Irish healthcare costs fall in 2011

Health and dental costs have fallen throughout the State this year as the economic crisis continued, a new survey has shown.

According to the Avantis Health Global Health and Dental Price index, Irish health and dental charges dropped by an average of between 3 per cent and 10 per cent since the spring.

However, the survey also showed that there was a variation of up to 70 per cent in some treatments around Ireland, and patients could also save up to 50 per cent on some procedures if they travelled to countries such as Spain, Belgium and Germany.

The index looks at treatment costs within Ireland and globally and covers a range of elective procedures under categories including dental, eye surgery, cosmetic surgery and elective surgery.

It found that prices for common dental procedures have fallen by as much as 21 per cent in some cases, while cosmetic surgery procedures have seen costs decline by between 10 per cent and 20 per cent.

Elective medical procedures have fallen in price by up to 16 per cent.

However, laser eye surgery has increased in price by 21 per cent, and the cost of nose reconstruction surgery has increased by 24 per cent.

The survey revealed vast differences in prices throughout Ireland. Although Dublin was more expensive for some procedures, such as a tooth extraction, it was significantly cheaper for others. A simple dental implant costs 75 per cent less in Dublin compared with some cities in Connacht or Leinster, while some cosmetic surgery procedures were 67 per cent cheaper in the capital compared with other Irish cities.

“These figures show a modest reduction in health & dental prices overall, reflecting the challenging economic environment,” said Avantis health director Orla Fahy.

“It also shows a startling variation in prices between Irish regions for the same procedures. Irish patients can make significant savings on their health and dental care, by merely shopping around within Ireland, with substantial savings possible if they are willing to travel abroad for treatment.”

Avantis is involved in the purchase of private healthcare treatments for self-pay business and personal customers.