Private Health Insurers And Affiliates

Introduction to the Irish Private Medical Insurance (PMI) Market

The health insurance market in Ireland is regulated in a very different fashion than the rest of the Irish Insurance Market. While all other insurance markets are ‘Risk Rated’, the Health Insurance Market is Community Rated and as such has a rigid pricing structure and limitations on discounts. In fact so great has been the level of government interference over the years that this market, since deregulation in 1994 has only ever managed to attract one foreign insurer (BUPA) who left in 2006 for the same reasons.

Recent Insurance Market Statistics

  • 2,157,000 hold PMI

There are currently 2,157,000 people who hold inpatient Private Medical Insurance in Ireland.*

  • 45.9% ▼ from 50.9%

This represents 45.9% of the population down from a peak of 50.9% or 2,300,000 at the end of 2008.

  • 24,000 new entrants

24,000 new entrants have joined the PMI market in the past 12 months.

  • €2.46 Billion premiums paid

Total health premiums paid across 4 health insurers (now 3) in 2015 was €2.46 Billion.

  • €2.64 Billion paid to General Insurance

Total Premiums paid across all other classes of General Insurance with 19 insurers in 2014 was €2.64 Billion.

The market is now made up of 3 insurers, most of which have a common origin. Below is a brief summary of each:

PMI Market Introduction Document


Introduction To The Private Health Insurance Market

Please click on the relevant Insurance Company Logo to learn more about their offerings…

VHI Health Insurance Offering

Laya Health Insurance Offering

Irish Life Health Insurance Offering