Private health cover nears €2,000 as cost pressures bite

Private health insurance is edging towards a tipping point. The average annual premium in Ireland has surged to nearly €2,000—up almost €200 since last year and €480 over two years—raising red flags for future market growth. Insurers point to rising claims, costly treatments, and increased private hospital use as key drivers.

New membership growth is stagnating, with just over 7,300 new sign-ups in Q1 2025—roughly offset by cancellations. Notably, there’s a decline in child policyholders and mounting concerns that younger adults may delay or forgo cover entirely. Existing members are already downgrading or taking on more risk to stay insured.

With over 340 plans in the market and new players like Level Health entering the fold, there’s growing pressure on insurers to deliver real value. Smart comparison and targeted plan reviews are essential, especially with July renewals looming.

Read the full breakdown and what it means for your business.