Consumer Insights on Private Health Insurance in Ireland
New research by the Health Insurance Authority (HIA) highlights that most individuals with private health insurance in Ireland have not changed their provider or plan, despite rising premiums. The survey, conducted alongside Ipsos and released on Tuesday, found that 46 percent of Irish adults maintain private health insurance, yet 70 percent have never switched companies or plans.
Within the last year, only 4 percent of policyholders moved to a different provider, while 15 percent switched to another plan offered by their current provider. This reluctance to explore alternatives persists despite significant price hikes by major Irish insurers, resulting in notable premium increases for many policyholders.
Insurance specialists often argue that staying with the same policy for over three years can lead to paying hundreds of euros more annually compared to newer policies that may offer better coverage. The HIA suggests that the complexity of the market and difficulties in comparing policies contribute to consumers' hesitation to switch.
The HIA's comprehensive survey, involving over 2,000 face-to-face interviews, reveals consumer attitudes and behaviors in Ireland’s private health insurance sector. It shows that 46 percent of respondents find recent premium hikes by main providers unjustified, marking the highest level of dissatisfaction in a decade. Average premiums rose from €1,827 to €1,902 in 2025, with some experiencing even steeper increases.
Despite the potential for savings, consumer behavior remains largely unchanged. While 70 percent of those who switched review their policies at renewal, a notable 82 percent did not engage in comparative shopping over the past year. Moreover, 74 percent have never considered changing providers, and 66 percent have not contemplated switching plans within the same provider, despite an average policy tenure of two decades.
High satisfaction with providers and customer service contributes to the lack of movement, even amid rising premiums. Survey data show that 61 percent view health insurance as a necessity, while 19 percent of those without coverage previously held a policy but discontinued it due to cost concerns.
The HIA urges consumers to evaluate their coverage and explore alternatives, introducing a newly refined comparison tool to align plan options with consumer health priorities and financial considerations. Patricia Byron, HIA chairwoman, emphasized the board's commitment to enhancing transparency and providing clear, unbiased information to empower consumer decision-making. Chief Executive Brian Lee reiterated, “Even small adjustments can make a meaningful difference to the cost while still ensuring you have the coverage that suits you.”