A range of health insurance benefits offering increased cover to subscribers has been launched by the VHI. The "Option Plans" offer extra benefits and will be available to members at their next renewal date. VHI will retain fully its existing plans A, B, C, D and E and the new plans will be available on a voluntary basis to all members. Seventy-two per cent of VHI members are on Plan B. The following benefits will be available to Plan B Option subscribers:
Full cover for hospital costs in the Mater Private and Blackrock Clinic for 50 approved heart surgery procedures, such as heart bypass and angioplasty.
New-born children covered free until next renewal date.
Enhanced maternity benefits in all maternity hospitals listed in VHI's Directory of Hospitals, in addition to professional fees - £340 cash benefit or three days full cover for semi-private accommodation in public hospitals.
VHI Assist cover for international emergency assistance is extended from 45 to 90 days. Medical expenses for hospitalisation abroad have been increased to £15,000 from £5,250.
Emergency dental cover increased to £350 from £250.
In addition, Plan B option includes enhanced out-patient benefits:
Individual Excess from £250 to £175.
Family Excess from £400 to £300
GP fees from £10 to £15 a visit.
Consultant fees from £30 to £40 per visit.
£15 will be paid every two years for eye testing.
Maximum Benefit increased from £2,500 to £5,000.
The additional cost of the Plan B option enhancements, on a group rate, for current Plan B adult members will be £29.43 per annum or 57p a week. The current price for Plan B is £259.57. Under the option plans range, student rates for those aged between 18 and 21 in full-time education are being made available for the first time. The student price for Plan B option is £121. Previously students were charged as adults on all VHI plans.