Health Insurance: Frequently Asked Questions - Individuals
Q.1 What do I need to do to get covered?
A.1 We can organise your cover over the phone or by you completing a simple application form, there are no medical questions just some basic details such as names, dates of births, PPS number of one adult, home address and level of cover selected, it is that simple.
Q.2 How can I transfer from my current insurer?
A.2 We will provide you with a letter that you send to your current health insurer to cancel your cover.
Q.3 How can I pay for my health insurance?
A.3 You can pay by monthly direct debit, annual credit/debit card, and annual cheque.
Q.4 Will I be covered straight away or is there a waiting period?
A.4 There is no break in cover, no new exclusions and no reserving of waiting periods if you are switching from an equivalent plan with your current health insurance provider to a new health insurance provider.
If you are taking out health insurance for the first time there will be a waiting period and there may be exclusions applied if you have a pre existing condition. A member of our team will go through all details with you.
Q.5 Can I switch health insurer mid-year?
A.5 Yes, you can switch your health insurance at any stage you wish to and be legally entitled to a full refund for any overpayment of premium from your existing health insurance provider.
Q.6 Do I have to wait until my renewal date to upgrade my plan?
A.6 No, you can upgrade your plan at any time. Our team will be happy to give you advice on which plan would be most appropriate for you. Please note that a waiting period may apply to the upgrade in cover.
Q.7 What are waiting and exclusion periods?
A.7 If you have been a member of another Irish health insurance company, you may have already completed your waiting periods. In that case, and assuming that you have not had a break in cover of over 13 weeks, you will have immediate health cover when you transfer.
Waiting periods will apply to any new health member who:
- Has never been insured before.
- Is still subject to a waiting period with another health insurer.
- Had a contract with a health insurer that has lapsed more than 13 weeks before joining
| Your age on joining |
Accident or injury |
New conditions |
Pre-existing conditions |
Maternity |
Out patient benefits* |
| <55 years |
Immediately |
26 weeks |
5 years |
1 year |
Immediately |
| 55-59 years |
Immediately |
52 weeks |
7 years |
1 year |
1 year |
| 60-64 years |
Immediately |
52 weeks |
10 years |
1 year |
1 year |
| 65+ years |
Immediately |
104 weeks |
10 years |
1 year |
2 years |
* All ages refer to your age on the date of joining.
Remember that the waiting periods only apply if you are a first-time health insurance buyer, or have had a lapse in cover before joining Aviva.
If you are upgrading your cover you will have to wait 2 years to access enhanced benefits in relation to a medical condition which you have at the time when you upgrade (5 years if you are over 65 years of age when you upgrade). In the case of maternity benefits, you will have to wait 1 year to access enhanced benefits.
