Hi everyone,

I was at the dentist last week and his receptionist told me that the last budget changed the rules regarding tax relief on medical expenses.  Previously you could claim a refund on expenses at the higher tax rate (ie 41%) if you pay tax at that rate, but now relief is only available at the lower tax rate (ie. 20%).

I didn't realise this and to my knowledge there has been no discussion in the media of how it will impact in infertility patients.  But I think it will have a big impact on us.  After all there is public funding for infertility treatment in Ireland, everyone has to go private and none of the health insurance companies cover it.  So unlike sufferers of practically every other medical condition infertile patients have no choice but to seek private treatment.  Don't get me wrong I know the standard of public hospital care in Ireland for really serious illnesses is crap, but I think fertility patients are a special case because no public treatment is available for us.  If they want to cut the tax relief for infertility treatment they should fund private treatment as an alternative.

By the way has anyone ever tried to actually submit a claim for infertility treatment to the likes of Quinn, VHI etc?  The other day, I was complaining to a friend that Quinn refused to cover my IVF treatment and she suggested that I submit a complaint to the Insurance Ombudsman.  What do you think should I have a go?

On another note I know Christmas is a particularly low point on the infertility 'roller coaster' so make sure you are all extra kind to yourselves this time of year.

Sparky.

Think it's a good idea, even better if a few of you send in complaint to the Ombudsman.

We did treatment in Spain in 07. Just to let people know, we claimed back travel ,hotel  and treatment etc expenise

Cats

Good on you Sparky!  Keep us posted!