How to choose the right health insurance plan in Ireland
When you or your family fall ill or have an accident, you’ll want to get the best health care as soon as possible. Here’s how health insurance can protect your family and how to find the best cover for your needs.
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New health insurer launches in Ireland
A new health insurance company has launched in the Irish market.
The new player, Level Health, is backed by insurance giant Aviva and will have just four plans: A, B, C and D.
They claim they are up to €500 cheaper for a family than rivals, and will offer a string of add-ons to those who sign up.
What is health insurance?
Health insurance pays your private medical and hospital expenses when you or your family need health care.
A health insurance plan will cover the cost of hospital accommodation and provide quicker access to health services and treatment.
The latest figures from the Health Insurance Authority (HIA) report that 2.46 million people in Ireland have private health insurance, which is nearly half the population in Ireland (48%).
Do you need private health insurance in Ireland?
Ireland has a public and private health care system, and you can choose between the two.
Public in-patient and out-patient hospital services are available to all but not all out-patient services are free. Public in-patient and day service fees were removed in April 2023, so they are now free at the point of access.
If your income is low, you may qualify for a Medical Card and will have access to most health services for free. If you don’t qualify, you’re entitled to free hospital services but may have to pay for charges and GP services.
Private health insurance in Ireland is optional and offers valuable support should you or a loved one fall ill.
So, although health insurance is not compulsory, you may choose to purchase it because it offers extra peace of mind and cover for unexpected costs when you’re at your most vulnerable.
What health insurance covers
Health insurance companies offer a range of policies from basic cover to premium plus plans. The benefits you receive depend on the type of scheme you choose.
Private health insurance benefits can include:
Policy exclusions or specific benefits information is often buried in the small print. Always read your policy schedule to check you’re covered for what you expect.
Do health insurers cover pre-existing conditions?
A pre-existing condition is an ailment, illness or condition that has existed at any time in the 6 months prior to the date you take out your policy.
The waiting period before you’re allowed to claim for a pre-existing condition is typically five years, so you will need to serve this time period before you’re fully covered.
You can check the waiting periods for each provider at the Health Insurance Authority.
Will you be covered straight away?
When you take out medical insurance for the first time you may have to serve a waiting period before you’re fully covered.
Initial waiting periods
| Circumstance | Waiting period | |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-existing condition | 5 years | |
| New condition | 26 weeks | |
| Accident or new injury | Immediately | |
| Maternity benefits | 52 weeks |
If you upgrade your plan to include higher in-patient benefits, the insurance company will insert a two year Upgrade Rule for any pre-existing medical conditions.
This means if you have a pre-existing condition, you will not gain from the upgraded benefits for the first two years. You will still be covered by the benefits of your existing plan so you won’t lose cover.
If it’s a new medical condition the higher-level benefits will be covered immediately.
Do you need private health insurance for maternity care?
No. The public Maternity & Infant Care Scheme provides GP and hospital care to all expectant mothers who live in Ireland. The mother is entitled to free in-patient, out-patient, accident & emergency services in a public hospital throughout pregnancy and birth.
Are surgical appliances and hearing aids covered?
Sometimes. Medical appliances are partially or fully covered, but it’s advisable to check with a provider directly. Most providers will supply a specified appliances list on request.
Does your insurance cover overseas travel?
Medical emergencies abroad are usually covered as standard. However, if you intend to travel regularly or work and study abroad you can choose a plan tailored to your specific needs, which will be more comprehensive. Your travel insurance policy may provide the cover you need.
Types of health insurance
The type of plan you choose will affect how comprehensively you’re covered. Here are the three main types of health insurance cover.
Health insurance
These plans cover all or part of your in-patient, hospital costs and will typically include other out-patient benefits.
Cash benefit
A cash plan provides fixed reimbursement for a range of medical events but does not include claim back for in-patient costs.
Out-patient only
This type of policy will cover your out-patient expenses, for example, online GP consultations or emergency dental care.
Choosing the right type of health insurance plan
The best health insurance policy is one that’s affordable and best protects the health needs of you and your family. However, there are currently over 300 different policies so finding the right scheme can be time-consuming and confusing.
The following factors can help you decide which health insurance plans work best for you and your loved ones:
Always provide accurate personal information when you’re obtaining a quote.
Can I change my insurer or switch my plan?
Yes. However, if you are upgrading or switching to a health insurance plan with enhanced benefits there may be a waiting period before the new benefits apply.
It is best to switch your plan at the renewal date to avoid penalties or cancellation fees.
How much is health insurance in Ireland?
€1,647
Is the average annual cost of Irish health insurance paid by individual policyholders as of June 2024.
However, monthly premiums for individual health insurance can be as little as €16 for a basic cash-only scheme or hundreds of euros per month for a fully comprehensive plan with Day to Day benefits.
Are costs rising?
Yes, premium prices jumped by an overall average of 10% in 2024 compared to 2023, with more recent hikes in October.
Price jumps by individual insurers include:
- VHI: an increase of 3.5% in October 2024
- Laya Healthcare: an increase of 6.5% in October 2024
- Irish Life Health: an increase of 5.3% in July 2024
The hikes are due to a combination of reasons, including an increase in the cost of hospital care, a sharp rise in the number of claims, a reduction in the number of premiums on offer, and an aging population.
What is the Health Insurance Levy?
The Government charges health insurers a Health Insurance Levy for every health insurance policy taken out. The levy forms a set amount of your health insurance premium and accounts for approximately 33% of your total premium.
Can you claim tax relief on health insurance premiums?
If you take out private health insurance or long-term care insurance, you may get a tax credit. This tax credit is normally granted directly by the insurance provider. This is known as Tax Relief at Source (TRS).
Does age affect the cost of health insurance?
Yes, according to the HIA, those over 65 years pay on average 43% more for their health premiums than younger people. The annual HIA market report says that, as of January 2024, average net premiums were:
- €1,490 for under 65s
- €2,136 for over 65s
The Lifetime Community Rating means that a 2% loading on premiums is applied to new members aged 35 years or over who buy insurance for the first time. Furthermore, an extra 2% loading applies for every additional year over 35.
For example, if you take out a private health insurance policy for the first time, aged 44, you will pay an additional 20% on your annual premium every year. The loading will apply for a maximum of 10 years.
Is health insurance worth it?
If you find an affordable policy that fits your needs, health insurance will give you peace of mind and confidence that you and your family will get the best care available in your time of need.
However, if you are over the age of 35 when you first take out a policy, be aware the Lifetime Community Rating will increase the cost of your premium.
Always read the terms and conditions carefully to check for exclusions, policy excesses, and restrictions.
Can anyone buy health insurance?
Insurers cannot refuse to accept or renew your policy on the basis of your health or age but they may restrict your cover or specify exclusions.
Lifetime Cover guarantees everyone the right to renew their policy, regardless of age, health status or claims history.
Where to buy health insurance
There are five health insurance providers in Ireland, although there are other companies that provide health insurance schemes for some select groups.
You can start your comparison here by checking out these health insurance providers. Comparing providers helps you get the best private insurance available at a price you can afford.
- VHI Healthcare
- Laya Healthcare
- Level Heath
- Irish Life Health
- HSF Health Plan
Considering life insurance?
If you haven’t sorted out life cover yet, it’s better not to put it off. Our guide How to find the best life insurance in Ireland, explains all you need to know about the different types of life cover, how it works, and what it covers.
The earlier you start a policy, the cheaper it will be; plus, you’ll have peace of mind that your loved ones will be protected financially if the worst happens.
Health Insurance FAQs
What is European health insurance?
If you’re travelling somewhere in Europe, taking a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you will get you access to free or low cost health care.
It’s easy to apply for an EHIC or renew an existing one on the HSE website.
What are restricted membership schemes?
Health insurance schemes which are only available to specific employees, for example, health workers or Gardai. The four main providers operate under the Open Membership principle.
Who regulates health insurance providers?
Health Insurance providers are financially regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and legally and statutorily regulated by the Health Insurance Authority. Providers will need to display a registered address on their website.
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