In the Spotlight: Vhi's Member Benefits
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be putting each of Ireland’s health insurance providers under the spotlight – and we’re starting with Vhi!
Vhi is Ireland’s largest health insurer and is government-owned. We’re going to look at some of the great benefits you may be entitled to as a Vhi member. As there are a huge number of plans available, it’s important to read your Table of Cover to check which benefits your plan covers.
SwiftCare Clinics
Vhi SwiftCare Clinics provide Vhi members with rapid access to urgent care for minor injuries and illnesses. There are also a range of health and wellbeing services such as dental, sports medicine and orthopaedic services.
Vhi offer contributions towards dentists and physiotherapists on many of their plans. Some of these plans include additional visits to a SwiftCare dentist or a SwiftCare physiotherapists.
Vhi Mobile App
Vhi have an excellent member app, which allows you to claim back everyday medical expenses and keep track of your policy information at the touch of a button. Through your member app, you can have your benefit and claims questions answered by your Vhi ‘My Team’.
Day-to-Day Benefits
Depending on your level of cover, you may be able to claim back on a huge range of day-to-day expenses such as GP, dental, physiotherapy and other alternative practitioners. Some plans cover fitness screening in the Sports Surgery Clinic, as well as money back on strength and conditioning.
With many Vhi plans, you have the option to pay for a one-off cancer screening, costing €220. In addition to colorectal, prostate and breast cancer screening, Vhi’s CancerCheck also includes a 45-minute consultation with a doctor to discuss risk factors, family history, symptoms and prevention advice.
Most Vhi plans give access to ‘Online Doctor’, a service providing 24/7 over-the-phone access to a qualified GP to discuss symptoms, treatment and any concerns, as well as an online prescription service. ‘NurseLine’ provides 24/7 access to a qualified nurse over the phone.
Maternity & Baby Bundle
Vhi’s Maternity & Baby bundle gives you and your baby access to the following benefits (this is only on selected plans and there is a limit depending on your selected level of cover):
- Maternity Yoga and Pilates
- Maternity Scan
- Breast-feeding Consultancy
- Baby Massage Course
- Baby Swim Classes
- Antenatal Course
Fertility Treatment
Many of Vhi’s plans include fertility cover, with participating fertility treatment centres: ReproMed (Dublin, Louth and Kilkenny), Galway Fertility Clinic and Merrion Fertility Clinic. At these centres, you can access the following benefits with a Vhi policy:
- Money back toward semen analysis
- €1,000 towards egg freezing once per lifetime
- Up to €250 toward sperm freezing once per lifetime
- Benefit towards Preimplantation Genetic Testing
- Up to €1,000 towards two cycles of IUI, IVF or ICSI (female only)
- Frozen embryo transfer benefit – Up to €740 twice per lifetime
- Counselling from specially trained fertility counsellors
- Alternative therapists such as dieticians and acupuncturists
Mental Health Support
Vhi provides 24/7 access to confidential counselling over the phone for all their members. You can reach out to discuss anything from mental health difficulties to financial or legal issues and may be referred to a specialist for further support – depending on your needs and, in some cases, your policy entitlement.
In addition to mental health treatments and counselling services, VHI are offering €30 off annual subscriptions to popular meditation apps, Headspace and Calm.
Second Medical Opinion
As a Vhi member you may have access to a Second Medical Opinion. This service is provided by Best Doctors and it enables you to have your medical case assessed by a physician who will provide you with an expert second opinion.
Get More Out of Your Health Insurance
Health insurance is complex, and many people are unaware of the benefits already available to them. We hope this information helps you to make the most of your existing policy!
If you’re looking for a new health insurance plan and want to ensure any of the benefits above are included in your cover, our expert advisers can help you find the right plan for your needs and budget. Get in touch today for expert health insurance advice!