Price of private health insurance up 11% so far this year to more than €1,700

HIA said health insurance remained a 'necessity and not a luxury,' with customers continuing to prioritise health despite rising prices

As of October 1, the HIA said there were 326 plans on offer to customers, with this number increasing since the launch of new health insurance provider, Level Health last week. 

Private health insurance now costs €1,712 on average, marking an increase of 11% so far this year, new figures from the Health Insurance Authority (HIA) reveal. 

Up from 7% just a few months ago, the state body is urging customers to review their policies and shop around ahead of the upcoming insurance renewals period.