I will probably fall back on the public health system. There is no point changing to others insurers because they all have to go up. Mary Harney interfered with an insurance system that worked despite its faults. She decided she wanted 'competition' and the result of this decision is what we have today. The problem is that when Mary Harney is sacked you cannot put the genie back in the bottle and you cannot turn the clock back. The only way out is (a) have a fully universal and comprehensive public health system paid for out of central funds or (b) have a state sponsored universal health insurance system collected by the Revenue Commissioners as part of the PRSI sytem. But Mary harney won't do either of these. She is hell bent on privatisation of the whole health service. When will we get rid of her?

I just read a comment from Mary Hanafin where she says that pensioners caught up in the Pensions fallout can fall back on the state pension.

Mary Harney would like us all to take out private health insurance and be treated in the private co-located hospitals.

Does anyone recall Marie Antoinette wondering why the poor starving serfs didn't EAT CAKE .

These girls must all live in La La Land

I have paid VHI for the last 25 years with only one small claim, surely this would equate to risk equalisation over a lifetime?

I had a major claim due to HSE cock-ups. I only recently viewed some of my records - some are still missing. My family donate to pay for private cover. Neither public or private are delivering. I am so frustrated with ongoing pain, I questioned why I recovered.

Our public system is more effective, if you can get in. Those working in it need to develop a customer ethos, like reporting back to the patient and not solely to professionals.

In private health care you do get feedback and can question if you are assertive. This difference in my view is the basis of two-tier healthcare system. 

Breege

I am with Hibernian (Vivas) - so, so far so good - we haven't been hit by any increases as yet! I have to say that since I took out this insurance with they have been extremely helpful and prompt, regarding all aspects of same - administrative or health issues.

Hi

Well I'm with Hibernian (Vivas) and unless somebody here can update me, I haven't heard their position yet so until then I'm not changing. I find anyway that my "Level 2 I plan" is better priced than the competitors and I have had a bit of a nightmare year with two hospital visits and found my cover very easy to navigate.

I'm 24 and female and didn't have any real reason to take out cover except for scary family stories about going public so I'm nervous of stepping back. Only thing is I'm an engineer in the construction industry so if my career nosedives the way some of my former college colleagues has I might be saying otherwise!

Lastly, what really inspired me to write here is NK's quote with regard to Marie Antoinette...please...she didn't say that! That quote has been matched to many elite who fell foul of public opinion but seems to have stuck to MA. I don't feel she deserved it but do read her story and decide for yourself. But don't misquote her in the meantime.

Anyway, that's my rant over so I'll finish with wishing you all luck with knowing what to do about your health insurance, I can only imagine how hard it is if you are trying to support little children.

I moved to Hibernian from VHI which is much cheaper. Its a disgrace the rises VHI get every year.

Having many, numerous, and varied medical problems I think it essential to have some form of private health cover, if only to try and speed access to some form of care somewhere. As has been said, the care one receives either private or public is a credit to those who dole it out, but I would rather get to it sooner than later. So.. the care being equal a choice of location and consultant is a comforting thought. Though is it worth the enormous extra cost? the answer is in the stars.

Mary Harney has one thing right in so far as there should be a private health service for those who are lucky enough to be able to pay for it. Unfortunately, as so often happens, what we get in this country is the worst of all cases. We pay for private health insurance and all we get for it is pretty much the same third rate service as we would in the general health service. Still I'm reluctant to give up cover since the health service continues to deteriorate.

In other European countries there is a clear distinction between public and private health care so that those who want to pay can get the level of service they pay for in a fully functional private hospital with own casualty dept etc. and those who are not in a position to pay do not have to make do with a public health service that's completely overwhelmed.

The only reason why hibernian havent upped their prices is because they have not fallen foul to the risk equalisation yet. I dont understand why VHI can justify the rise in prices of their policies while making 100 million euros last year. I tried to compare prices with each health insurer based on a family of 4 and it is hard to compare each policy because they are so different. I've come to the clonclusion better priced plans are not always the best in return. VHI is too pricey for me, Hibernian is price competitive but Quinn does seem to offer value for money between the 3 but it is still a lot of money to spend on what ifs.

We are with the VHI, we only joined when our 1st child was born 16 yrs ago to have him covered. we had two other children after him. I have a chronic back problem now for 14 yrs, so I would not be taken on by any other health insurance company I think I would have to be on their books for at least 5 yrs before they would or could pay out for any more medical treatments. We are paying a major price in health insurance, it doesn't even mean that you can get seen any quicker these days but we still think it's important to stick with what we have!! We are all being ripped off here in Ireland in every way. Maybe some day it will change!! for the better....

Hi Ann,

I think there is no waiting period for care if you are an existing cust with one of the 3 health Insurers in the Irish market but don't take my word for it, check it out for yourself.

Universal Insurance for all paid for by the state for the less well off proposed by one of the opposition partys looks like the best option going forward.