In 2019, the Health Insurance Authority reported the average annual cost of Irish health insurance was €2,059.

Private health insurance in Ireland is popular because fewer than half of people want to rely fully on the public system. Even still, health plan prices grow every year. Health insurance prices grew 4.5% in 2019 and 5% in 2020. Willis Towers Watson expects health insurance premiums to jump between 5% and 7% in 2021 due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

So, how do you find the best price and the right benefits from your Irish health insurance policy?

How do I get the cheapest health insurance in Ireland?

The cheapest private health insurance in Ireland comes in the form of entry-level plans from Laya Healthcare, VHI Healthcare, and Irish Life Health. These plans can cost as little as €500-€600 a year per adult. An entry-level plan offers coverage for public hospital overnight stays and day cases without much other coverage for treatment or specialist providers.

Having the cheapest health insurance is a good way to get on the ladder. At the same time, it’s important to look at each policy and determine whether basic coverage is right for you.

You should also remember that there are waiting periods when you choose to take a big step up in coverage. So if you are thinking of buying a more comprehensive policy later, you might start looking for mid-level plans now.

Many mid-level plans offer support for things like physiotherapy, dieticians, occupational therapists, chiropodists, counselling, and mental health care, which can help support your overall health throughout your life.

How can I save on private health insurance in Ireland?

The best way to save on private health insurance in Ireland is to shop around every year or at least every three years.

Although Ireland only has three primary insurers, these three companies also offer over 300 plans between them. And those plans, benefits, and prices, change regularly. You can find insurance plan changes and updates via The Health Insurance Authority’s news section.

To make life easier, it’s good to get a helping hand to sort through the available options. Are you considering switching your health insurance provider? Find Ireland’s best deals on health insurance and get a quote in only 30 seconds with Best Insurance Quotes.