Vhi to reduce prices by an average of - 5.5% with effect from 1st March 2018
Vhi delivers more value to customers through premium reductions and the addition of innovative new benefits on a wide range of plans.
18th January 2018 - Vhi today announced that it will reduce the cost of most plans by an average of -5.5% with effect from 1st March 2018. These reductions will apply to almost 90% of customers. This follows on from previous price reductions and benefit enhancements in November 2017 right across a range of plans.
Vhi is also bringing additional value to its customers through the introduction of some innovative new benefits on its plans from the 1st March including:
- Genetic testing for hereditary cancer on 38 plans covered at Blackrock Clinic only. This benefit, a first for Irish health insurance, and unique to Vhi, provides cover for genetic testing for risk of developing hereditary cancer, the most common types of which are breast, ovarian, endometrial and colorectal cancer. Cover for associated counselling is also included. The addition of this new benefit further enhances Vhi’s market-leading cancer cover.
- Vhi Online Doctor on 36 plans. This new service allows Vhi customers a quick and convenient way to access Irish registered doctors wherever they are. By downloading the Vhi app, customers will be able to have a consultation with a doctor currently practicing in Ireland.
- Strength and Conditioning Coach visits on 26 plans. This new benefit will provide customers with cash back on visits to accredited UK SCA strength and conditioning coaches and is available on a number of plans, most of which already contain cover for our newly enhanced Fitness Screening and Personalised Exercise Programme which has been developed with the Sports Surgery Clinic, Dublin.
Commenting on today’s announcement Declan Moran, Director of Marketing and Business Development said “Vhi continues to drive innovation in the marketplace enhancing the benefits delivered and keeping prices as affordable as possible for our customers. As a not for profit organisation that exists solely to meet the healthcare needs of our customers, we are pleased to be in a position to give back to our customers today, through price reductions of -5.5% across many plans impacting almost 90% of our customers. This is due to a solid business performance over the last number of years supported by another strong financial performance in 2017.”
He continued “Today’s rate reductions are spread across the majority of our plans. We understand that many of our customers continue to struggle with affordability. They also want access to primary care, to digital enabled technology and access to innovative benefits. We are delighted that today’s announcement responds to these needs.”
He said “We are also continuing to enhance plans which are traditionally purchased by our older and sicker customers. In addition to reduced prices, these customers will also see a combination of improved primary care, reduced excesses, better cancer care package, better cardiac care programme and overall a very comprehensive range of new benefits .”
Customers renewing on the 1st March will see their prices fall by an average of -5.5%. For a family (2 Adults and 2 Children renewing on One Plan Starter they will save in the region of €224 a year. For 2 adults renewing on HealthPlus Extra, they will save approximately €262 a year and for two adults renewing on HealthPlus Premium they will see savings in the regions of approximately €776 per annum.
Other Recent Enhancements
- Vhi Fertility Programme – the most comprehensive fertility package in the market
- Vhi Swiftcare enhancements - Cover available in 3 clinics, on all plans to all members. Visits are unlimited and cover includes 50% towards follow-up treatment. A maximum member outlay is also included giving members peace of mind. No other insurer can match this cover.
- Vhi Vision Care Package – includes our unique e-screen and comprehensive eye exam.
- Out Patient Scheme enhancements on many plans, including HealthPlus range.
- Vhi Second Opinion Service – Available to all kids on all plans and adults on HealthPlus range.
- Vhi Cardiac Care Programme – Programmes for Cardiac Care, Urgent Care and Rehabilitation - added to HealthPlus plans.
- Vhi Maternity Package – New Maternity Bundle including cover for scans and additional maternity benefits added to many plans – market leading cover added to many plans.
- Out Patient Mental Health improvements– Significant enhancements to visit limits across many plans
- Practice Nurse Benefit – cover for visits for blood tests, stitches etc. in GP surgery.
- Vhi App – featuring facilities for Snap & Send, GP Online, Nurseline,One to One Midwife and a store for your Medical ID
ENDS
Issued by:
Brighid Smyth / Niamh Walker
Vhi Group Services DAC
086 827 0905 / 086 608 6764