News Now HIA survey shows private health insurance ‘not value for money’ Research carried out by Kantar Millward Brown on behalf of the Health Insurance Authority (HIA) has shown that PHI (private health insurance) is deemed as a necessity rather than a luxury, but it is not viewed as value for money. Only 27 per cent of people believe that it is good value for money, which is an 8 per cent decrease on 2019 statistics as they felt premium price increases are’ unjustifiable’. 53 per cent of the respondents now claim to have PHI, which is up 5 per cent on the 2019 survey data. The research has also shown that insurance has been relinquished more among the female population, rather than men. The perceived lack of value may be behind a significant increase in those who have switched (35 per cent) compared to previous surveys (19 per cent). However, most consumers still do not switch, and most will only switch once. One in four people have considered switching cover but haven’t followed through due to fear of losing benefits, loyalty to their insurer as well as respondents saying that is it both ‘difficult’ and ‘very difficult’ to switch. In comparison to the 2019 data, over half of the respondents have not changed cover and have left their level of cover the same as they are satisfied with their current provider, it has been discovered that, on average, savings of up to 30 per cent would be required to encourage consumers to consider switching. Further results from the survey revealed:
• The main reason 42 per cent of the respondents no longer have PHI is that is it too expensive and they cannot afford the high rates on premiums. • Research has shown that 60 per cent of the survey’s respondents have not heard of Lifetime Community Rating, with half of those who took part in the survey saying that the Lifetime Community Rating scheme would not attract them to take out private health insurance.
• Most of the respondents who take out PHI believe one of the main benefits of having it allows you to skip queues, therefore not needing to avail of health services in the public sector.
The full results of the HIA Consumer Survey 2021 can be found on the HIA website www.hia.ie
• 63 per cent of consumers view public health services in Ireland as inadequate with a severe lack of access and longer waiting lists.
You can also compare plans by calling call the consumer helpline on 1850 929 166 to find out about the health insurance options available to you.
Valencia named the healthiest city in the world New for 2022, the study also looks at other aspects such as: number of toilets per 100,000 inhabitants, health spending, percentage of the population with access to health care and the prevalence of mental and substance use disorders
Valencia has once again been named the healthiest city in the world according to Money.co.uk. Crowned consecutively for a second year, the study evaluates how cities prioritise the health of its locals and visitors through several key factors. Analysing what contributes to a healthy lifestyle, seven distinct areas were taken into account during the study, including: obesity levels, life expectancy, pollution levels, health care, safety, crime rate and hours of sunlight. 2 Senior Times l March - April 2022 l www.seniortimes.ie
Excellent health care Valencia holds a large proportion of industry health care specialists who work in centres equipped with some of the ‘most advanced instruments and technology in the sector’. Leaders in Oncology, the city is currently awaiting the opening of the Instituto Valenciano de Oncología (IVO), named for two years as one of the 50 best cancer centers in the world. The study indicates that the average life expectancy of a Valencian is 83.5 years. The quiet lifestyle, combined with a healthy Mediterranean diet, low levels of pollution and crime rate, make the quality of life ideal for maintaining good health.
Mary O’Rourke Mary O’Rourke is indisposed and unable to contribute her column for this issue. We, and we are sure, our readers, wish Mary a speedy recovery and look forward to reading her column in the next issue
