Sir, - I recently phoned both of these organisations to see if I could take out a policy for my parents, both of whom are old age pensioners. Neither company would quote me to my satisfaction. VHI's response was to give me details of a Plan P which covers the £20 a day cover charge in public hospitals - that's it!
BUPA would not quote me at all as my parents did not have previous health insurance, even though their policy is (and I quote): "Our health insurance product health care is offered at the same lowest price to people of all ages." Neither of these companies would take them on they seemed to be too "high risk". What is the point in having health insurance for healthy people (especially since neither of these organisations are profit making as we repeatedly hear)?
I must just add that my parents are enjoying the best of health and have always done so, TG. I just thought, what with all the media about VHI and BUPA, that I'd see if, in this instance, competition works. It doesn't! - Yours, etc.
Cromwellsfort Road,
Walkinstown, Dublin 12.