I have a friend from Poland who recommended I see her dentist in Krakow, where the same treatment would only cost €700. She says that I could stay with her family. Is there any reason I shouldn’t do this?
Claire, Co Dublin
A It’s vital to weigh up the pros and cons for both of these scenarios, as this is the only way that you’ll be able to make a fully informed decision. Especially in a situation like this, where we have not only considerable amounts of money involved, but insurance related to a medical procedure.
I’d suggest the following considerations to ensure that you make the right call.
Firstly, note down all the related costs of going to Poland to see a dentist, such as treatment, travel, and any additional expenses. It is worth noting that if you have the procedure done in Ireland, you may be able to claim back the tax from Revenue on the part of the cost that is not covered.
You are entitled to claim back 20pc of the cost of non-routine dental treatment that is not covered by an insurer. Therefore, this could save you a further €300 on the treatment if you choose to have it in Ireland.
It is also worth noting that Poland is very well known for its standard of dental treatment and this good reputation may reduce your doubts about a difference in quality. The educational standard of dentists in Poland is high and the regulation that governs dental practice there is very strict, which is reassuring. You also have a personal recommendation, which is very helpful, and free accommodation is also a major benefit.
However, if you develop an issue with your teeth after coming home from Poland and need follow-up or emergency treatment in Ireland, this could prove very expensive.
If you had the procedure done by an Irish dentist, that dentist could possibly cover all of this as part of the original treatment. This is a hugely significant point to consider and you need to fully evaluate the possibility of this happening and discuss this with your dentist.
I’d also suggest speaking to a few more dentists in Ireland before making plans to go to Poland, to see if you can get a better value option that might be more financially viable for you.
‘I want to buy health insurance as I’ve been diagnosed with a heart condition. I’ve never had health insurance before and I’m 52. How much will age loadings cost me?’
Q I’m 52 years old and have never been able to afford health insurance until now. I was recently diagnosed with a cardiac arrhythmia and put on medication for it. I’d like to buy health insurance, but I’ve heard that I could be financially penalised as a result of age loadings and a pre-existing health condition. I have a budget of about €1,200. How much will age loadings cost me and how will my condition affect my ability to get insurance?
David, Co Tipperary
A In 2015, an amendment to the Health Insurance Act 1994 was introduced by the government that specified the amount of premium to be paid from the Risk Equalisation Fund in respect of injured persons, with the aim of enticing younger people to take out cover before the age of 35.
That means those who do not take out cover before that age and who have been in Ireland for longer than nine months are liable to pay an additional 2pc of the gross cost of a health plan – on top of the plan premium. Based on your age, you could expect to pay a 34pc loading in addition to your chosen health plan.
A popular low-cost option plan which provides access to private hospitals is MyPlan 500 from Irish Life Health, which costs €940.50 net a year. But based on your age, you could expect to pay an extra €410.57 in loadings, with loadings lasting a maximum of 10 years.
With regard to your existing medical condition, Ireland has an ‘open enrolment’ policy whereby insurers cannot refuse you cover based on your age, sex or medical history. They can, however, enforce waiting periods for new entrants to the market.
For pre-existing medical conditions, there is a five-year waiting period before you can make a claim. A pre-existing health condition is deemed to be an illness or condition that – on the basis of medical advice – you had signs or symptoms of in the six months before you took out the policy.
In addition, it is important to note that an additional 26-week waiting period will apply before you can claim for new conditions.
In the meantime, you would have immediate cover for Accident and Emergency and for certain outpatient/day-to-day benefits on the policy.
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