Average health insurance plan up 8% since start of 2025

The average premium in the third quarter was €1,886, up €56 from the previous quarter due to price increases from several insurers 

There were 334 inpatient plans available to consumers at the end of the three-month period from September to November, with 18 new plans introduced and 22 plans retired so far in 2025.

The Irish health insurance market continues to grow with 2.54m now availing of it, new figures from Health Insurance Authority (HIA) has found. 

Publishing its market bulletin for the third quarter of this year, the authority found that 13,166 more people now have private health insurance. This compares to growth of just 4,130 in the second three-month period of this year.

Annual growth remains at 1.4%, the HIA found, reflecting a gradual growth trend. 

Meanwhile, the average premium in the third quarter was €1,886, up €56 from the previous quarter, at €1,830, due to price increases
from several insurers across many of their plans in October. 

The total increase in the average cost of plans is now 8% since the beginning of 2025.

There were 334 inpatient plans available to consumers at the end of the three-month period from September to November, with 18 new plans introduced and 22 plans retired so far in 2025.

Across the Irish market, Vhi Healthcare held a 48% share, followed by Laya Healthcare at 28.1% and Irish Life Health at 20.4%. Level Health held a market share of 0.8%, while restricted membership undertakings comprised the remaining 2.6% of the market. 

In the last quarter, the HIA received 1,803 consumer calls, with most focused on plan comparisons, renewals, and new joiners. Over 75% of queries related to comparing plans, reflecting strong interest in switching during the summer renewal season.

Consumers have been warned of a “perfect storm” in the health insurance market with Irish Life being the latest provider to announce another hike to its premiums, averaging 5% from the start of next year.

The latest announcement comes after the company already raised premiums in January, April and October and follows a string of price increases from competitors such as VHI and Laya.

Health insurance expert Dermot Goode said the impact will be significant, as nearly half the market, around 1.25m health insurance customers, are due to renew their cover between December and February.

“This couldn’t come at a worse time,” he said. “This latest increase from ILH could cost a single adult anything from €65 - €125 for plans covering public and private hospitals.

“For a typical family, it could add anything from €160 to €255 to their total bill. For adults on higher-level plans or dated schemes, the increases could well exceed this.”

"As we approach peak renewals, we expect call volumes to rise significantly," the HIA said.

Commenting on the bulletin, Brian Lee, CEO of the HIA, said: “The market continues to grow, but rising premiums are a concern for many consumers. We encourage everyone to review their cover and explore options using our free and impartial comparison tool. 

"Even small changes, like switching to a newer plan or adjusting your excess, can lead to meaningful savings. It is important to review your policy, and if you need to, shop around to make sure that you have the right cover for your needs.”