Bridge

Michael O’Loughlin has enjoyed teaching bridge for over 40 years; his book, “Bridge: Basic Card Play” is available from the Contract Bridge Association of Ireland (01 4929666), price:€10.

Calling all Novices –

Intermediates!

by Michael O’Loughlin

The Rule of Eleven

Of all the rules in bridge, the rule of eleven is probably the best known. The Rule of Eleven only applies when the player on lead has led her 4th highest card. The lead of the 4th highest is the standard lead against a No Trump contract. Subtracting the opening lead from eleven tells you how many cards higher than the card led are held by the other three players (i.e., not the leader). As an example, imagine West has led her 4th highest which happens to be the 7 of Spades. Now South, as declarer, - after looking at her own hand and dummy - can work out how many cards higher than the 7 that East holds in the Spade suit. Also, East - after looking at her own hand and dummy - can work out how many cards higher than the 7 that South, declarer, holds in the Spade suit.

Examples:

In (A) you subtract the lead (♣ 7) from 11 to give 4: 4 Clubs higher than the ♣ 7 between you, dummy and East. Dummy has 3 higher and you have 1 higher. Ergo East has none. Play the ♣ 3 from dummy, safe in the knowledge that your ♣ 8 will win the first trick. You can then lead to the ♣ 10 and later , to the ♣ Q. West must have started with the ♣ K J 9 7. In (B) there are 6 Hearts higher than the ♥ 5. You and dummy – between you - have those 6. Ergo East has none. Play low from dummy, knowing West has led from the ♥ A Q 10 5 and that you will win trick one in your hand. (C) illustrates why the leader is happy to give declarer all this useful information because it helps her side’s position too. Here, East can work out that there are 4 higher Spades than the ♠ 7 between himself, declarer and dummy. Because she has 3 higher and dummy has 1 higher, declarer has no Spade higher than the ♠ 7. After the ♠ 7, ♠ 2, East can leave her partner on play (for a further lead through the ♠ K) by underplaying with the ♠ 6. West must have started with the ♠ Q 10 8 7.

Another example: North K J 8 2 West Q 10 6 5 3 East 9 South A 7 4

West leads the 5. Subtract 5 from 11 to give 6. Declarer has 2 higher cards than the 5, dummy has 3 cards higher than the 5, so East has just 1. Declarer plays low from dummy and sees East play the 9. After winning with the ace she deduces that West started with Q1065 or Q10653 and therefore (at some stage) takes the deep finesse of dummy’s 8. This allows her to make 4 tricks in the suit.

Why 11?

The cards are numbered from 2 to 14, with the Ace being 14. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 , J (11), Q (12), K (13), A (14) If partner leads his 4th highest she has 3 higher cards 14 - 3 = 11.

Bridge by Michael O’Loughlin Calling all Novices – Intermediates The Rule of Eleven Of all the rules in bridge, the rule of eleven is probably the best known. The Rule of Eleven only applies when the player on lead has led her 4th highest card. The lead of the 4th highest is the standard lead against a No Trump contract. Subtracting the opening lead from eleven tells you how many cards higher than the card led are held by the other three players (i.e., not the leader). As an example, imagine West has led her 4th highest which happens to be the 7 of Spades. Now South, as declarer, - after looking at her own hand and dummy - can work out how many cards higher than the 7 that East holds in the Spade suit. Also, East - after looking at her own hand and dummy - can work out how many cards higher than the 7 that South, declarer, holds in the Spade suit. Examples: Dummy ♣ A Q 10 3 ♣ 7 led ♣ 8 5 2 Declarer (You) ________________________________________________________________ (B) Dummy ♥ K J 9 2 ♥ 5 led ♥ 8 7 6 Declarer (You) ________________________________________________________________ Bridge by Michael O’Loughlin Calling all Novices – Intermediates The Rule of Eleven Of all the rules in bridge, the rule of eleven is probably the best known. The Rule of Eleven only applies when the player on lead has led her 4th highest card. The lead of the 4th highest is the standard lead against a No Trump contract. Subtracting the opening lead from eleven tells you how many cards higher than the card led are held by the other three players (i.e., not the leader). As an example, imagine West has led her 4th highest which happens to be the 7 of Spades. Now South, as declarer, - after looking at her own hand and dummy - can work out how many cards higher than the 7 that East holds in the Spade suit. Also, East - after looking at her own hand and dummy - can work out how many cards higher than the 7 that South, declarer, holds in the Spade suit. Examples: Dummy ♣ A Q 10 3 ♣ 7 led ♣ 8 5 2 Declarer (You) ________________________________________________________________ (B) Dummy ♥ K J 9 2 ♥ 5 led ♥ 8 7 6 Declarer (You) ________________________________________________________________ Bridge by Michael O’Loughlin Calling all Novices – Intermediates The Rule of Eleven Of all the rules in bridge, the rule of eleven is probably the best known. The Rule of Eleven only applies when the player on lead has led her 4th highest card. The lead of the 4th highest is the standard lead against a No Trump contract. Subtracting the opening lead from eleven tells you how many cards higher than the card led are held by the other three players (i.e., not the leader). As an example, imagine West has led her 4th highest which happens to be the 7 of Spades. Now South, as declarer, - after looking at her own hand and dummy - can work out how many cards higher than the 7 that East holds in the Spade suit. Also, East - after looking at her own hand and dummy - can work out how many cards higher than the 7 that South, declarer, holds in the Spade suit. Examples: Dummy ♣ A Q 10 3 ♣ 7 led ♣ 8 5 2 Declarer (You) ________________________________________________________________ (B) Dummy ♥ K J 9 2 ♥ 5 led ♥ 8 7 6 Declarer (You) ________________________________________________________________ Bridge by Michael O’Loughlin Calling all Novices – Intermediates The Rule of Eleven Of all the rules in bridge, the rule of eleven is probably the best known. The Rule of Eleven only applies when the player on lead has led her 4th highest card. The lead of the 4th highest is the standard lead against a No Trump contract. Subtracting the opening lead from eleven tells you how many cards higher than the card led are held by the other three players (i.e., not the leader). As an example, imagine West has led her 4th highest which happens to be the 7 of Spades. Now South, as declarer, - after looking at her own hand and dummy - can work out how many cards higher than the 7 that East holds in the Spade suit. Also, East - after looking at her own hand and dummy - can work out how many cards higher than the 7 that South, declarer, holds in the Spade suit. Examples: Dummy ♣ A Q 10 3 ♣ 7 led ♣ 8 5 2 Declarer (You) ________________________________________________________________ (B) Dummy ♥ K J 9 2 ♥ 5 led ♥ 8 7 6 Declarer (You) ________________________________________________________________ Bridge by Michael O’Loughlin Calling all Novices – Intermediates The Rule of Eleven Of all the rules in bridge, the rule of eleven is probably the best known. The Rule of Eleven only applies when the player on lead has led her 4th highest card. The lead of the 4th highest is the standard lead against a No Trump contract. Subtracting the opening lead from eleven tells you how many cards higher than the card led are held by the other three players (i.e., not the leader). As an example, imagine West has led her 4th highest which happens to be the 7 of Spades. Now South, as declarer, - after looking at her own hand and dummy - can work out how many cards higher than the 7 that East holds in the Spade suit. Also, East - after looking at her own hand and dummy - can work out how many cards higher than the 7 that South, declarer, holds in the Spade suit. Examples: Dummy ♣ A Q 10 3 ♣ 7 led ♣ 8 5 2 Declarer (You) ________________________________________________________________ (B) Dummy ♥ K J 9 2 ♥ 5 led ♥ 8 7 6 Declarer (You) ________________________________________________________________ Bridge by Michael O’Loughlin Calling all Novices – Intermediates The Rule of Eleven Of all the rules in bridge, the rule of eleven is probably the best known. The Rule of Eleven only applies when the player on lead has led her 4th highest card. The lead of the 4th highest is the standard lead against a No Trump contract. Subtracting the opening lead from eleven tells you how many cards higher than the card led are held by the other three players (i.e., not the leader). As an example, imagine West has led her 4th highest which happens to be the 7 of Spades. Now South, as declarer, - after looking at her own hand and dummy - can work out how many cards higher than the 7 that East holds in the Spade suit. Also, East - after looking at her own hand and dummy - can work out how many cards higher than the 7 that South, declarer, holds in the Spade suit. Examples: Dummy ♣ A Q 10 3 ♣ 7 led ♣ 8 5 2 Declarer (You) ________________________________________________________________ (B) Dummy ♥ K J 9 2 ♥ 5 led ♥ 8 7 6 Declarer (You) ________________________________________________________________ (A) Bridge by Michael O’Loughlin Calling all Novices – Intermediates The Rule of Eleven Of all the rules in bridge, the rule of eleven is probably the best known. The Rule of Eleven only applies when the player on lead has led her 4th highest card. The lead of the 4th highest is the standard lead against a No Trump contract. Subtracting the opening lead from eleven tells you how many cards higher than the card led are held by the other three players (i.e., not the leader). As an example, imagine West has led her 4th highest which happens to be the 7 of Spades. Now South, as declarer, - after looking at her own hand and dummy - can work out how many cards higher than the 7 that East holds in the Spade suit. Also, East - after looking at her own hand and dummy - can work out how many cards higher than the 7 that South, declarer, holds in the Spade suit. Examples: Dummy ♣ A Q 10 3 ♣ 7 led ♣ 8 5 2 Declarer (You) ________________________________________________________________ (B) Dummy ♥ K J 9 2 ♥ 5 led ♥ 8 7 6 Declarer (You) ________________________________________________________________ Bridge by Michael O’Loughlin Calling all Novices – Intermediates The Rule of Eleven Of all the rules in bridge, the rule of eleven is probably the best known. The Rule of Eleven only applies when the player on lead has led her 4th highest card. The lead of the 4th highest is the standard lead against a No Trump contract. Subtracting the opening lead from eleven tells you how many cards higher than the card led are held by the other three players (i.e., not the leader). As an example, imagine West has led her 4th highest which happens to be the 7 of Spades. Now South, as declarer, - after looking at her own hand and dummy - can work out how many cards higher than the 7 that East holds in the Spade suit. Also, East - after looking at her own hand and dummy - can work out how many cards higher than the 7 that South, declarer, holds in the Spade suit. Examples: Dummy ♣ A Q 10 3 ♣ 7 led ♣ 8 5 2 Declarer (You) ________________________________________________________________ (B) Dummy ♥ K J 9 2 ♥ 5 led ♥ 8 7 6 Declarer (You) ________________________________________________________________ Bridge by Michael O’Loughlin Calling all Novices – Intermediates The Rule of Eleven Of all the rules in bridge, the rule of eleven is probably the best known. The Rule of Eleven only applies when the player on lead has led her 4th highest card. The lead of the 4th highest is the standard lead against a No Trump contract. Subtracting the opening lead from eleven tells you how many cards higher than the card led are held by the other three players (i.e., not the leader). As an example, imagine West has led her 4th highest which happens to be the 7 of Spades. Now South, as declarer, - after looking at her own hand and dummy - can work out how many cards higher than the 7 that East holds in the Spade suit. Also, East - after looking at her own hand and dummy - can work out how many cards higher than the 7 that South, declarer, holds in the Spade suit. Examples: Dummy ♣ A Q 10 3 ♣ 7 led ♣ 8 5 2 Declarer (You) ________________________________________________________________ (B) Dummy ♥ K J 9 2 ♥ 5 led ♥ 8 7 6 Declarer (You) ________________________________________________________________ Bridge by Michael O’Loughlin Calling all Novices – Intermediates The Rule of Eleven Of all the rules in bridge, the rule of eleven is probably the best known. The Rule of Eleven only applies when the player on lead has led her 4th highest card. The lead of the 4th highest is the standard lead against a No Trump contract. Subtracting the opening lead from eleven tells you how many cards higher than the card led are held by the other three players (i.e., not the leader). As an example, imagine West has led her 4th highest which happens to be the 7 of Spades. Now South, as declarer, - after looking at her own hand and dummy - can work out how many cards higher than the 7 that East holds in the Spade suit. Also, East - after looking at her own hand and dummy - can work out how many cards higher than the 7 that South, declarer, holds in the Spade suit. Examples: Dummy ♣ A Q 10 3 ♣ 7 led ♣ 8 5 2 Declarer (You) ________________________________________________________________ (B) Dummy ♥ K J 9 2 ♥ 5 led ♥ 8 7 6 Declarer (You) ________________________________________________________________ (C) Dummy ♠ K 4 2 ♠ 7 led ♠ A J 9 6 East (You) ________________________________________________________________ (C) Dummy ♠ K 4 2 ♠ 7 led ♠ A J 9 6 East (You) ________________________________________________________________ More tips for Intermediate players can be found at: https://www.andrewrobson.co.uk/ andrew/tips_for_intermediates/ https://www.andrewrobson.co.uk/andrew/tips_for_intermediates / Free bridge emails: If you wish to receive three times per week free bridge emails which include lessons, videos & quizzes, please email me: michaelolough@yahoo.com What is RealBridge? Free bridge emails If you wish to receive three times per week free bridge emails which include lessons, videos & quizzes, please email me: michaelolough@yahoo.com https://www.andrewrobson.co.uk/andrew/tips_for_intermediates / Free bridge emails: If you wish to receive three times per week free bridge emails which include lessons, videos & quizzes, please email me: michaelolough@yahoo.com In (A) you subtract the lead (♣ 7) from 11 to give 4: 4 Clubs higher than the ♣ 7 between you, dummy and East. Dummy has 3 higher and you have 1 higher. In (A) you subtract the lead (♣ 7) from 11 to give 4: 4 Clubs higher than the ♣ between you, dummy and East. Dummy has 3 higher and you have 1 higher. 7 What is RealBridge? What is RealBridge? Ergo East has none. Play the ♣ 3 from dummy, safe in the knowledge that your Ergo East has none. Play the ♣ 3 from dummy, safe in the knowledge that your ♣ 8 will win the first trick. You can then lead to the ♣ 10 and later , to the ♣ Q. ♣ 8 will win the first trick. You can then lead to the ♣ 10 and later , to the ♣ Q. West must have started with the ♣ K J 9 7.West must have started with the ♣ K J 9 7. In (B) there are 6 Hearts higher than the ♥ 5. You and dummy – between you -In (B) there are 6 Hearts higher than the ♥ 5. You and dummy – between you have those 6. Ergo East has none. Play low from dummy, knowing West has led have those 6. Ergo East has none. Play low from dummy, knowing West has led from the ♥ A Q 10 5 and that you will win trick one in your hand. from the ♥ A Q 10 5 and that you will win trick one in your hand. (C) illustrates why the leader is happy to give declarer all this useful (C) illustrates why the leader is happy to give declarer all this useful information because it helps her side’s position too. Here, East can work out information because it helps her side’s position too. Here, East can work out that there are 4 higher Spades than the ♠ 7 between himself, declarer and that there are 4 higher Spades than the ♠ 7 between himself, declarer and dummy. Because she has 3 higher and dummy has 1 higher, declarer has no Spade higher than the ♠ 7. After the ♠ 7, ♠ 2, East can leave her partner on dummy. Because she has 3 higher and dummy has 1 higher, declarer has no Spade higher than the ♠ 7. After the ♠ 7, ♠ 2, East can leave her partner on • See and speak to your partner and opponents play (for a further lead through the ♠ K) by underplaying with the ♠ 6. West must have started with the ♠ Q 10 8 7. play (for a further lead through the ♠ K) by underplaying with the ♠ 6. West must have started with the ♠ Q 10 8 7. bridge.• See and speak to your partner and Another example:Another example: • Connect with everyone at the table. Bid and play and go over the opponents - just like face-to-face • See and speak to your partner and opponents North K J 8 2 West Q 10 6 5 3 East 9 South A 7 4 West leads the 5. Subtract 5 from 11 to give 6. Declarer has 2 higher cards than the 5, dummy has 3 cards higher than the 5, so East has just 1. Declarer plays North K J 8 2 West Q 10 6 5 3 East 9 South A 7 4 West leads the 5. Subtract 5 from 11 to give 6. Declarer has 2 higher cards than the 5, dummy has 3 cards higher than the 5, so East has just 1. Declarer plays hands afterwards to learn from the post mortem. If you wish to try RealBridge for free, just email me: michaelolough@yahoo.com bridge. • Connect with everyone at the table. Bid and play and go over the hands afterwards to learn from the post mortem. bridge. • Connect with everyone at the table. Bid and play and go over the hands afterwards to learn from the post mortem. low from dummy and sees East play the 9. After winning with the ace she deduces that West started with Q1065 or Q10653 and therefore (at some low from dummy and sees East play the 9. After winning with the ace she deduces that West started with Q1065 or Q10653 and therefore (at some If you wish to try RealBridge for free, If you wish to try RealBridge for free, just email me: stage) takes the deep finesse of dummy’s 8. This allows her to make 4 tricks in the suit. stage) takes the deep finesse of dummy’s 8. This allows her to make 4 tricks in the suit. just email me: michaelolough@yahoo.com michaelolough@yahoo.com

The History Of Bridge (Part 2)

A continuation of The History of Bridge (Part 1) in the last issue of Senior Times .

Before the advent of social media Whist/ Bridge clubs formed a social network: they are the Facebook of their day. They are useful to that large group of people who hate to be alone, and yet when in company have nothing particular to say. Sitting with one’s fellow creatures in silence is always very depressing, and sometimes very awkward. There must be some refuse from sheer vacuity, and Whist/Bridge furnishes it better than most other amusements.

Furthermore, all forms of Bridge are recognised as being a mental exercise, generating excitement and passion particularly for the senior citizen. Several books on Whist quote the French diplomat Talleyrand: “You do not know Whist, young man. What a sad old age you are preparing for yourself!”

Well worth noting is the prominent role played by women and the appeal of the game to them. Women wrote many acclaimed books on Whist but in those days felt obliged to write under a male pseudonym. The Woman’s Whist League was founded in 1897. At least 50 clubs were represented at their first congress in Philadelphia. Teams from women’s whist clubs were regularly beating teams of men. However, even though commentators complimented the ability of women, there was always an air of surprise expressed by both male and female writers. One hundred years ago a doctor advanced the theory that modern appliances for the home gave women too much free time. Bridge was the game that could save them from the insanity created by idleness. As one society woman, “a slave to bridge” had supposedly confided: “One would almost sigh to be a Martian, for on Mars the days are 48 hours long, and you would have so much more time for bridge”.

In 1925/1926 the era of Contract Bridge was heralded in by Harold S. Vanderbilt who introduced the following changes:

1. In order to be awarded the game/ slam bonuses one must bid to the level of game/slam. Therefore a bidding side, rich in strength, would be forced to do some risk analysis. The Contract Bridge player suddenly had to decide between taking the small sure profit or making an all-or-nothing attempt at a large profit. The game/slam bonus reward system encourages risk-taking.

2. The idea of Vulnerability was also introduced.

During the 1930s Contract Bridge was popularised and promoted by a larger than life character: Eli Culbertson. With a fine appreciation of capitalism, he marketed everything: bridge tables, playing cards, devises to shuffle cards, autobridge, shaving cream, and liquor. the Culbertson bidding system. His response: “Millions of people have done the most unimaginable things with the Culbertson System, but I’ll be damned if I’m going to give them a chance to do that with it!”

For a fuller account of the history of bridge I recommend Bumblepuppy Days by Julian Laderman, a retired applied mathematics professor.

Bumblepuppy Days is both a scholarly and entertaining read. The author writes with humour but also a wonderful eye for detail and source reference. Because of its somewhat obscure title – the definition of “bumblepuppy” is whist or bridge played poorly or without regard for rules - I fear that some with an interest in this field will fail to discover the fascinating, entertaining, informative and beautifully researched story which it tells and which I recommend without hesitation.

Other recommended books on the history of bridge are:

Tales from the Bridge Table by John Clay

And

Remember players play as partners so if either of the partners wins a trick, the trick is won by their side. However, it is the particular player who wins the trick, who leads a card – any card he chooses - to the next trick.

At the end of the game, after 13 cards have been played, each player should have 13 cards face down in front of him, something like this:

Last time we looked at one common way of winning tricks, i.e., by Length. For example, if you hold the AKQ32 of a suit, you can simply play out the AThe four points of the compass, North, South, East and West, -KQ and provided neither opponent has any cards left in that suit, your 3-2 are are used to designate the four players at the bridge table. North both winners. and South sit opposite and facing each other and are partners. Likewise, East and West sit opposite and facing each other and We now look at a are partners. nother way in which to win extra tricks: Suppose East starts by leading out the first card to the trick and The Finesse that card happens to be the 3 of Spades. The play now continues clockwise around the table. South is next to play a card, then A Finesse should really be called a Positional Play. The two most basic examples of a Finesse are: NORTH West and finally North. Each of the other 3 players must follow suit, i.e., must play a Spade if he has one. If he doesn’t have a K52 Spade, he can play any other card from any other suit, either WEST ???? ???? EAST a Heart, a Diamond or a Club. Suppose after East leads the 3 43 of Spades, South follows with the 6 of Spades, West plays the SOUTH Queen of Spades and North the King of Spades. North has won The partnership of North/South are trying to win a trick in this suit. To have a 50% chance of winning a trick in this suit, a card must be led that trick because North has played the highest card in the suit. Whichever player wins a trick, must lead to the following trick. North now leads any card he chooses to the next trick. The cards are not played into the middle of the table but each person plays his own card near to himself. The reason for this is that if the cards were played into the middle of the table they would get mixed up. The reason for keeping the cards separate is that the same cards will be played again and again at other tables in the room. Whichever partnership makes the most tricks with the very same cards will be the winner at the end of the session. Therefore, Bridge is a very fair game because winning does not depend on the luck of being dealt high cards but rather is a game of skill which depends upon making the best use of the cards that you have been dealt: In the course of the competition everybody plays the same cards.

When a partnership wins a trick they turn their own card face down and place it in a vertical position, i.e., pointing towards the winners like this: When a partnership loses a trick they turn their own card face down and place it in a horizontal position , i.e., pointing towards the winners like this:

From the point of view of the player sitting at the bottom of the screen: going from left to right his side won the first two tricks, lost the third trick, won the next 3 tricks and lost trick number From the point of view of the player sitting at the bottom of the screen: going from left to right his side won the first two tricks, lost the third trick, won the 7. Won trick 8. Lost trick 9. And won the last 4 tricks. In total, next 3 tricks and lost trick number 7. Won trick 8. Lost trick 9. And won the last winning 10 tricks and losing 3 tricks. In this way, the 4 players at the table can agree on the number of tricks won and lost 4 tricks. In total, winning 10 tricks and losing 3 tricks. In this way, the 4 players at the table can agree on the number of tricks won and lost and the order in which they were won and lost. If there is any disagreement, e.g., suppose and the order in which they were won and lost. If there is any both sides are claiming to have won trick number 5, they can all go back to trick disagreement, e.g., suppose both sides are claiming to have won 5 (the 5th card from the left) and determine who is correct. Once agreement is trick number 5, they can all go back to trick 5 (the 5th card reached, a score is entered on the score sheet. from the left) and determine who is correct. Once agreement is To be continued in the next issue. reached, a score is entered on the score sheet. To be continued in the next issue.

Is your health insurance policy up for renewal?

Information from The Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO)

As we start a new year and all the intentions and resolutions that come with it, health insurance may be the last thing on your mind, but many people’s policies have a renewal date approaching so it is a good time to think about reviewing your cover.

The Office of the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO) is an independent, impartial, fair and free service that helps resolve complaints from consumers, including small businesses and other organisations, against financial service providers and pension providers. As Deputy Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman, I have adjudicated on many health insurance related complaints, and it has allowed me to see the difficult circumstances experienced by consumers which lead to a complaint to this Office.

At this time of year, many people will be thinking about reviewing or renewing their private health insurance, or indeed perhaps switching providers, particularly in light of the current cost of living pressures. Health insurance can represent a significant amount of a household’s budget, on average being in the order of €1,410 per adult, per year. It is vital that consumers take some time, before starting the renewal process, to make sure they understand the impact of any decisions they make in upgrading or downgrading their cover.

Recent research carried out on behalf of the FSPO revealed that 51% of participants reported having private health insurance. However, some consumers who purchase private health insurance are not familiar with their cover or do not understand how waiting periods can affect their ability to make a claim on their policy. As with all financial products, it is so important to understand what you are buying and to be aware that not all insurance policies are the same.

The level of hospital cover and outpatient cover is at all times determined by the type of plan chosen by the consumer. With more than 300 different plan options available, there is tremendous choice in the health insurance market, but it can be a challenge to select the best level of cover to suit individual needs. Our recent market research also revealed that 27% of participants who held health insurance felt they had a poor understanding of the cover on their plan, in contrast to 15% who felt they had a very good understanding. The highest level of understanding was amongst the over 65s.

Complaints brought to the FSPO highlight that, very often, people are not aware that medical investigations, X-rays or blood tests, which they had before they took out cover, can result in a condition being identified as being pre-existing. The policy holder may not believe that there was a pre-existing condition, because the issue which led to them having an x-ray or other test, wasn’t named or diagnosed, at the time of the investigations. It is important for consumers to be aware that a pre-existing condition can exist, without a formal diagnosis, and it is the signs and symptoms within the period, which are relevant.

To highlight some of the difficulties that can arise in understanding the complexity around waiting periods, the FSPO has produced a Digest of legally binding decisions, on health insurance complaints, which is available on the FSPO website at www.fspo.ie

This Digest contains some examples of decisions which explain the concept of a ‘pre-existing condition’, and how that issue impacted consumers who bought new health insurance, or who upgraded their level of cover, for example a complaint concerning a claim for €10,892 for a robotic procedure undertaken by Matthew to treat prostate surgery, where he recovered only part of the cost, because the illness was

MaryRose McGovern, Deputy Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman

To highlight some of the difficulties that can arise in understanding the complexity around waiting periods, the FSPO has produced a Digest of legally binding decisions, on health insurance complaints, which is available on the FSPO website at www.fspo.ie

considered to have existed, prior his upgrade in policy level. The Digest also includes some examples of issues that can occur when seeking approval of cover, for example a direction made by the Ombudsman to pay a claim of €67,778 and compensation of €2,000 to Debbie, who complained that her request for pre-approval to get treatment in another EU country was declined. There are also details of a direction to pay €3,000 to Alice who rang her insurer to confirm cover for her dental work, which was due to cost €7,000, but she was not given the right information.

Health insurance policies will not cover you for every eventuality, so it is worth taking some time now, to familiarise yourself with your cover and its associated waiting periods, before you need it. Customers who take out private health insurance after they have already developed symptoms, may find that they have no cover for treatment which they ultimately need, if the condition was pre-existing.

If you do have a complaint against your health insurer, first make a complaint directly to it, to give your insurer the opportunity to resolve the complaint. If you are unsatisfied with their response, you may then make a complaint to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman.

Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman, Lincoln House, Lincoln Place, Dublin 2. www.fspo.ie 01-5677000

Travel Department joins the

Senior Times Podcast line-up

Travel Department is a leading provider of guided group holidays and are the latest high-profile sponsors of the hugely popular Senior Times podcast series which continuous to clock up impressive listenership figures. The Travel Department joins a prestigious list of sponsors which includes The HSE, Doro Phones, Expressway and Specsavers.

The Senior Times/Travel Department tieup is a logical synergy for both parties as Senior Times has for over 20 years been a pioneer in servicing the Over-50s sector with its magazine, events and website, while Travel Department is synonymous with offering holidays specifically designed for that age group to a myriad of destinations in Europe and beyond.

With over 25 years’ experience perfecting tours to 100s of destinations worldwide Travel Department holidays typically include flights, accommodation, transfers, excursions and an expert local guide. With Travel Department you see more!

In this first series of podcasts all aspects of the Travel Department portfolio will be featured, including, river cruises, historical sites, benefits of a guided group holiday, bucket list destinations-to-city breaks and much more.

Presenters will include Gary Cooke, a national figure with his appearances on the Apre-Match TV World Cup programmes, well-known broadcaster Conor Faughnan and John Low, editor of Senior Times magazine and the presenters of the Classical Collection podcast series.

Commented Des Duggan, the originator and Director of the Senior Times podcasts: ‘It’s great to have Travel Department on board as they will be well known to most of our listeners and a trusted name in the travel business. We look forward to working with them on what promises to be an informative and revealing series’.

Commented Yvonne Boyle, Commercial Director of Travel Department. ‘’ We are thrilled with this partnership as it gives both parties the opportunity to share content that is so relevant to this audience. We are very excited to be working with such well known presenters and expert contributors. ‘’

Cathy O’Connor, TD Active Holidays Brand Partner with SeniorTimes Podcast Presenter, Conor Faughnan