Health Care Benefits Q&A for ROI Employees

Page 1


November 2025

Healthcare Benefit Republic of Ireland (ROI)

Goodbody is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of our employees As part of this commitment, we offer all ROI employees access to a private health insurance benefit.

We are partnered with Vhi as the providers of this benefit The Goodbody Scheme numbers is 93494, any Goodbody employee under this group scheme can avail of the corporate benefits under the plan, PMI 66 10

The following information is designed to help employees understand the options available under the Goodbody group healthcare scheme and to answer the common questions about how the benefit works in practice

Scope and Eligibility

Goodbody ROI employees in active employment are eligible to avail of this benefit.

Employees on the following leave types are not considered in active employment and therefore are not eligible to avail of the corporate benefits of the PMI 66 10 plan whilst on the listed leave types or on retirement

Sick Leave Nil Pay*

Career Break

Special Absence Break

Further information on eligibility and treatment while on leave is available on section 3

Details how to join the plan are outlined in this guide.

*Sick Leave Nil Pay is defined as a person on sickness absence not in receipt of a sickness payment from the Company or Income Protection insurer.

Section 1: About the Benefit and How to Join

1.1 What is the Vhi Healthcare Benefit?

Goodbody provides employees in the Republic of Ireland with the option to avail of health insurance cover via Vhi healthcare. Goodbody will cover the cost of Vhi plan PMI 66 10 for eligible employees. To avail of this benefit, you must be part of the Goodbody group scheme 93494

1.2 Who is eligible to join the Goodbody group scheme with Vhi?

Employees of Goodbody ROI in active employment are eligible to avail of this benefit

Employees on the following leave types are not eligible to avail of the corporate benefits of the plan whilst on the listed leave types:

Sick Leave Nil Pay

Career Break

Special Absence Break

1.3 What does corporate benefits of the plan mean?

The Vhi PMI 66 10 plan is available to any member of the public not just Goodbody employees. The corporate benefits are the additional benefits provided to employers under a group plan that the public don’t have access to e g group scheme discount, employer paid, waiving of waiting periods and ability to upgrade your plan at anytime. Employees on the listed leave types and former employees (retirement, resignation etc) can remain on the PMI 6610 plan, however lose the mentioned corporate benefits under the group scheme For employees on leave, the corporate benefits are reinstated on return from leave to active employment.

1.4 When will my Vhi policy start?

Your policy commencement date is the date you join the plan. The plan and policy renewal date is 1 January each year

1.5 How do I join?

To join, log in to the Vhi online enrolment portal here and follow the steps outlined in the portal

Alternatively, you can call the dedicated Vhi line on 056 775 3054 and reference the group scheme 93494. When joining the Goodbody group scheme you will need to provide your staff number There may be a delay in processing your application if your staff number is not included

1.6 What’s covered under the plan?

The Goodbody Vhi plan PMI 66 10 covers public and private hospitals, a wide range of day-to-day medical expenses and much more. You can review the PMI 66 10 plan factsheet or table of benefits for more details which is available on the Goodbody Health Insurance Hub here

Section 2: Enrolment Scenarios

2.1 I already have a Vhi policy – how do I join the Goodbody group scheme?

To join the Goodbody group scheme you will need to log in to the Vhi enrolment portal using your current policy number and transfer over to the group scheme The link to the enrolment portal can be found here

Alternatively, you can call the dedicated Vhi line on 056 775 3054 and reference the group scheme 93494 When joining the Goodbody group scheme you will need to provide your staff number There may be a delay in processing your application if your staff number is not included.

2.2 How can I check my current level of cover I have with Vhi?

You can check your current cover by logging onto your MyVhi account or by calling the dedicated Vhi line on 056 775 3054.

2.3 I currently have a different Vhi plan, can I stay on that plan if I join the group scheme?

Yes, you can stay on your current plan and become a member of the Goodbody group scheme. Once a member of the Goodbody scheme, the value of PMI 66 10 plan will be applied to your existing policy premium Any difference in cost between the PMI 66 10 plan and your existing plan can be paid by you directly to Vhi by direct debit. As this additional cost is paid directly by you to Vhi, no BIK charges will be applicable for this portion of your policy

For the avoidance of doubt, in this instance your level of cover would be based on that of your chosen plan and not of PMI 66 10 plan

2.4 Can I add family members to my policy if I join the group scheme?

You can choose to move your family members to the Goodbody group scheme and avail of PMI 66 10 or an alternative plan which meets their needs The cost of providing healthcare for family members can be arranged directly between you and Vhi. You will need to update your payment details which can be done directly with Vhi You can move your spouse/partner, children (aged 0–17) and students (aged 18–20) to the Goodbody group scheme

2.5 I have health insurance with another healthcare provider, what should I do?

If you wish to avail of the benefit you should contact your current insurer to check if you can leave your contract. If you do have the option to leave, you can avail of the Goodbody Vhi plan PMI 66 10 by joining the Goodbody group scheme through the Vhi enrolment portal here

Please note that some insurers may insist that you complete the 12-month contract but be sure to mention that your employer is subsidising your health insurance If your current insurer will not release you from your existing contract, you may wish to wait until the end of your existing contract to join the Goodbody Vhi plan PMI 66 10. You will be able to join the Goodbody group scheme at any time throughout the year

Section 2: Enrolment Scenarios

2.6 I have an upcoming scheduled procedure/undergoing treatment – what should I do?

Your current insurer will cover costs up to your renewal/cancellation date and Vhi will cover costs from the date you transfer over to Vhi You will need to notify the hospital of your new insurance arrangements and provide the hospital with your new Vhi policy number. Once you have your procedure code from the hospital for your treatment, please contact the dedicated Vhi line on 056 775 3054

2.7 I have day-to-day medical expenses that I need to claim from my current healthcare provider, what should I do?

Expenses incurred up to and including the end date of your contract with your current insurer can be claimed the normal way. If you have any queries, you should contact your healthcare provider directly.

2.8 I am not currently insured but I would like to sign up for a Vhi policy, what do I need to do?

All eligible employees can join the Goodbody group scheme at anytime. You can join through the Vhi Online Enrolment Portal which you will find here or alternatively you can call the dedicated Vhi line on 056 775 3054 and reference the group scheme 93494

Section 3: Eligibility and Leave - Paid and Unpaid

Below is a summary of how your healthcare cover works while you are on different types of leave It shows by leave type where Goodbody cover or do not cover the cost of your policy, how BIK is processed while on leave and where you might need to pay Vhi directly.

Note, that if you have to make direct payment to Vhi, you can remain on your policy (PMI 66 10), however you lose the group scheme corporate benefits. These benefits being the Goodbody group scheme discount to the premium, no waiting periods and the opportunity to upgrade your cover

If you are making direct payment to Vhi and you return to paid leave, you can rejoin the group scheme on your return

Leave Type Cover Status Covered or Not covered?

Sick Leave Paid Covered

Income Protection (Paid) Covered

Parents Leave (Paid) Covered

Parental Leave (Unpaid) Covered

Maternity Leave (Paid) Covered

Maternity Leave (Unpaid) Covered

Carer's Leave (Unpaid) Covered

Sick Leave Nil Pay Not Covered

Career Break Not Covered

Special Absence Break Not Covered

Retirement Not Covered

*Goodbody cover Employees remain on the group scheme and BIK is processed from the payslip

*Goodbody cover Employees remain on the group scheme and BIK is processed from the payslip

*Goodbody cover. Employees remain on the group scheme and BIK is processed from the payslip.

*Goodbody cover Employees remain on the group scheme and BIK is processed from the payslip

*Goodbody cover. Employees remain on the group scheme and BIK is processed from the payslip.

*Goodbody cover Employees remain on the group scheme and BIK is processed from the payslip

*Goodbody cover. Employees remain on the group scheme and BIK is processed from the payslip.

Goodbody do not cover Employees pay Vhi directly if they wish to remain on the policy

Goodbody do not cover. Employees pay Vhi directly if they wish to remain on the policy

Goodbody do not cover. Employees pay Vhi directly if they wish to remain on the policy.

Goodbody do not cover Employees pay Vhi directly if they wish to remain on the policy

*BIK costs that accumulate over a period of unpaid leave e g maternity unpaid, are deducted directly from your payroll in the month in which you return to payroll from unpaid leave

3.1 What happens if I am on a period of paid leave and I have family members insured on my group policy?

Family members on your Vhi policy are paid by direct debit This is unchanged while you are on a period of paid or unpaid leave, the direct debit must remain in place whilst on leave.

Section 4: Leaving Employment and Retirement

4.1 What happens if I am signed up to the benefit and I leave or retire from Goodbody? If you leave the employment of Goodbody, including retirement, you will no longer be eligible to receive this benefit. Goodbody will cease paying your premium with effect from your exit date. The corporate benefits associated with the Group Scheme will cease with effect from your exit date The corporate benefits being the Goodbody group scheme discount to the premium, no waiting periods and the opportunity to upgrade your cover at a time of need.

This would take effect from your exit date whereby there would be a change to the cost of your premium once you leave Goodbody. Please reach out to Vhi directly to confirm the new premium.

4.2 Can I remain on the PMI 66 10 plan if I leave Goodbody?

Yes, you can remain on PMI 66 10 when you leave Goodbody – this plan is available to the public. It is the corporate benefits of the group scheme that will cease on leaving

4.3 Is there any action I must take if I want to remain on or cancel my policy once I leave? Vhi are notified from Goodbody if an employee is to leave employment and they are removed from the group scheme Vhi will contact you by your preferred communication method (online or post) to setup direct payment. There is no impact on coverage during this period. Alternatively, you can ring the Vhi concierge team on 056 775 3054 to arrange direct debit details if you wish to remain on PMI 66 10 or you can opt for a different level of coverage before setting up a direct debit

If you wish to cancel your plan completely, please inform Vhi of this

Section 5: Benefit-in-Kind (BIK)

5.1 Is this benefit liable for BIK?

Yes, all employer paid benefits are liable for BIK BIK will be deducted directly from your monthly payroll.

5.2 How much BIK will I pay on this benefit? BIK is calculated on an individual basis and is based on an individual's personal tax credits.

5.3 How is BIK Calculated?

In order to calculate the tax due, the gross value of the policy premium is treated as an additional payment

Income tax, PRSI and USC will be calculated and deducted on the combined value of your typical taxable pay elements and the gross value of the policy premium

You will see this gross value on your payslip as a notional payment amount. This means that the value will be used to determine the appropriate tax due, but the value will not be processed as a payment to you

5.4 Example of Benefit-In-Kind for a high and low taxpayer – please note these premiums are subject to change each renewal.

*Note: these are estimates of a lower and higher tax payer and are for illustrative purposes only. Individual tax rates may vary based on personal circumstances *Premiums effective 1 May 2025

5.5 When will my Healthcare benefit appear on my payslip?

The date your healthcare benefit first appears on your payslip will depend on your policy commencement date Goodbody are informed of new joiners on the 1st of every month, if you signed up before the 1st you will see BIK reflected on your payslip that month If you sign up after the 1st of the month, you will see BIK reflected in the following months’ payslip. Your premium will be divided by the number of payroll months remaining in the year

5.6 What is the gross value of the policy premium?

A list of premiums is available on the Health Insurance Hub on Engage, which can be viewed here

Section 5: Benefit-in-Kind (BIK)

5.7 Do I receive tax relief at source on my premium if Goodbody is paying it?

No you do not receive tax relief at source via Goodbody In order to avail of the tax relief at source (‘TRS’) you must make a claim to Revenue. This can be done online and is a quick and easy process which can be done at the end of the year through your tax return via the “myAccount” section on the Revenue website This can be accessed through the ‘PAYE Services’ and ‘Review Your Tax’ sections The relief can be claimed in the health expenses section of the return.

5.8 If I am paying the full value of a premium, for me or a family member to Vhi is there a tax liability?

No Income tax, PRSI and USC are only calculated against employee benefits provided by the employer Therefore, if you are paying your own premium or premiums for others, you will have no tax liability

5.9 What happens if I am on unpaid leave but signed up to Vhi healthcare?

See section 3 which outlines the unpaid leave types and whether you can remain part of the Goodbody group scheme or if you must make direct payment whilst on unpaid leave. If you are on unpaid leave and your BIK accrues monthly, the total accrued BIK will be processed through payroll when you return and taxed in that pay period

Section 6: Lifetime Community Rating (LCR)

6.1 What is LCR?

Individuals who do not first take out private health insurance in advance of turning 35 years old are liable for a loading on policies amounting to 2% for each year that you are aged 35 and over. The maximum loading that can apply is 70% of premium in the event of a person aged 69 or older purchasing inpatient private health insurance for the first time

LCR is a feature of all private health insurance plans in the State and are not a unique feature of the Goodbody Group Scheme or PMI 66 10

6.2 What is the LCR loading?

The LCR loading is 2% for every year you have not signed up to a health insurance plan from age 35 on LCR premium loadings are payable for a total of 10 years only.

6.3 Are there exemptions from paying LCR loading?

Yes, the loading may be reduced if you have a qualifying period of credit. Examples of credit which may reduce your loading are credit for periods during which you had health insurance in the past or credit for periods, where in certain circumstances, you gave up your health insurance due to unemployment For more information on these exemptions and other possible exemptions, please contact Vhi on 056 775 3054

6.4 What happens if I switch insurer?

If you have held health insurance with a previous insurer with no loading you will continue your cover with Vhi with no loading, however if you have held health insurance with a previous insurer with loadings, these will continue to apply with Vhi.

6.5 How is LCR applied in the Goodbody Group Scheme?

When you opt to avail of the benefit Vhi will be able to advise of the level of LCR which will apply. The payment of this loading can be arranged directly by you with Vhi

Section 7: Renewal Process

7.1 Vhi Renewal – What do I need to do?

If you do not wish to make any changes to your cover and are happy to renew your policy, no action is required, your policy will automatically renew.

Should you wish to make changes to your plan ahead of renewal which is 1 January each year, you can contact the Goodbody Concierge Line on 056 775 3054.

7.2 Where can I submit claims?

If you have any claims to submit, please submit them directly to Vhi through the Snap & Send service available in the MyVhi App Any receipts for the previous renewal year should be submitted within 3 months of new renewal year The renewal date will be 1 January each year

7.2 When will I receive my renewal policy documentation ?

If you are already a member of the group scheme, you should receive your renewal policy documentation 30-40 days before renewal on 1 January. This will allow time to review your current cover and decide if you wish to make changes to your plan

7.4 Where can I view the rates for my policy?

You can view a full breakdown of the rates on our cost table Health Insurance Hub on Engage here

Section 8: Information Sharing

8.1 What information is shared between Vhi and Goodbody?

There is limited information shared between Vhi and Goodbody Goodbody will share your name, staff number and staff email address with Vhi. This is for Vhi to know that you are a Goodbody employee who is eligible for this benefit In order to process BIK for employees, Vhi will supply Goodbody with your name, employee number, plan name and the cost being covered by Goodbody There may be a delay in processing your application if your staff number is not included.

No medical information will be shared between Vhi and Goodbody

Section 9: Further Information

9.1 Are there waiting periods?

No Waiting periods are waived on Vhi plan PMI 66 10 as a member of the Goodbody scheme Therefore, all Goodbody employees and their family members are covered for the benefits of their plan (PMI 66 10) immediately on joining. If you joined a different plan under the group scheme - waiting periods apply.

9.2 Is there cover for pre-existing conditions?

No, waiting periods for pre-existing conditions are waived under the PMI 66 10 plan for Goodbody employees and their family members If you have joined a different plan, standard rules of that plan apply

9.3 Can I change or upgrade my cover to another plan?

Yes, you can contact the dedicated Vhi team and they will help you decide on the most suitable plan for your needs If you wish to change or upgrade your cover, the value of PMI 66 10 plan will be applied to your existing policy. Any difference in cost between the Goodbody plan and your existing plan can be paid directly by you to Vhi by direct debit For the avoidance of doubt, in this instance your level of cover would be based on that of your chosen plan and not of PMI 66 10 plan

9.4 What if my plan doesn’t cover me in full for treatment I may need?

One of the corporate benefits of the Goodbody group scheme is that you have the option to upgrade your cover at point of need. This allows you to upgrade your cover for short periods of time to provide you with full cover for treatments not already covered under PMI 66 10 You can discuss this with Vhi directly and decide on the cover suitable to you Any difference in cost between the PMI 66 10 plan and your boosted cover can be paid by you directly to Vhi by direct debit. As this additional cost is paid directly by you to Vhi, no BIK charges will be applicable for this portion of your policy

9.5 Can I add additional people to my policy?

Yes, your spouse/partner, children (aged 0–17) and students (aged 18–20) can be added to your policy and Vhi will bill you directly for any additional people you choose to add to your policy You will need to update your payment details which can be done through Vhi.

9.6 When can I avail of the health insurance plan?

You can avail of the plan anytime you wish to sign up.

9.7 How and when will I receive my policy documentation?

If you sign up throughout the year your policy documentation will be issued to you within 5 working days. At the time of signing up to this benefit you will be given the choice of notification method Vhi would encourage all policy holders to opt-in for online documentation and email notifications

9.8 I have some additional questions about my new policy, who can I talk to?

If you would like to speak to an advisor you can call the dedicated Vhi team on 056 775 3054

9.9 Who do I contact if my query has not been answered?

If you cannot find an answer to your query, please contact HR at HR@goodbody ie

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