As health insurance costs continue to rise in 2025, knowing how to get the best rates while ensuring adequate coverage is crucial. With Lifetime Community Rating (LCR) in place, it is important to consider entering the health insurance market before the age of 35 to avoid an extra premium known as a loading. Since May 2015, a loading of 2% on premiums applies to anyone aged 35 who takes out insurance for the first time. A further 2% loading applies for every year after that.
As health insurance costs continue to rise in 2025, knowing how to get the best rates while ensuring adequate coverage is crucial. With Lifetime Community Rating (LCR) in place, it is important to consider entering the health insurance market before the age of 35 to avoid an extra premium known as a loading.
Since May 2015, a loading of 2% on premiums applies to anyone aged 35 who takes out insurance for the first time. A further 2% loading applies for every year after that.
Health insurance in Ireland doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By assessing your needs, comparing plans, and working with reputable brokers, you can secure the best rates for 2025 without compromising on quality care. Below are practical tips to help you navigate the market.
1. Review and compare plans
Health insurance providers adjust their policies and premiums regularly. Reviewing your plan every year ensures that you’re getting the best value.
Use the Health Insurance Authority (HIA) website as a starting point for comparing different policies side by side. Look for changes in coverage or options that might better suit your current health needs better.
2. Assess your healthcare needs
Before choosing or renewing a plan, assess your current and foreseeable medical needs.
Are you planning on starting a family? Do you need more coverage for outpatient services? Do you need increased orthopaedic cover etc?
If you’re relatively healthy, a basic plan might suffice, while families or those with ongoing medical concerns should look for more comprehensive coverage.
3. Consider corporate plans
You don’t need to be employed by a large corporation to take advantage of group plans. All plans offered by a health insurance company must be available to all consumers. Many insurance websites will specify if a plan is a corporate plan when you are getting a quote online.
If you are unable to find information on the corporate plans offered by a health insurance company online, you can contact them directly for a quote.
4. Adjust your policy’s excess
Adjusting the excess – the amount you pay before insurance kicks in – can significantly affect your premium. Opting for a higher excess reduces your monthly costs but requires you to pay more out-of-pocket for initial claims. This can be a practical option if you’re generally in good health and have savings set aside for smaller medical expenses.
5. Know the providers
Familiarise yourself with the main insurance providers in Ireland, such as VHI Healthcare, Laya Healthcare, Irish Life Health and the most recent entrant, Level Health.
Each provider has different benefits, coverage networks, and rates. For example, VHI is known for its extensive hospital network and quick claims processing, while Laya often includes wellness perks like mental health support. Consulting a health insurance broker can help you break down the specifics of each plan to find the most suitable option for you.
6. Day-to-day medical cover
Plans that cover day-to-day expenses like GP visits, physiotherapy, or dental appointments often come with higher premiums. If you or your family frequently require these services, a plan that includes them might save money in the long run. However, if these visits are infrequent, opting for a policy without day-to-day cover and paying out-of-pocket might be more economical.
7. Take advantage of tax relief
Health insurance premiums are eligible for tax relief at a standard rate of 20%, applied directly to your policy cost. Additionally, you can claim tax relief on qualifying out-of-pocket medical expenses not covered by insurance. Keep receipts and use Revenue.ie to maximise these savings.
8. Monitor renewal terms
Be aware of potential price increases at renewal time. Insurance providers often offer discounts to new customers but increase rates upon renewal. Start comparing new policies a few months before your renewal date is due, this way you can negotiate better terms or consider switching providers if it leads to better savings.
9. Switching
If you switch, your new insurer may impose waiting periods for any extra benefits available on your new plan. Your old insurer may also insist on you paying the government health insurance levy up front if you switch mid-term. More detailed information on the switching policy of individual providers is available on the Health Insurance Authority website hia.ie.
10. Plan for future needs
If you anticipate major life changes, such as starting a family or requiring specific treatments, plan for those in your health insurance policy. Adding maternity cover or certain specialist treatments might be more affordable if you include them at the start rather than upgrading later.
Margaret Barrett is managing director at Mortgage Navigators, a specialist mortgage broker service with offices in Cork and Dublin. Margaret is an experienced mortgage advisor and Qualified Financial Advisor (QFA). See mortgagenavigators.ie
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