Making the Switch to Irish Life Health
Life admin... does it ever end? Some things you can’t avoid, like paying bills. Others are easier to put on the long finger. Maybe you’ve been thinking about changing health insurance provider but haven’t got around to it yet. Or it simply seems like too much hassle. Well, we’re here to answer your most frequently asked questions, let you know the benefits of joining Irish Life Health, and show you how easily you can make the switch!
1. Why Should I Switch to Irish Life Health?
We don’t believe in ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to health insurance. That’s why we have a whole host of plans to suit your individual needs and lifestyle, with cover starting from as little as €10.21 per week. As well as that, we’re running a 5% discount on certain plans for a limited time. To get a quote and avail of this offer, click here.
2. What Benefits are Available?
As well as cover, we offer our customers a wide range of benefits relating to their health and wellness. You’ll have access to exclusive and innovative resources like our new virtual health service MyClinic, the new home for all your virtual health needs. Members get access to back and neck physiotherapy, professional counselling, unlimited Digital Doctor consultations, and more. You’ll also have access to MyLife, an app to help you embrace a healthier lifestyle. Other benefits included with our hospital plans include a dental access package, health screening and discounts on laser eye surgery.
3. Will I Have a Gap in Cover?
As long as you don’t let your previous health insurance lapse for more than 13 weeks, we will accept the time from your previous health insurer, and you’ll have continuity of cover.
4. What If I Have a Pre-Existing Condition?
When switching health insurance with a pre-existing condition, a waiting period may apply where you upgrade/ increase your level of cover from your previous policy. The waiting period will apply from the date you took out health insurance for the first time (with Irish Life Health or another insurer). If your insurance lapsed for 13+ weeks, the waiting period will reset from the date you took out your health insurance.
5. Does Switching Affect My Lifetime Community Rating (LCR)?
In 2015, the Irish government introduced Lifetime Community Rating legislation. Under LCR, community rating is modified to reflect the age at which a person takes out private health insurance. Late entry ‘loadings’ are applied to the premiums of those who join the health insurance market aged 35 or over. So, if you’ve had continuous cover from April 30th, 2015, no LCR loadings will be added to your new policy with Irish Life Health. Otherwise, LCR loadings may apply to people aged 35 and over.
6. How Do I Switch?
Switching is easy! You can either select the right plan for you and buy online, or give us a call on (01) 562 5100 to discuss your options. You can also request a call from us at a time that suits. Once you’ve decided to switch, you’ll need to notify your previous insurer that you won’t be renewing your policy. This must be done within 14 days after the renewal date of your previous policy.
General Terms & Conditions apply, please see Table of Cover and Membership Handbook for details on exactly what is covered.