Canceling Irish Life Health Insurance: A Step-By-Step Guide

Irish Life Health Insurance offers a 14-day cooling-off period from the joining or renewal date, during which you can cancel your policy and get a full refund. Outside of this period, you can cancel your policy at any time, but you will have to pay a mid-term cancellation charge. This charge includes the health insurance levy calculated on a pro-rata basis for each person on the policy, as well as an administration fee of €25 per policy. You can cancel your policy by phone, email, or post, and you will need to provide written notice.

Cancelling within the 14-day cooling-off period

Irish Life Health has a 14-day cooling-off period from your joining/renewal date during which you can cancel your health insurance policy. This cooling-off period is mandated by the Health Insurance Authority for all insurers. During these 14 days, you can cancel your policy and get a full refund. However, no claims will be paid for these 14 days. If you have made a claim and still want to cancel your policy from the start date, the cost of any outpatient claims will be deducted from the refund due, and you will be liable for paying any inpatient charges.

To cancel within the 14-day cooling-off period, you can use any of the following methods: phone, email, or post. If your plan is just in your name, you can cancel over the phone by calling 01 704 1010. If your plan is in two names, you will need to send a written request signed by both people named on the plan. You can send this request via email to [email protected] or by post to Irish Life, Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1. Alternatively, you can use a service like Xpendy, which will send a registered letter of cancellation on your behalf.

It's important to note that your subscription to Irish Life Health is cancellable at any time according to the terms of your contract. However, if you cancel your policy mid-contract (outside of the 14-day cooling-off period), you will be subject to a mid-term cancellation charge. This charge includes the health insurance levy calculated on a pro-rata basis for each person on the policy, based on the time left on the contract, as well as an administration fee of €25 for each policy cancelled.

Cancelling mid-contract

If you cancel your Irish Life Health insurance policy mid-contract, you will be subject to a mid-term cancellation charge. This charge is comprised of the health insurance levy, calculated on a pro-rata basis for each person on the policy, based on the time remaining in the contract. There is also an administration fee of €25 for each policy being cancelled.

Irish Life Health requires you to submit your cancellation notice in writing. If your plan is only in your name, you can cancel over the phone by calling 01 704 1010. If your plan is in two names, both people must sign a written cancellation request, which can be sent by post, email, or fax. If your plan is assigned to a bank or other financial institution, you will need to include a Deed of Release or a Letter of No Further Interest from the bank along with your cancellation instruction.

Xpendy.com offers a service that will generate a letter of cancellation on your behalf and send it as a registered letter. This service is not affiliated with Irish Life Health.

If you are cancelling your plan for reasons of affordability or because you need a different type of plan, Irish Life recommends speaking to your Financial Advisor or calling them at 01 704 1010 to discuss other options.

Cancelling via phone, email, or post

Irish Life Health offers a 14-day cooling-off period from your joining/renewal date, during which you can cancel and receive a full refund. If you cancel your policy after this period, you will have to pay a mid-term cancellation charge.

Cancelling by Phone

To cancel your Irish Life Health insurance policy by phone, call 01 704 1010. If your plan is in two names, both people will need to be present during the call.

Cancelling by Email

To cancel your policy via email, scan and email a signed letter stating your intention to cancel to [email protected]. You can also take a clear picture of your signed request and email it from your smartphone.

Cancelling by Post

You can also cancel your Irish Life Health insurance policy by sending a signed letter stating your intention to cancel by post to Irish Life, Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1.

If your plan is assigned to a bank or other financial institution, you will need to include a Deed of Release or a Letter of No Further Interest from the bank along with your cancellation instruction.

Cancelling a gym subscription

To cancel your Irish Life Health insurance, you must provide notice in writing. You can do this by phone, email, or post. You can also use a third-party service such as Xpendy, which will send a letter of cancellation on your behalf. Irish Life Health has a 14-day cooling-off period, during which you can cancel and receive a full refund. If you cancel your policy mid-contract, you will be subject to a mid-term cancellation charge, which includes an administration fee of €25 per policy.

Now, here is some information about cancelling a gym subscription:

If you want to cancel a gym membership, you will likely have to pay the full cost of your contract. For example, if you signed up for a one-year membership and want to cancel after six months, you will typically have to pay for the remaining six months. However, there are certain circumstances in which you may be able to cancel without incurring a fee. Even in these cases, you will likely have to give a notice period, such as 30 days.

Reasons for Cancellation

• Injury or Illness: If you have a serious injury or illness that prevents you from exercising, your gym should allow you to cancel your contract. You will need to provide evidence from a doctor or medical professional.
• Change in Circumstances: If you experience a significant change in circumstances that affects your ability to pay, such as losing your job or accumulating debt, your gym should allow you to cancel your contract. You will need to provide evidence to support this.
• Unfair Contract Terms: If your contract includes unfair terms, such as automatic renewal without permission or significant changes to gym facilities or prices, you may be able to argue for cancellation without penalty.
• Moving: If you are moving, you may be able to cancel your gym contract, especially if you are moving far away from the gym or abroad. However, some gyms may have specific requirements, such as a minimum distance or proof of address.

Steps to Cancel

• Check Your Contract: Review your contract to understand the specific terms and conditions, including any cancellation policies or fees.
• Contact the Gym Manager: Discuss your intention to cancel with the gym manager and provide any necessary evidence to support your reason for cancellation.
• Provide Notice: Even if you are cancelling without penalty, you may still need to give a notice period before the cancellation takes effect.
• Consider Seeking Advice: If you believe you have the right to cancel without penalty but the gym refuses, you can contact consumer advice services or seek legal advice to understand your options.
• Cancel Direct Debit: As a last resort, you can cancel the direct debit with your bank. However, this may affect your credit score, and the gym may pursue you for the remaining payments.

Cancelling when moving house

If you are moving house, you may not need to cancel your Irish Life Health insurance policy. It is important to check your contract conditions as you may be expected to move your subscription.

If you do need to cancel your policy, you can do so by phone, email, or post. Irish Life Health has a 14-day cooling-off period from your joining/renewal date during which you can cancel, receive a full refund, and switch to an alternative policy or insurer. After this period, you will have to pay a mid-term cancellation charge if you cancel your policy mid-contract. This charge consists of the health insurance levy calculated on a pro-rata basis for each person on the policy based on the time left in the contract, along with an administration fee of €25 for each policy that you are cancelling.

If you are moving back to Ireland from abroad, it is important to note that domestic insurers in Ireland are not obliged to recognize time spent with other insurers while overseas. This means that you will be subject to the normal waiting periods on joining, as with any person taking out health insurance in Ireland. These include immediate cover for any accidents, a six-month waiting period for any new condition arising after joining, a 12-month waiting period for maternity services, and up to a five-year exclusion on pre-existing conditions.

Frequently asked questions