Health insurance premiums up €200 as fewer people take out new policies

Private health insurance now costs nearly €2,000 a year, with market growth stalling and fewer children covered

Rising prices could potentially be affecting further growth in the health insurance market. Picture: iStock

The cost of private health insurance has risen by €200, with the average policy now costing €1,929.

A report from the Health Insurance Authority shows slowing growth in the market, with 2.52 million people in Ireland now having private health insurance. Just 7,318 people took out a new policy in the first quarter, compared to 13,633 in the third quarter of last year.