The battle of the health-insurance providers continues as BUPA recently raised its rates to match VHI's price increase last August. The 9 per cent rise by BUPA on February 1st was attributed to the increasing cost of healthcare workers' wages, public hospital charges and treatments.
Beckett's, a firm of employee-benefits consultants, has analysed the coverage and prices offered by both insurers. The accompanying table shows the benefits available for BUPA Ireland Essentials Plus Scheme versus VHI Plan B Options. VHI covers a higher number of cardiac procedures - 90 versus 31 - in Blackrock Clinic and Mater Private for day-case surgery than BUPA.
Out-patient cancer cover (radiotherapy) is fully covered by BUPA and not liable to its normal excess payment. It is also covered by VHI but is subject to out-patient excess.
The out-patient excess is less with VHI: £175 compared with BUPA's £200 for an individual and £300 compared with BUPA's £350 for a family.
VHI provides more generous cover for convalescence at £40 a day compared to £20 a day for BUPA. However, convalescence is covered in more centres by BUPA than VHI - 374 compared to 106.
The maximum emergency dental treatment offered per year is £350 with VHI and £250 with BUPA.
Unlike VHI, BUPA pays £15 towards the cost of screening: heart and lifestyle, breast and cervical, prostate cancer and £40 towards osteoporosis screening. It contributes £15 towards the cost of speech therapy and homeopathy (per visit) which is not available from its competitor. Both health plans offer a 24-hour health-information line for customers.
Most of the other categories of coverage are similar between these BUPA and VHI plans. BUPA wins on price in all membership categories but charges a £50 excess on its Essential Plus scheme. Individuals pay £308.87 for BUPA's Essential Plus scheme versus £344.60 for VHI Plan B Option. BUPA members with a family of two adults and three children pay £948.55 or £849.95 (£50 excess for Essential Plus) compared to £1,068.28 with VHI.
Beckett's Mr John McGovern said: "Bupa's Essential Plus has similar benefits to VHI Plan B Options but Bupa's plan is better value for money."
