BUPA Ireland says it has gained 10 per cent of the Irish health insurance market since it was established in 1997. The insurer, which is the VHI's only competitor apart from some specialised schemes, is gaining 1,200 members a week, according to chair woman Dr Margaret Downes.
About 4045 per cent of its 170,000 members are former members of the VHI, Mr John O'Dwyer, BUPA Ireland's director of operations, said.
The VHI has also been increasing its membership, which now stands at 1.49 million, or 41 per cent of the population, according to its most recent annual report.
BUPA Ireland yesterday announced a new health plan which, in addition to hospital cover, provides 50 per cent refunds of the cost of a range of outpatient treatments. These include half the fees charged by GPs and by approved alternative therapists in acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic and osteopathy. Half the cost of up to eight visits a year to an approved child counsellor is covered.
Where total outpatient bills in a year exceed £500, the policy will pay out 75 per cent of the amount over £500. The cost is £449 a year before tax relief for an adult and £165 for a student or child, on the group rate.
The VHI has been negotiating for some months with the Irish Medical Organisation on the introduction of a scheme to cover the full cost of a number of family doctor visits per year.
pomorain@irish-times.ie
Weblink: www.bupaireland.ie (BUPA Ireland website)