VHI axes popular health insurance policies: What you need to know

VHI, the State's largest health insurance provider, has announced plans to scrap a number of its most popular policies.

The changes will impact thousands of VHI customers who are currently on those plans.

Here's everything you need to know about the decision and its impact...

What plans are affected?

The changes will impact four of VHI's policies, which are among their most popular offerings.

The four policies to be retired are:

• Health Plus Extra
• Health Plus Access
• Health Plus Excess
• Health Access

How many customers are on those plans?

Health insurance expert Dermot Goode from totalhealthcover.ie estimated between 100,000 and 150,000 VHI customers – around one in 10 of all the provider's customers – will be affected.

He added the changes will be of particular concern to older customers "who renewed these plans to retain full cover for major orthopaedic and ophthalmic procedures".

"They will have no option now but to shop around for alternative cover from their next renewal date," Mr Goode said.

When do the changes take effect?

The four policies will no longer be available from May 1st.

VHI said the retirement of the four plans is being done on a "renewal-by-renewal" basis, meaning affected customers will have to switch to a different plan when they reach their next renewal date.

The health insurance provider added it is writing to customers who are currently on the plans which are set to be retired to inform them of the changes.

What do affected customers have to do?

VHI customers who are currently on one of the four policies set to be axed will continue to be covered by their existing terms until their renewal date.

When their policy comes up for renewal, they will either have to switch to a different VHI policy, or change providers.

To avoid a break in cover, it's worth planning ahead by researching suitable alternative plans in advance of the renewal date.

The Health Insurance Authority (HIA) has a page on its website offering advice on how to choose a policy.

Will the changes impact their healthcare coverage?

Healthcare coverage varies from plan to plan, so it is important that customers ensure their chosen policy meets their needs.

The HIA also offers a free comparison tool on its website, allowing customers to compare the coverage and prices of different policies offered by the various health insurance providers in the State.

Why are the plans being scrapped?

VHI said the changes are being made in an effort to "deliver a simplified product structure" and enhance offerings to better suit the needs of customers.

"This is a step VHI has taken to address feedback from consumers and the HIA that there are too many plans on the market and that this can be confusing," a statement from VHI added.