Cancel Vhi: Easy Method

What is Vhi

Overview

Vhi Healthcare is a major Irish private health insurer that offers hospital and ancillary cover, digital services, and access to Vhi 360 clinics. Policies are primarily designed for the Irish market and are contracted in euros.

Relevance for New Zealand residents

If you live in New Zealand and hold or are considering a Vhi policy (for example if you moved from Ireland or maintain an Irish policy), the contract terms are governed by Vhi’s Irish terms and Irish regulation.

Check how overseas residency affects cover, eligibility and tax/levy obligations with Vhi before making changes.

How to cancel Vhi

Immediate steps to take

• Locate your policy documents (policy number, renewal date, membership details).
• Decide whether you are within the 14-day cooling-off period from joining or renewal.

How to submit the cancellation

• Contact Vhi Customer Service by post, phone or the app/portal if available to you.
• If sending by post, address correspondence to: Vhi Healthcare, Attn: Customer Service, Vhi House, Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1, Ireland.
• Include your full name, policy number, reason for cancellation, preferred refund method and contact details.
• Keep a copy of all correspondence and proof of postage or screenshots of app messages.

What happens when you cancel

Access and cover

Cover typically ends on the cancellation date specified by Vhi or as agreed in writing. If you cancel during the 14-day cooling-off period, no claims are payable for that period.

Renewal and automatic renewal

Vhi policies are 12-month contracts that renew automatically. You should receive notification at least 20 working days before renewal.

You have up to 14 days from your renewal date to amend or cancel without penalty, subject to the cooling-off rules below.

Will I get a refund?

Cooling-off period refund

During the 14-day cooling-off period from policy renewal or joining, you are entitled to a full refund. No claims will be paid for that 14-day period.

Refunds after cooling-off

• Cancellation mid-contract (after the 14-day period) may incur penalties, including a prorated health insurance levy and administration fees.
• Small refund adjustments of €10 or less may not be issued due to administration costs; larger refunds must be paid to the policyholder.

Vhi plans and pricing

Known offering for New Zealand users

The Vhi app is available to download and is free, but its full functionality requires an active Vhi policy.

Pricing availability

There is no public NZD pricing for Vhi plans for 2024/2025; most Vhi plan pricing is published in euros for the Irish market.

Your consumer rights in New Zealand

General guidance for NZ residents

If you are resident in New Zealand, local consumer protection laws may apply to purchases made in New Zealand. However, Vhi is an Irish insurer and its contracts are governed by Irish terms.

Practical steps

• Check whether the contract specifies Irish law and jurisdiction; this affects which country’s rules apply.
• Contact New Zealand consumer protection bodies if you think local consumer law should apply or if you need advice on cross-border contracts.

Customer experiences

Positive reports

Some customers praise Vhi 360 clinics for efficient care, quick diagnostic service and compassionate staff.

There are also reports of swift claim payments via the app and efficient hospital expense processing, minus excess amounts.

Negative reports

Common complaints include poor customer service, long waits, and confusing claims processes.

Others report issues with cooling-off refunds (delays, partial refunds or cheque payments) and difficulty obtaining reimbursements.

Documentation checklist

Essential documents to gather

• Policy number and copy of the policy schedule
• Renewal notice or joining confirmation (date stamps are important)
• Proof of identity (photo ID) and proof of address

Supporting documents for refunds or disputes

• Bank details or preferred refund method
• Copies of claims submitted and any payment receipts
• Correspondence with Vhi (emails, chat transcripts, posted letters)

Common mistakes

Missing cooling-off windows

A frequent mistake is assuming you can cancel at any time without penalty. Vhi’s 12-month contracts renew automatically and only allow penalty-free cancellation within specific windows.

Missing the 14-day post-renewal window can result in administration fees and levy charges if you cancel later.

Poor record-keeping

Failing to keep copies of renewal notices, cancellation requests and proof of postage reduces your ability to dispute delays or incorrect refunds.

Also check whether a policy was quoted as a 12-month contract (for example some ancillary plans are fixed-term) before cancelling.

Comparative recap

Quick feature comparison

After cancelling

What to check next

Confirm the cancellation in writing and request a written statement showing the effective cancellation date and any refund due.

Allow reasonable processing time and retain all confirmation documents for future reference.

Useful links and contacts

• Vhi Terms of Business
• Vhi Help & Support - Switching and Cooling-off
• Health Insurance Authority - Cancelling and Switching (Ireland)
• Customer reviews (Trustpilot)

Address

Postal address for cancellations

Vhi Healthcare, Attn: Customer Service, Vhi House, Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1, Ireland.

Keep a record

Send cancellations by recorded delivery where possible and keep proof of postage or delivery confirmation.