The cost of health insurance is set to rise.
New rules on risk equalisation could result in an increase in premiums by up to €200.
Currently every adult with health insurance is paying a temporary levy of €285 and €95 for children.
It is part of a temporary risk equalisation scheme which ensures that older people do not have to pay more for health insurance.
According to a report in the Irish Independent this is set to rise considerably as the government brings in new permanent rules.
Premiums could rise by €200 for a family of 2 adults and 2 children as the new regulations come into effect in January.
There will be 4 separate rates: for adults, children, people with cover for public hospitals only and people with private hospital plans.
It is feared the increase will push more people out of the health insurance market.
It has already seen a series of premium hikes by many insurers in recent months.
A study in May of this year predicted more and more people would drop their health insurance.
The Health Insurance Authority (HIA) said it expects around 75,000 people will drop their private health insurance to the end of the year.
The survey of the health insurance market in 2011 found that 43% of people have insurance.
That is down from 46% in 2009.
And only 43% of people have even considered switching policies or insurer.
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