The PRSI benefits for workers you may be missing out on — from free eye tests to dental checks

Social insurance contributions cover a multitude of treatments, and most of us are entitled to claim

Not all dentists are in the scheme so it’s worth checking first before you book an appointment. Photo: Getty

Sinead Ryan

Almost all workers, and employers, pay social insurance contributions – known as PRSI – out of their pay. Far from being just another tax, it’s an insurance premium and I believe not enough people avail of the benefits which come from it.

PRSI does a lot of heavy lifting in terms of paying for state pensions and job seeker and other social welfare benefits, but everyone who pays it is also entitled to claim under the Treatment Benefit scheme (TBS). Or as I call it, the Body Parts Scheme.