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47.5% of the Irish population now have private health insurance, according to the latest research from the Health Insurance Authority (HIA).
In total, 2,365,332 people had health cover at the end of last year, but this had risen to 2,388,860 by the end of March.
However, the choice facing consumers has grown further also, with the number of plans on the market increasing from 321 to 325 over the same period.
On average adults are paying a premium €1,450, although price fell on average by 1% across like for like plans during the first three months of the year.
The data is contained in the HIA’s Report on the Health Insurance Market 2022 for the first quarter.
Separately the authority also published an inspection report which found areas where some of the health insurers here were not applying policies in full compliance with regulations around the Risk Equalisation Scheme.
The HIA inspected registered health insurance companies in Ireland and their compliance with the obligations under the Risk Equalisation Fund, which has an annual value in excess of €800m.
Overall, while VHI, Elips and Irish Life Health were largely compliant with the legislation, some deficiencies were found.
Findings have been issued and recommendations made, with a resolution to be put in place regarding two findings.
A refund was also made to the Risk Equalisation Fund of €262,000.
“The Risk Equalisation Fund supports the policy of community ration that ensures all consumers regardless of age, gender or health status pay the same price for the same insurance plan,” said HIA CEO, Laura Brien
“We will continue make sure that the Risk Equalisation Fund operates in the interests of the health insurance customers.”
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