house insurance, we are far less likely to do so for our health insurance. Changing a plan or provider means getting to grips with what we’re actually covered for and what we’re not. Many of us live in blissful ignorance until the time comes where we need to hand over a policy number and we cross our fingers hoping that we are covered. But you are more important than your car.

Health insurance is not an easy topic to take on, but it is worth setting aside time annually to review your options. Not only will you become more familiar with the terminology, making it easier each time, but as your needs and financial situation changes over the years, your cover should adapt too.