Health insurance cover may be cut to avoid levy

Consumers with the most basic levels of private health insurance face further reductions in cover if they are to avoid the knock-on effect of an imminent €65 hike in the government health levy.

New risk equalisation legislation requires that an additional €65 be levied on adults who are regarded as “advanced” policy holders and an extra €25 on children.

The substantial hikes were not intended to be applied to those with the most basic insurance packages. A two-tier system was envisaged, with those with more advanced plans paying the higher levy.