COVID-19: Financial support measures introduced by Insurers
The Health Insurance Authority (HIA), having worked closely with the Department of Health, health insurers, the HSE and the Central Bank over the last number of weeks welcomes the measures now put in place by insurers in relation to Covid-19.
Consumers should note that the implementation of these supports does not require any action on their part. The measures implemented by each insurer will vary, a breakdown is provided below.
The HIA advises individuals to check with their own insurance company to find out the measures that will be available to them. Consumers who have concerns about their individual policies can contact our consumer advisors at info@hia.ie where we will be happy to help answer any questions consumers may have.
Irish life Health:
Irish Life Health will apply a rebate to consumer’s premiums to reflect the expected reduction in claims cost for the months of April, May and June, by returning a portion of the monthly premium.
Customers with private hospital cover (advanced plans) will receive between 36% and 60% of their monthly premium back, and those on plans with largely public hospital cover (non-advanced plans) will receive between 17% and 21%, depending on their specific policy.
For direct debit customers the amount due to consumers will be offset against their premium across subsequent months (which will be confirmed with consumers in due course). If you paid your premium by credit card or cheque, you will get a rebate by cheque.
Enhanced offerings will also apply:
Access to a remote Covid-19 monitoring and clinical support service for individuals with suspected Covid-19 and those suffering with symptoms in self-isolation. This nurse-led service is sponsored by Irish Life Health and available to all customers.
Virtual appointments with doctors, consultants and nurses for non-Coronavirus related illnesses can now be claimed back through your day to day benefits (in line with plan benefits). Virtual appointments across many specialities including maternity, paediatrics and mental health may also now be claimed back.
In addition, customers still have access to the 24/7 Digital Doctor, Nurse on Call and Healthy Minds services.
Laya Healthcare:
A COVID Support Benefit of €75 per adult and €30 per child will be payable to all members. This payment will be split into three equal instalments and paid over three months, April to June 2020. The first instalment will be paid by 30th April 2020.
A COVID Financial Benefit of €120 per adult and €30 per child in respect of all members will be payable to the payer of premiums. This payment will be split into three equal instalments and paid over three months, April to June 2020. The first instalment will be paid by 30th April 2020.
Enhanced offerings will also apply:
Laya Healthcare customers can avail of the following additional services for a three-month period from April to June 2020 at no additional cost. Laya Healthcare will pay the full cost for members to access urgent care consultations and treatment for minor injuries in Laya Health & Wellbeing Clinics. GPs in the Laya Health and Wellbeing Clinics in Dublin and Galway will provide video consultations for non-Covid-19 related minor illnesses. Unrestricted access to video consultations with GPs through our GP live benefit, Laya Healthcare Concierge service, video Healthcoach consultations for members aged 18+ and to video consultations with Physiotherapists.
VHI Healthcare:
Vhi private health insurance customers will see an average premium waiver of 50%. The exact waiver amount will vary depending on your plan, and will range between 45% - 60%. The waiver is proposed for three months, effective from mid May 2020, however, if there is an extension or curtailment to the partnership agreement between the HSE and the Private Hospital Association (PHA), this waiver will be adjusted.
Enhanced offerings will also apply:
VHI SwiftCare and Paediatrics Clinics remain open and VHI will continue to serve Hospital@Home patients. They have moved to an appointment only basis enhancing patient and staff safety. Support benefit and services including Online GP, Nurseline 24/7 and Midwife Support Services remain in operation.
Vhi is extending day-to-day benefits to include telephone or online consultations with GP’s, Clinical Psychologists, Physiotherapists, Dieticians, and Practice Nurses, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech & Language Therapists and EAP consultations.
Financial difficulties
Each insurer has also committed to introducing specific customer supports for those who are facing financial difficulties as a direct result of COVID 19. Insurers have said they will deal with these cases fairly, flexibly and on a case by case basis. Please contact your insurer if this applies to you.
Contact details:
Irish Life Health:
Email: heretohelp@irishlifehealth.ie
Telephone: 1890 717 717
Laya Healthcare:
Email: info@layahealthcare.ie
Telephone: (021) 202 2000
VHI Healthcare:
Email: info@vhi.ie
Telephone: 1890 44 44 44