Laya Healthcare has announced a price adjustment across 65 of its health insurance plans, representing an average increase of 4.7%. The changes will take effect from 1 April and will apply from each member’s renewal date.
For a typical adult policy, this may result in an increase of approximately €80 per year at renewal. According to market commentary, annual increases across affected plans may range between €62 and €217 per adult, with some mid-level family plans potentially increasing by between €148 and €203 per year. Certain plans are reported to be increasing by up to 9%.
Laya has indicated that the adjustments reflect rising healthcare costs, in addition to the Government-mandated health insurance levy increase effective from 1 April, which impacts all private health insurance providers.
Plans Not Affected
Laya has confirmed that prices will remain unchanged on 37 of its plans, representing over one-third of its product range.
Price Reductions & Offers
There will also be reductions applied to selected plans. These include:
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Reduced young adult rates
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Child premium reductions of between 15% and 25% across five plans, including the Signify, Access and Inspire plan suites
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An extension of the “Kids Go Free” offer on Flex 125 Choice, Flex 125 Plus, Flex 175 Explore, and Flex 125 Explore
Under this promotion, a family of two adults and two children may pay for one child only, with the remaining child premium waived. The offer is scheduled to run until 30 June 2026.
Plan Closures & Member Transfers
Laya has announced that 16 older plans will be retired. Affected policyholders will be transferred to alternative plans at renewal.
The Health Insurance Authority (HIA) has confirmed that policyholders must be moved to a plan providing equivalent inpatient benefits, with only limited permitted deviations.
Importantly, customers are not obliged to accept the replacement plan and are free to move to any available plan on the market at renewal.
Wider Market Context
Recent months have seen pricing adjustments across the private health insurance market:
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Irish Life Health increased rates in January
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Level Health implemented increases from 2 February
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VHI announced increases effective 1 March
These developments reflect continued cost pressures across the healthcare sector.
What This Means for Policyholders
With multiple insurers implementing price changes, renewal is an appropriate time to review your cover to ensure it remains suitable for your needs and budget.
If you would like a review of your current health insurance arrangements, our team can assist in assessing available options across the market.
Dooley Insurances Ltd t/a Dooley Insurance & Mortgage Brokers and The Dooley Insurance Group is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
