Stamp duty on health insurance going up by almost 10%

Price of adult advanced plans will rise by €48

“Without the Risk Equalisation Fund, older or less healthy consumers could face significantly higher premiums, or insurers might avoid covering them altogether," said Brian Lee, CEO of the HIA.

The price of health insurance is increasing by as much as €48, the Health Insurance Authority (HIA) said on Tuesday.

From April 1, 2026, stamp duty is increasing on advanced and non-advanced plans. Adult advanced plan stamp duty - which have higher level of hospital cover, include a semi-private room in a private hospital, and sometimes have out-patient benefits - will go up by €48 to €517. Child advanced plan stamp duty is going up by €16 to €172. 

Stamp duty on adult non-advanced plans - which cover public hospitals only and do not include private hospital accommodation and have fewer benefits.- is going up by €9 to €103. Child non-advanced stamp duty is going up by €3 to €34.

The increases have been put in place to support risk equalisation, so that particular insurance firms aren’t adversely affected for covering people who need most care.

“Without the Risk Equalisation Fund, older or less healthy consumers could face significantly higher premiums, or insurers might avoid covering them altogether," said Brian Lee, CEO of the HIA. "These changes help maintain a fair and inclusive health insurance system for everyone."

Stamp duty is factored into insurer pricing, but is ring-fenced for the Risk Equalisation Fund and redistributed to offset higher claims costs.

Mr Lee said HIA research showed most people agree with community rating, "which means less healthy or older people pay the same as younger or healthier people, and 73% agree with open enrolment, that is that insurers should offer cover to everyone who requests it.”