Q&A: No huge jump in numbers taking out health insurance

Health insurance companies are experiencing a surge in callers ahead of the imposition of new membership rules but the anticipated massive jump in numbers signing up has not happened yet.

New penalties will apply to those over the age of 34 taking out cover for the first time with the introduction of lifetime community rating from Friday.

Anyone over the age of 34 who waits until after the deadline to purchase in-patient private health insurance will have to pay a loaded premium, up to a maximum of 70%, for the rest of their life.