Ireland’s leading health insurance expert has highlighted the benefit of this new player in the market offering what he says is a straightforward product lineup of four plans—Plan A, B, C, and D.
Dermot Goode, Head of Healthcare Division with Lockton Insurance Brokers Ireland (which acquired Total Health Cover), shared his insights on Level Health’s entry into the market,
“Competition like this is exactly what the market needs”.
“Over the last two years, health insurance consumers have been hit hard by rising premiums, reduced benefits, and the retirement of popular plans. The arrival of Level Health couldn’t come at a better time, especially as nearly 50% of the market—or about 1.25 million people—prepare to renew their policies. This new offering is sure to shake up the market, and we may even see a price war between insurers, which would be great news for Irish consumers”.
“We would expect this development to a strong response from existing providers like VHI, Laya, and Irish Life Health, particularly if consumers start switching to lower-cost plans”.
“We advise consumers not to auto-renew their policies, as doing so could cost up to 25% more for less cover. Instead, shop around, disclose your budget and specific requirements, and challenge insurers to match or improve your current plan.”
Mr. Goode says the simplicity of the Level Health offering is a boon for consumers in a market that is often complex and convoluted.
Key features include:
- Plan A is an entry-level scheme covering semi-private in public hospitals. This plan is priced at €501 per adult and €180 per child (family cost of €1,362)
- Plan B is an excellent value plan covering public and private hospitals. It comes in 3 forms depending on the level of private hospital excess you want for each private hospital stay, i.e. the higher the excess, the lower the premium. The Plan B 300 is very competitively priced at €936 per adult and €218 per child (family cost of €2,308)
- For those who private hospital cover with a lower excess and also be covered for major cardiac surgeries in the high-tech hospitals which are Blackrock Clinic and Mater Private Dublin, they should consider the new Plan C which is priced at €1,220 per adult and €265 per child (family cost of €2,970). This plan has a very low excess of €75 per claim;
- The co-payments on listed orthopaedic and ophthalmic procedures in private hospitals are lower than other providers for this level of cover on the Level Health plans B & C, i.e. €2,000 on orthopaedic and €400 on ophthalmic (specific procedures and only when carried out in private hospitals);
- For those who want private cover in all hospitals with no excesses to pay and no co-payments on restricted procedures, they should consider the new Plan D which is priced at €2,262 per adult. Many other plans in the market that cover private accommodation in the likes of Blackrock Clinic & Mater Private Dublin are priced in excess of €4,900 per adult, so this plan be of interest to many members;
- The pricing is also very attractive, e.g.
There may not be substantial savings on the Plan A scheme, but there are extras on this plan which may be of interest. Also, Laya members could save up to €100 per adult or €200 per family on this plan;
On the Plan B 300 scheme, the potential savings are from €100 - €300 per adult or €200 - €600 for a family
On the Plan C scheme, the potential savings are from €15 - €300 per adult or €110 - €480 for a family
On the top scheme which is Plan D, the potential savings are up to €2,700 per adult (we don’t see young children being added to this plan) - There are no restricted hospital networks with Level Health and all their plans cover the usual benefits in areas such as Maternity, Psychiatric (100 days), Substance Abuse etc.
- Their out-patient or day-to-day cover may not be as comprehensive as other market offerings but this is not a requirement for all consumers. For those who want extra day-to-day, they can purchase this as an optional extra at €190 per adult or €76 per child (only available on Plans B and C). Day-to-day cover is included as standard on the Plan D scheme.
- There are a number of extra features on their plans which will be of interest to many, e.g.
Free travel insurance on all plans
Free cover for all children under 3 years old
For those who opt to go public for maternity services, there is a potential €500 cash payment
An additional cash benefit for those who are admitted for cancer, cardiac, children’s surgery & fertility treatment of up to €250 (T&C’s apply)
An optional extra of a Day-to-Day plan for those who need additional out-patient cover adult
Telemedicine benefits feature strongly on all plans with unlimited virtual GP, Physiotherapy and Mental Health consultations
As they’re backed by AVIVA, Level Health members can avail of discounts on other Aviva products, e.g. 50% on home ins. or 15% discount on motor ins.
Mr. Goode says their advice to all consumers is,
- never auto-renew as you could find yourself paying up to 15% - 25% more for less cover
- don’t be afraid to switch as you get full credit for all previous membership so there will be no break in your cover
- once you have 5 years continuous membership, there is no question of you having to re-serve the pre-existing waiting periods
- simply contact any of the insurers and disclose your budget; your current plan name; your specific cover requirements; any pending medical treatment; your medical history and challenge them to find you the closest equivalent plan to what you have in place already. Whatever alternative is recommended, have them explain exactly how this compares to your existing plan so you can make an informed decision;
- never make a decision to buy, switch or amend your cover based on any comparison website. Always discuss your cover changes with a regulated health insurer or broker as they are authorised to provide specific advice to you. This means that you will be speaking with a qualified advisor and you’re protected by the Central Bank Consumer Protection Code.
