Getting your money back is easier now – all three health insurers now allow you to submit online claims, for a range of expenses.

These include GP visits, scans, A&E and consultant appointments. If these are covered on your policy just take a picture of your receipt then upload it to your member area on your insurer's website. Your insurer will then process the claim and you’ll receive a refund within five days.

Each health insurer now has various suites of plans allowing members to claim back on everyday medical receipts such as visits to the GP, physiotherapist, specialist consultant and even alternative practitioners such as chiropractor or acupuncturist. Those insured on traditional plans (more than 5 years old) are likely paying over the odds for their health insurance and not being able to counter-act this with the capability of claiming back on day to day benefits.

Each provider has numerous corporate plans which are not directly marketed to the masses but are available to everyone that resides in Ireland. These plans tend to offer greater value for money by allowing members to save on their premium by taking on a small excess on private hospital admissions (small excess is €75 - €250 on overnight admissions) and also allowing them to claim back on everyday expenses. Members on older plans would notice a substantial saving by moving across to these plans, of which all providers have options in this space. TABLE ON CLAIMABLE EXPENSES on plans:                                                                           

You can also claim back on expenses not claimable on your health insurance through Revenue. You should claim from your health insurance first and then claim 20%, up to certain limits, from the outstanding balance from Revenue for certain expenses - TABLE on TAXABLE EXPENSES.