Sláintecare reforms are being introduced into the health system, which are playing a role in pushing up the cost of health insurance.

This comes after VHI announced rises earlier in the year, as did Laya Healthcare and Irish Life Health.

So, is private health insurance still worth the cost?

Health economist in UCC Dr Brian Turner said that “it’s a personal decision, but about 46% of the population seem to think that it is now”.

“There are a couple of things that are driving that,” he told Lunchtime Live.

“One of the biggest factors, I think, driving people’s demand for private health insurance is that they’re not sure that they’re going to get treated when they need to in the public health system.

“So, we see significant wait times for treatment in some cases in the public system.”

Dr Turner said that while Sláintecare reforms are expected to see more of the population choose to go public, “people will want to see the fruits of the labour for Sláintecare before they actually decide to give up their health insurance.”

Closeup of a young man signing a health insurance policy

Listener Sheila said that while she does have private health insurance, she availed of the public system when she was being treated for cancer.

“Eight years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and all of my diagnosis, treatment management, everything, went through the public healthcare system,” she said.

“I could not have asked for better care, I could not have received better care anywhere, and that kind of made me think.

“I’m paying out a lot of money every year, and when I really needed it, it was the public healthcare system that looked after me and looked after me extremely well.”

Health insurance costs

Sheila said she has cut back on her coverage over the years due to increases in cost.

“Private health is a luxury, and if you afford it good and well,” she said.

“But an awful lot of people are actually cutting other things to provide health insurance.

“Because there is a feeling that if you don’t have it, you’re not going to get the care you need.”

Main image: Health insurance concept.