Irish Life Health is to raise the cost of 99 of its plans by an average of 3pc from the start of October, in a move that could add €185 over a year to a family’s cost of cover.
The three main health insurers in the market have announced multiple price rises in the last year, with hikes now being announced on a monthly basis.
Irish Life’s latest price-rise announcement comes days after Laya Healthcare said it was hiking 84 of its 116 plans by 4.5pc from the same date.
Irish Life said the price rises will apply for new customers from October 1, and existing customers whose renewal is due from October 1 onwards.
Health insurance expert Dermot Goode said this latest increase from Irish Life Health could cost between €25 to €70 per adult, depending on the plan held.
“For a typical family of two adults and two children, it could add anything from €60 to €185 to their total bill,” he said.
For those stuck on dated plans, the increases could be much higher, Mr Goode warned.
He said his initial analysis shows that not all plans especially those recently launched will be increasing so consumers might escape this latest increase.
Irish Life Health already increased its rates by 3.7pc in January, and by just under 2pc from April to cover the levy increase.
A further 10 plans had another small increase from July 1.
Mr Goode warned: “Unfortunately for consumers, the trend of regular price hikes throughout the year is set to continue similar to what we experienced in 2023 and 2024.
“Further price hikes are expected as all insurers prepare for the peak renewal period from October onwards when over half the market renews their cover, or around 1.25 million members.”
Managing director of Irish Life Health Ann Marie Nestor said all health insurers are continuing to face increases in the cost of delivering healthcare.
“These rising costs are driven by growing demand for complex treatments, advances in medical care, and ongoing investment in healthcare infrastructure,” she said.
She said more treatments are now being carried out in specialised settings using advanced technologies, which improve patient outcomes but also increase overall healthcare costs.
“While these developments are necessary and beneficial, they are contributing to sustained upward pressure on premiums,” she said.
Ms Nestor said the insurer understands that the increases come at a challenging time for many households.
“That’s why we’re committed to offering a wide range of plans to suit different needs and budgets, while also streamlining our options to make it easier for customers to choose the cover that’s right for them,” she said.
Earlier this month Irish Life Health said it was retiring 22 health plans. Health insurance experts said most of the plans being scrapped were dated and may no longer represent good value for money.
Last Friday, Laya Healthcare said it was increasing the cost of its plans again, as price hikes are now being announced on a monthly basis by the main health insurers.
Premiums are going up by an average of 4.5pc on a range plans from October, although there are also some reductions.
The Cork-based insurer has more than 700,000 members.
Some families will see the cost of their plan rise by more than €700 a year.
It is the second Laya price hike this year. The latest rise will see 84 out of 116 plans go up from October 1.
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