Vhi has announced that it will increase the price of its health insurance policies by an average of 2.75% from October 2026.
The announcement comes at a time when many health insurance customers are preparing for renewal, making it particularly important to review the cost and benefits of your existing cover before automatically renewing your policy.
According to RTÉ News, this is Vhi's second price increase during 2026, following an average increase of 3% earlier in the year.
How much could your health insurance cost increase?
The actual impact of the increase will depend on the individual health insurance plan you hold.
RTÉ reported that, for example, the annual cost of Vhi's EnhancedCare 250 plan will increase by €22 to €1,300 for an adult. The annual cost for a family of two adults and two children on the same plan is expected to increase by approximately €175.
The reported increase for an adult on the AdvancedCare Day to Day plan is approximately €117 per year.
These examples highlight why it is important not to rely solely on an average percentage increase when reviewing your renewal. The actual change in premium can vary depending on the plan.
Why is Vhi increasing prices?
Vhi said the latest increase is necessary due to increasing demand for healthcare services and rising costs associated with delivering healthcare.
According to the company, private hospital claims costs have risen by more than 9% during 2026, while claims costs for day-to-day care, including GP, physiotherapy and consultant services, have increased by around 14%. Vhi also reported an increase in the number of members accessing healthcare services.
What should you do when your health insurance is due for renewal?
A health insurance renewal is a good opportunity to review whether your existing policy still suits your circumstances and budget.
When reviewing your cover, it can be helpful to consider:
- The hospitals and services covered by your plan
- In-patient and day-case benefits
- Day-to-day medical benefits
- Excesses and co-payments
- Outpatient and consultant benefits
- Policy limits and exclusions
- The overall cost of your renewal
It is important to remember that the cheapest policy is not necessarily the most suitable policy. Equally, paying more does not automatically mean that every additional benefit will be relevant to your circumstances.
Don't automatically renew without reviewing your options
With health insurance premiums continuing to change, customers may benefit from taking time to understand exactly what they are paying for and what benefits their current policy provides.
Health insurance plans can differ significantly, and premiums, benefits, exclusions, limits and eligibility requirements can vary between policies.
At Dooley Insurance Group, we can help you discuss your health insurance requirements and better understand the options available based on your individual circumstances.
Talk to Dooley Insurance Group
If your health insurance renewal is approaching, now may be a good time to review your existing arrangements.
Contact Dooley Insurance Group to discuss your circumstances and health insurance requirements.
Please remember that insurance cover is subject to the specific terms and conditions of the policy. Benefits, exclusions, limits, excesses, eligibility requirements and premiums can vary, so it is important to check the relevant policy documentation carefully before making a decision.
Source: RTÉ News, “Vhi to increase prices by average of 2.75% from October”, 27 August 2026.
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