Important Customer Update, 16th June 2020
News and announcements about how we are supporting customers through COVID-19
COVID-19 and Premium Waiver
16th June 2020
The agreement between the Private Hospital Association and the Health Service Executive was for 3 months and will conclude at the end of June 2020 . In line with the duration of that agreement i.e. 3 months, Vhi is waiving health insurance premium by an average of 50% for 3 months from Mid-May – Mid August.
You do not need to take any action. We are implementing this waiver automatically for every customer whether you pay by direct debit, through your salary or in a single annual payment Read more >
You do not need to take any action. We are implementing this waiver automatically for every customer whether you pay by direct debit, through your salary or in a single annual payment Read more >
A Message to our Customers
Declan Moran, Acting Chief Executive
28th March 2020Declan Moran, Acting Chief Executive
We know that this is a difficult and stressful time for you and your families dealing with
the challenges of COVID-19 and we want you to know that Vhi is continuing to work hard
to support you, our customers. We want to reassure you that despite some changes to
how we are operating, we are here for you.
While most of our office based staff are now working remotely, our customer care and our claims lines are open, working on your behalf. We also continue to have a large number of staff working on the frontline. Our Vhi NurseLine and Online GP services continue to operate despite the significant increase in demand. Our Vhi SwiftCare Clinics and our Vhi Hospital@Home services continue to provide a much needed clinical support to our customers. Vhi has an important role to play in these uncertain times ahead and our promise to you is we will be there when you need us.
As part of the national effort to address this growing public health crisis, the private hospital network is entering into an agreement to provide capacity to the public health system so that there is one single health system during this crisis to meet the healthcare needs of everyone. We believe that this is the right decision at this time and fully support it.
We understand that this changes the nature of the services that we can provide to you right now, but we trust that you are also supportive of the changes. Unprecedented times require unprecedented responses.
We are working through the detail of these temporary changes and will have more information on this for you shortly.
As the only not-for-profit organisation in this sector, Vhi exists solely to meet the needs of our customers. After 63 years in business, this has always been our priority and we have a strong track record in this regard. In previous years when we had a reduction in claims, we returned that money to our customers. We now give you a commitment that we will do that again.
We are also aware of the very significant economic impact of this public health crisis and that as a result, many of you are under financial pressure. Separately, we are developing a package of financial supports for our customers who need help at this time. In the meantime please know that we are here for you and ready to help in any way we can.
Declan Moran
Acting Chief Executive
While most of our office based staff are now working remotely, our customer care and our claims lines are open, working on your behalf. We also continue to have a large number of staff working on the frontline. Our Vhi NurseLine and Online GP services continue to operate despite the significant increase in demand. Our Vhi SwiftCare Clinics and our Vhi Hospital@Home services continue to provide a much needed clinical support to our customers. Vhi has an important role to play in these uncertain times ahead and our promise to you is we will be there when you need us.
As part of the national effort to address this growing public health crisis, the private hospital network is entering into an agreement to provide capacity to the public health system so that there is one single health system during this crisis to meet the healthcare needs of everyone. We believe that this is the right decision at this time and fully support it.
We understand that this changes the nature of the services that we can provide to you right now, but we trust that you are also supportive of the changes. Unprecedented times require unprecedented responses.
We are working through the detail of these temporary changes and will have more information on this for you shortly.
As the only not-for-profit organisation in this sector, Vhi exists solely to meet the needs of our customers. After 63 years in business, this has always been our priority and we have a strong track record in this regard. In previous years when we had a reduction in claims, we returned that money to our customers. We now give you a commitment that we will do that again.
We are also aware of the very significant economic impact of this public health crisis and that as a result, many of you are under financial pressure. Separately, we are developing a package of financial supports for our customers who need help at this time. In the meantime please know that we are here for you and ready to help in any way we can.
Declan Moran
Acting Chief Executive
Supporting your Health and Wellbeing
Working with you through this pandemic, we are adapting our services where possible, to ensure you continue to get the supports you need during this time.
MEET THE VHI HEALTH SQUAD
Vhi Health Squad 8-week programme
Vhi's Health Squad have developed a unique digital programme to help you take a holistic approach to your everyday health.
Find out more >
Ask the Squad
If you have health questions on your mind, our Vhi Health Squad is here to help.
Find out more >
WELL@HOME
Advice and supports for our 'cocooning' members at this time.
Find out more >
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) - Customer Advice and FAQs
The outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is a rapidly developing situation and the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFA) are regularly updating their advice regarding Ireland and abroad.
For information regarding the COVID-19 situation in Ireland please see the HSE website at www.hse.ie/coronavirus
For information regarding travel and to see the list of areas where nonessential travel is advised against, visit the Department of Foreign Affairs Website at www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/coronavirus
For information about impacts to your policy please refer to the relevant section below.
VHI HEALTH INSURANCE
FAQ
The HSE are providing guidance and advice on COVID-19. This
advice should be followed at www.hse.ie/coronavirus
The Government has recently approved a framework agreement with
private hospitals for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency. This means that private
hospitals will effectively be operating as public hospitals for a period of time. This
has just been announced and the situation continues to evolve. We will continue to keep
Vhi customers informed of any further developments.
Is SwiftCare still open for patients to attend?
At Vhi SwiftCare Clinics we have put plans in place to safely manage
all our patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to minimise the risk of spending
time in open waiting areas, we have moved to an appointment only service.
VHI MULTI TRIP
INFO
Vhi MultiTrip – benefit and cover enhancements:
Vhi MultiTrip has been working closely with thousands of customers in recent weeks who have been affected by the health and travel impacts of the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. We understand that this is a distressing time for many and have supported customers who have required repatriation as well as those whose travel plans have been disrupted.
The following are some benefit and cover enhancements we have made to help our customers at this time. Remember, if you have questions, you can contact the MultiTrip claims department on 046 907 7358.
The following are some benefit and cover enhancements we have made to help our customers at this time. Remember, if you have questions, you can contact the MultiTrip claims department on 046 907 7358.
1. Cover for pre-booked trips:
Vhi MultiTrip will provide cancellation cover due to COVID-19 for all renewing customers for any trips booked in 2020 prior to March 19th, where your date of travel takes place after your current policy expires under the condition that:
- You are unsuccessful in receiving any form of compensation from your airline, tour operator / accommodation provider
- Provided you renew your MultiTrip policy by the last day of your cooling off period.
- You are unsuccessful in receiving any form of compensation from your airline, tour operator / accommodation provider
- Provided you renew your MultiTrip policy by the last day of your cooling off period.
2. Emergency medical cover:
We are happy to confirm that from 01 June, Vhi MultiTrip provides members with COVID-19 medical cover for all future trips as long as you are not travelling against DFA advice.
All Vhi PMI policies provide emergency medical cover abroad, including for COVID-19 related medical needs, of at least €65,000. Vhi MultiTrip tops up the emergency medical cover that exists on domestic health insurance policies to €10 million.
All Vhi PMI policies provide emergency medical cover abroad, including for COVID-19 related medical needs, of at least €65,000. Vhi MultiTrip tops up the emergency medical cover that exists on domestic health insurance policies to €10 million.
3. Extension to cooling off period:
We recognise that it may now be taking more time to consider planning a holiday at home or abroad and for this reason we’ve extended your cooling off period by an additional 14 days (now 28 days in total) to allow you extra time to review your cover and contact us with any changes you may wish to make.
4. Staycation cover enhancement: (Trips in Ireland)
For staycation travellers, the domestic trip cancellation benefit is being enhanced to cover all overnight pre-booked trips. This benefit has changed the minimum nights that a customer must have pre booked and pre-paid accommodation from 2 nights to 1 night.
5. Price change:
From 15th July we have also reduced our premium by 25% on base rates only. This price change will impact any new and renewing customers from this date.
Please note: Vhi MultiTrip are no longer able to provide for claims related to COVID-19 on new policies issued, with the exception of emergency medical claims as long as you are not travelling against DFA advice.
VHI INTERNATIONAL
FAQ
Vhi are reducing premium on domestic PMI / Dental plans, why am I not being offered a refund on my International insurance?
Your international health insurance policy is not affected.
Vhi International health insurance covers members for private medical care all over the world. Governments worldwide are applying different measures to combat COVID-19. Vhi International offers extensive medical cover for members including those who are diagnosed with COVID-19.
Vhi International health insurance covers members for private medical care all over the world. Governments worldwide are applying different measures to combat COVID-19. Vhi International offers extensive medical cover for members including those who are diagnosed with COVID-19.
I have returned to Ireland temporarily and intend to return overseas once travel restrictions are lifted. Can I move to a domestic PMI plan while in Ireland?
Vhi now offers cover in Ireland for up to 179 days so you have full cover for in-patient treatment, day to day expenses etc. in Ireland.
However, if you wish to move to a Vhi private health insurance plan, there is no issue doing so and returning to Vhi International when you leave Ireland again. Your waiting periods will remain intact as we offer a seamless transition between our domestic and international healthcare plans.
However, if you wish to move to a Vhi private health insurance plan, there is no issue doing so and returning to Vhi International when you leave Ireland again. Your waiting periods will remain intact as we offer a seamless transition between our domestic and international healthcare plans.
I am a Vhi International member and currently based overseas,
what is my medical cover for COVID-19?
If you are abroad and hospitalised in relation to COVID-19,
please call +353 46 9077377
I am due to travel to an affected area for a work assignment,
am I covered?
For countries the DFA advises ‘avoid non-essential travel’ if
it is essential for you to travel to an affected area, you will be covered for medical
treatment under the terms and conditions on your policy. Travelling for work is
considered as essential travel. There is no cover if travelling to an area the DFA
website advises ‘do not travel’.
I have a travel claim under Vhi International, do I follow the
guidelines of the local government in the country I reside in?
Vhi International will accept guidelines from either the local
government in the country where you reside, or the DFA.
For medical or claims queries please call +353 46 9077377
For members in the USA call the toll free line: 1 800 852 7747
You can also email us at vhi.international@intana-assist.com
For medical or claims queries please call +353 46 9077377
For members in the USA call the toll free line: 1 800 852 7747
You can also email us at vhi.international@intana-assist.com
VHI DENTAL
FAQ
Why did you decide to waive the premium by 30%?
Most dental practices are open for emergency treatment only with other non-essential treatments and treatment plans postponed. In recognition of this, we are waiving 30% of premium for Dental Insurance for the three months.
Why 30% on Vhi Dental when you are waiving an average of 50% on PMI?
These are different products and there are different circumstances resulting in the waiver. Full annual benefits and limits are still available to you over the 12 months of your contract. As a result, we are waiving 30% of premium for Dental Insurance for the three months.
We looked at the likely fall off in claims figures and the cover provided for; based on this came up with the percentage waiver amount.
My dental policy is due for renewal. Why should I renew when I cannot be provided with a service?
By renewing your policy now, it allows you to renew your policy on the existing price. Should there be any price changes throughout the year, your policy will be unaffected.
Emergency dental treatment is covered under the plan