'Think before signing hospital form' — Vhi
This is in response to recent media discussion on public hospital bed charges which show that health insurance companies can be charged up to ten times the public rate of €80 per night, for what may be exactly the same services and treatment.
Anybody presenting for in-hospital treatment is asked by hospitals to sign the form if they have private health insurance, even though every citizen is entitled to public health treatment.
The company says this practice has a direct impact on costs as private health insurance companies have to pay out more money to public hospitals. "Health insurance premiums are a factor of claim costs and since the introduction of the additional bed charges, total claims costs for the private insurance sector have increased by €200 million in a full year," says Mark Byrne, Vhi Insurances General Manager - Claims.
He advises that any decision to sign the waiver form should be based on the type of treatment that will be received and whether or not a patient avails of any additional benefits through private health insurance, for example a single room.
These are the choices as outlined in the company's communication.
✓ If you choose to waive your right to be treated as a public patient and avail of the benefits of your private health insurance, your claim (upwards of €800 per night) will be sent directly to Vhi Insurance and processed under your contract of insurance.
✓ If you choose to be treated as a public patient and you are not availing of the benefits of your private health insurance your claim (€80 per night) will be sent directly to Vhi Insurance and processed under your contract of insurance.
✓ If you are unsure, ask the hospital staff to confirm whether you will receive the additional benefits of your health insurance before you sign the form.
Vhi Insurance has a dedicated phone line 01 8871816 for queries.
